Panera phases out 'Charged Lemonades' nationwide following lawsuits
WASHINGTON (TND) — You soon won't be able to get a highly caffeinated drink at Panera.
The company is "phasing out" its "Charged Lemonades" at all locations, according to a company spokesperson.
Instead, Panera will be adding new "exciting," "trend flavors," "low-sugar" and "low-caffeine" drink options to its menu.
The menu change comes after Panera's caffeinated beverages were blames for the deaths of at least two people that sparked lawsuits.
Two lawsuits were filed against the company in 2023. The family of a 21-year-old woman claimed "Charged Lemonade" caused their loved one to have a cardiac arrest. Sarah Katz reportedly died after she collapsed. A separate lawsuit accused the company of not advertising its caffeinated beverages as an "energy drink." in that case, a 46-year-old man allegedly drank "Charged Lemonade" three times the day he suffered a cardiac arrest during his walk home. The, woman and man, both had an underlying health condition, according to reports.
Following the public relations nightmare for the company, Panera added warning labels to the caffeinated drinks.
The lineup of Charged Lemonades was introduced in 2022, which customers could subscribe to get as many as drinks as they wanted for less than $15.
Last month, Panera announced its "menu transformation," which provided customers more sandwich, salad and soup options.
We listened to more than 30,000 guests about what they wanted from Panera, and are focusing next on the broad array of beverages we know our guests desire," said the representative.Customers can soon expect Blueberry Lavender Lemonade, Pomegranate Hibiscus Tea, Citrus Punch and a Tropical Green Smoothie to be added the menu.
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