New York – Panera Bread is making changes to its menu by eliminating Charged Lemonade, a move that comes after facing multiple lawsuits and a public relations crisis over the caffeinated beverage. This decision from the popular chain will see the removal of Charged Lemonades from the menu within the next two weeks, as reported by Bloomberg. Panera declined to comment on the exact timeline for the drinks’ discontinuation.
The controversy surrounding the Charged Lemonades stemmed from allegations of high caffeine levels leading to the deaths of two customers and health complications for another individual, resulting in three separate lawsuits against Panera. In response, the company plans to introduce new drink options to replace Charged Lemonade, including low-sugar and low-caffeine choices like blueberry lavender lemonade, pomegranate hibiscus tea, citrus punch, and a tropical green smoothie.
Introduced in April 2022 alongside a beverage subscription program, the Charged Lemonades faced scrutiny but remained on the menu until now. The decision to remove the beverages comes amid a significant menu transformation by Panera that emphasizes sandwiches, soups, salads, and macaroni and cheese. The chain is focusing on meeting customer preferences, incorporating feedback from over 30,000 guests to shape its revamped offerings.
As Panera prepares to go public later this year, it has been making strategic changes, including a workforce reduction in November 2023 and adjustments to ingredient standards to cut costs. These shifts indicate the company’s efforts to streamline operations and enhance its market positioning ahead of its planned initial public offering. Amid these changes, Panera remains committed to addressing customer demands and evolving its menu to reflect consumer preferences.
The decision to discontinue Charged Lemonade marks a significant shift for Panera as it navigates legal challenges and refocuses its menu offerings. By responding to consumer feedback and implementing new beverage options, the chain aims to maintain customer satisfaction and drive business growth. This move is part of Panera’s broader strategy to adapt to changing market dynamics and enhance its competitive position in the food and beverage industry.