Why Panera Discontinued the Charged Lemonade
Panera Bread removed the controversial Charged Lemonade from its menu in May 2024, not due to a government ban, but as a result of intense legal and public pressure. The decision followed several high-profile lawsuits filed against the company, which alleged that the high-caffeine content of the beverage led to serious cardiac issues and, tragically, wrongful deaths.
The Legal Challenges and Settlements
The most significant factor in the drink's removal was a series of wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits. The most prominent case involved Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old student with a heart condition, who died after consuming a Charged Lemonade in 2022. Her family's lawsuit, along with others from individuals who suffered cardiac problems or the families of those who died, brought national attention to the drink's potential dangers. In response, Panera settled all outstanding lawsuits related to the beverage by mid-2025, with the cases being dismissed with prejudice.
Panera's Official Rationale
When announcing the drink's discontinuation, Panera cited a broader "menu transformation" and a focus on offering more low-sugar and low-caffeine beverage options. This official messaging allowed the company to pivot its brand narrative away from the controversy, though the timing and context made the connection to the lawsuits undeniable. Before its removal, Panera had already taken some steps in response to the initial lawsuits, such as moving the drinks behind the counter and adding warning labels advising caution for children, pregnant women, and individuals sensitive to caffeine.
The Dangerous Caffeine Content Explained
One of the main points of contention in the lawsuits was the beverage's extremely high caffeine content, which was allegedly not properly disclosed to consumers. A large, 30-ounce serving of the Charged Lemonade could contain as much as 390 milligrams of caffeine, just under the 400 mg daily limit recommended by the FDA for healthy adults. This was significantly higher than the caffeine found in many traditional energy drinks and was particularly dangerous for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, like Sarah Katz.
Key Comparisons of Caffeine Content
To put the caffeine levels into perspective, here is a comparison of a large (30 oz) Charged Lemonade versus other popular beverages:
| Beverage | Caffeine Content (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Panera Large Charged Lemonade (before removal) | Up to 390 mg (without ice) | Included Guarana extract, another stimulant |
| Panera Large Dark Roast Coffee | 268 mg | Panera's own marketing compared the lemonade's caffeine to their coffee, understating the true level |
| Monster Energy (16 oz can) | 160 mg | A large Charged Lemonade contained more than two Monster drinks' worth of caffeine |
| Red Bull (8.4 oz can) | 80 mg | The caffeine levels in the lemonade were vastly higher per serving |
| Standard 8 oz Cup of Coffee | ~96 mg | The large lemonade contained the equivalent of about four coffees |
Timeline of the Charged Lemonade Controversy
- 2022: Panera launches the Charged Lemonade drinks, offering them in self-service stations.
- October 2023: Lawsuit is filed following the 2022 death of Sarah Katz, alleging the high caffeine content of the Charged Lemonade was a factor.
- October 2023: Panera adds warnings to the drinks online and in-store and moves them behind the counter in some locations.
- December 2023: A second wrongful death lawsuit is filed by the family of Dennis Brown, who died after drinking multiple Charged Lemonades.
- January 2024: A third lawsuit is filed by Lauren Skerritt, alleging permanent cardiac injuries from the drink.
- May 2024: Panera announces it will discontinue the Charged Lemonade as part of a menu transformation.
- July 2025: Remaining lawsuits are reportedly settled and dismissed.
Conclusion
The Panera Charged Lemonade was not banned by a government body, but its removal was a direct consequence of a series of lawsuits and mounting public pressure over its dangerously high caffeine content. The company settled all legal matters and discontinued the drink in 2024, shifting its marketing focus to healthier beverage options. This saga serves as a cautionary tale about product liability, corporate responsibility, and the importance of clear, accurate labeling for high-stimulant products. The outcome has had a lasting impact on consumer awareness regarding high-caffeine beverages and the responsibilities of restaurants to provide transparent nutritional information.
Visit the FDA website to learn more about caffeine consumption guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Charged Lemonade completely gone from all Panera stores?
Yes, as of May 2024, Panera Bread has officially discontinued and removed the Charged Lemonade from all of its stores nationwide.
Why was there so much caffeine in the Charged Lemonade?
The high caffeine content, derived from guarana and green coffee extract, was an intentional part of the product's marketing as a 'charged' or energy drink alternative. However, critics argued the marketing was misleading, as it was often served alongside regular lemonade.
Were there any settlements in the Panera lawsuits?
Yes, as of July 2025, Panera Bread has reportedly settled all lawsuits related to the Charged Lemonade, including wrongful death claims.
Did Panera admit fault for the deaths?
No, Panera has consistently denied wrongdoing in court documents, stating that its products were safe. The decision to settle and remove the drink was framed as part of a menu transformation, rather than an admission of guilt.
What replaced the Charged Lemonade on Panera's menu?
Panera's menu has been updated to focus on new low-caffeine and low-sugar beverages as part of its broader menu transformation.
Was the Charged Lemonade an energy drink?
While not marketed explicitly as an energy drink, its high caffeine levels (up to 390mg in a large serving) and stimulant content (guarana extract) functionally made it a potent energy beverage. This was a key point of argument in the lawsuits.
Why didn't Panera just add a better warning label?
Panera did add warning labels after the initial lawsuits began in late 2023. However, critics and legal representatives argued these warnings were insufficient and poorly displayed, especially given the self-serve nature of the drink initially. The decision to discontinue the product altogether represented a complete withdrawal of the liability and a significant brand shift.
