How much caffeine is in one charged lemonade?

December 26, 2025 •

3 min read

As of late 2024, Panera Bread discontinued its highly caffeinated Charged Lemonade nationwide following multiple lawsuits over its high caffeine and sugar content. A large, 30-ounce serving of Charged Lemonade from the self-serve dispenser could contain as much as 390 milligrams of caffeine.

Quick Summary

The now-discontinued Panera Charged Lemonade contained high levels of caffeine, sourced from guarana and green coffee extract. The exact amount varied by size and flavor, potentially reaching up to 390 mg in a large, ice-free serving.

Key Points

High Caffeine Content: A large, 30-ounce Charged Lemonade from the self-serve fountain could contain up to 390 mg of caffeine without ice, approaching the FDA's daily recommended maximum for healthy adults.
Sourced from Multiple Stimulants: The caffeine in Charged Lemonades came from both green coffee extract and guarana extract, with guarana contributing to a longer-lasting stimulant effect.
Significant Health Risks: Multiple lawsuits alleged that the high caffeine content contributed to severe health problems, including cardiac issues and even death in some consumers with caffeine sensitivities.
Varied by Size and Flavor: The caffeine content varied by flavor and size, ranging from around 155 mg for a regular (20 oz) Strawberry Lemon Mint with ice to 390 mg for a large (30 oz) Mango Yuzu Citrus without ice.
Panera Discontinued the Drinks: Following the controversy and lawsuits, Panera Bread discontinued the Charged Lemonade product nationwide in May 2024.
Comparison to Other Drinks: A large Charged Lemonade contained significantly more caffeine than many energy drinks and multiple cups of brewed coffee.

Panera's Charged Lemonade and its Caffeine Levels

Panera's Charged Lemonades became a subject of controversy and a widespread health concern due to their high caffeine content, leading to the company's decision to discontinue them in May 2024. Marketed as a casual café drink, the beverages were initially available in self-serve dispensers, which allowed for larger portions and led to customers consuming higher doses of caffeine than they realized. The caffeine was sourced from guarana and green coffee extract, in addition to being loaded with high amounts of sugar in some versions.

The Source of the Caffeine and its Impact

Unlike standard coffee which provides a single source of caffeine, the Charged Lemonades' combination of guarana and green coffee extract resulted in a potent and sustained stimulant effect. According to dietitians, guarana's caffeine releases more slowly in the body, leading to a more intense and long-lasting effect than coffee. This, combined with the high volume of the drinks, meant a customer could unknowingly consume an alarming amount of stimulants and sugar.

Caffeine Content by Flavor and Size

Before their discontinuation, the caffeine content of Panera's Charged Lemonades varied significantly depending on the flavor and the presence of ice. The figures below are based on reports from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) and CBS News, reflecting the content when the drinks were still being sold, with and without ice.

Regular (20 oz) with ice:

Strawberry Lemon Mint: 155 mg
Mango Yuzu Citrus: 158 mg
Blood Orange Splash: 178 mg

Large (30 oz) with ice:

Strawberry Lemon Mint: 233 mg
Mango Yuzu Citrus: 237 mg
Blood Orange Splash: 302 mg

Large (30 oz) without ice:

Mango Yuzu Citrus: up to 390 mg

Comparison Table: Charged Lemonade vs. Other Caffeinated Beverages

This table illustrates how the caffeine content of the large, ice-free Mango Yuzu Citrus Charged Lemonade compared to other common beverages. Note that a large Charged Lemonade (30 oz) could contain significantly more caffeine than many popular energy drinks.


Beverage	Volume	Approx. Caffeine (mg)	Source
Panera Charged Lemonade (Large, no ice)	30 oz	390 mg	CBS News
FDA Recommended Daily Max	N/A	400 mg	Mayo Clinic
Starbucks Iced Coffee (Grande)	16 oz	185 mg	CSPI
Starbucks Iced Coffee (Venti)	24 oz	265 mg	CSPI
Monster Energy Drink	16 oz	160 mg	CBS News
Red Bull Energy Drink	8.4 oz	80 mg	CBS News
Brewed Coffee (8 oz)	8 oz	~100 mg	CBS News

The Health Risks that Led to its Removal

The high caffeine concentration was linked to severe health issues, including cardiac events, which led to multiple lawsuits and prompted Panera to eventually remove the drink. The drinks were particularly risky for individuals with pre-existing conditions sensitive to caffeine, including heart conditions, children, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. The controversies highlighted the risks associated with high-dose stimulants, especially when not clearly labeled or understood by the consumer.

Changes to Panera's Menu

Following the lawsuits and negative publicity, Panera introduced warning labels, moved the drinks behind the counter, and ultimately removed them from the menu completely in May 2024 as part of a larger menu transformation. In response, the chain began testing new caffeinated beverages with lower caffeine levels in some markets. This shift reflects a move toward more transparent and responsible marketing of their beverages.

Conclusion

While the Charged Lemonade is no longer available at Panera, its history serves as a cautionary tale about the potent effects of concealed high-caffeine content in what appears to be a casual drink. The beverage's caffeine levels were comparable to or exceeded multiple energy drinks, a fact that was not initially well-publicized and had severe consequences for some consumers. The removal of the product underscores the importance of transparent labeling and consumer awareness regarding stimulant-heavy beverages.

For more information on the dangers of excessive caffeine, you can consult sources like the Mayo Clinic to understand safe daily consumption limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

A large (30 oz) Charged Lemonade from the self-serve dispenser, particularly the Mango Yuzu Citrus flavor served without ice, could contain up to 390 milligrams of caffeine.

No, the caffeine content varied by flavor. For example, a large (30 oz) Blood Orange Charged Splash had less caffeine (302 mg) than a Mango Yuzu Citrus (390 mg) when served without ice.

Panera discontinued the drinks in May 2024 following multiple lawsuits alleging the beverages' high caffeine content led to health problems and deaths among some consumers.

A large (30 oz) Charged Lemonade without ice, at 390 mg, contained significantly more caffeine than a typical 8-ounce cup of coffee (around 100 mg), and even a large dark roast coffee from Panera.

The caffeine came from a combination of guarana extract and green coffee extract, not just one source.

Initially, the caffeine content was not clearly marked, and the drinks were placed alongside non-caffeinated options in self-serve dispensers. Later, after the first lawsuit, Panera added warning labels and moved the drinks behind the counter.

For most healthy adults, consuming up to 400 mg of caffeine a day is generally considered safe. However, people with certain health conditions, children, and pregnant or nursing women are advised to be cautious and limit their intake.