Tampa, Florida – Panera Bread has made the decision to discontinue its highly caffeinated Charged Sips beverages, including the controversial Charged Lemonade. This move comes after facing several lawsuits alleging that these drinks have led to health issues and even death. As part of a menu revamp unveiled in February, the fast-casual chain will be introducing a new line of beverages such as Blueberry Lavender Lemonade, Pomegranate Hibiscus Tea, Citrus Punch, and a Tropical Green Smoothie.
The decision to phase out Charged Sips follows lawsuits linking the consumption of the Charged Lemonade to fatalities, including the case of 46-year-old David Brown and 21-year-old Sarah Katz. These tragic incidents have raised concerns over the high caffeine content in the beverage, containing 390 milligrams of caffeine in a 30-ounce serving. While the Food and Drug Administration suggests a daily intake of up to 400 milligrams of caffeine for healthy adults, the concentration in products like Charged Lemonade could pose risks of caffeine overdose.
Panera has taken steps to address these concerns by planning to store the new drinks behind the counters in their stores. The company’s spokesperson stated that the decision was influenced by feedback from over 30,000 guests, emphasizing the importance of offering a variety of beverage options to cater to different preferences, including low-sugar and low-caffeine choices.
Meanwhile, the rise of energy drinks among young people, particularly Gen Z, has seen brands like Celsius gaining popularity with their energy drinks containing 200 milligrams of caffeine per can. However, questions have been raised about the caffeine levels in some popular energy drinks, prompting closer scrutiny of these products and their marketing strategies aimed at young consumers.
Influencers like Logan Paul have faced backlash over their energy drinks, highlighting the importance of transparency and accurate labeling in the industry. The trend of high-caffeine and high-energy products has extended to social media challenges like the Everclear challenge, demonstrating the need for responsible consumption and awareness of potential risks associated with these products.
Despite the allure of viral marketing opportunities through challenges and extreme products, experts warn of the dangers and liabilities they pose to companies. The push for more extreme and risky consumption habits on social media platforms underscores the need for regulation and oversight to protect consumers, especially young individuals who may be influenced by these trends.