Boston, Massachusetts – Panera Bread has announced the discontinuation of its highly caffeinated Charged Lemonades from its menu. The decision comes after multiple lawsuits were filed against the fast-casual chain following the deaths of individuals who allegedly consumed the drink.
According to a Panera representative, the removal of Charged Lemonades is part of a recent menu transformation that aims to offer drinks with less caffeine in response to feedback from over 30,000 guests. The chain plans to focus on providing a wide range of beverages, including options with exciting flavors, low sugar, and low caffeine content.
The Charged Lemonade drink, advertised to contain as much caffeine as Panera’s Dark Roast coffee, contains 260 milligrams in a regular size and 390 milligrams in a large size. In a statement, Panera highlighted its commitment to listening to customer preferences and meeting their beverage desires.
Legal troubles arose for Panera when the parents of Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old who passed away, sued the chain, claiming her death was linked to her consumption of Charged Lemonade. The lawsuit alleged that the drink was unreasonably dangerous.
Another lawsuit was filed against Panera in 2024 by Lauren Skerritt, who claimed permanent cardiac injuries after consuming Charged Lemonade despite having no underlying medical conditions. Panera faced criticism and legal challenges, leading to the removal of self-serve fountains in some locations.
Signs at Panera locations indicated that customers could still order Charged Lemonades for pick-up, suggesting that the self-serve fountains may be phased out entirely in the future. The chain’s decision to discontinue the controversial drink reflects a shift towards offering healthier and more diverse beverage options to its customers.