Panera Bread Charged Lemonade Pulled from Menu Following Lawsuits Linking Caffeinated Sips to Deaths

By Leira Aquino

May 07, 2024 10:44 PM EDT

Panera Bread Charged Lemonade Pulled from Menu Following Lawsuits Linking Caffeinated Sips to Deaths — Bakery Company Panera Bread is removing its Charged Lemonade from the menu due to legal challenges citing health risks and deaths associated with its high caffeine content.
(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Panera Bread announced Tuesday that it is discontinuing its Charged Lemonade from the menu amid legal challenges alleging health risks and deaths linked to its high caffeine levels.

Several lawsuits have been filed against Panera, citing instances where individuals reportedly experienced cardiac issues or passed away after consuming the caffeinated drinks.

Lawsuits Against Panera's Caffeinated Lemonade

Last year, a lawsuit was filed by the family of Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student, who allegedly died after consuming Charged Lemonade. She had a heart condition and was unaware of the beverage's caffeine content, NBC News reported.

Another lawsuit was filed by the family of Dennis Brown, 46, from Florida, who also reportedly died after drinking Charged Lemonade, as reported by the New York Post.

The beverage, known for its elevated caffeine content, has faced criticism for surpassing recommended daily caffeine limits.

Panera states that the beverage contains between 155 and 302 milligrams of caffeine, varying based on the drink's size and flavor.

However, earlier reports indicated that the beverages contained 260 milligrams of caffeine in a standard size and up to 390 milligrams in a large serving, according to USA Today.

The US Food and Drug Administration sets a daily caffeine intake limit of 400 milligrams for a healthy adult, roughly equal to four or five cups of coffee.

This means that a single large serving of Charged Lemonade contains nearly the recommended daily caffeine intake limit.

Panera to Launch Health-Conscious Options

The decision to phase out the controversial beverage is part of Panera's broader menu changes, with a focus on customer preferences and health-conscious options.

Panera said that it will soon launch new beverages with reduced sugar and caffeine levels, aligning with consumer demands for healthier choices.

The company recognizes the importance of providing clear and accurate information about its products, particularly concerning potentially harmful ingredients such as caffeine.