Waltham, Massachusetts – Panera Bread has announced the discontinuation of its highly caffeinated Charged Lemonades after facing multiple lawsuits over reported deaths related to the drink. The decision to remove the beverage from its menu comes as part of a recent transformation in Panera’s menu offerings, with a focus on providing a broader array of beverages based on customer feedback.
According to a Panera representative, the brand listened to over 30,000 guests to understand their preferences and is now turning its attention to offering a variety of beverages that cater to different tastes and dietary needs. The Charged Lemonades, which contained 260 to 390 milligrams of caffeine per serving, were marketed as having as much caffeine as the company’s Dark Roast coffee.
The move to discontinue the Charged Lemonades follows legal actions taken against the fast-casual chain by families of individuals who claimed that the drink led to serious health issues and, in some cases, death. Lawsuits were filed after the deaths of a 21-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man, both allegedly linked to the consumption of Panera’s Charged Lemonade.
One lawsuit specifically pointed out that the 46-year-old man had a chromosomal disorder, a developmental delay, and other health conditions that made him susceptible to the effects of the highly caffeinated beverage. Additionally, a 28-year-old woman filed a lawsuit claiming permanent cardiac injuries after consuming the Charged Lemonade.
In response to the legal challenges and public concerns, Panera has removed self-serve fountains of the Charged Lemonade in some locations. While the company has not specified a timeline for fully discontinuing the beverage, signs at certain Panera locations in January advised customers to inquire with associates about purchasing the drink from other areas in the store.
The discontinuation of Panera’s Charged Lemonades signals a shift towards offering beverages that align with consumer preferences and health considerations. Customers can expect new, innovative drink options at Panera that focus on flavors, sugar content, and caffeine levels to cater to a wider range of tastes and dietary needs.