The Charged Lemonade at the Center of the Storm
While search interest points to a "Panera coffee" controversy, the actual legal and reputational scandal centered on the company's now-discontinued "Charged Lemonade" drinks. Introduced in 2022, the beverage line, which included flavors like Mango Yuzu Citrus and Strawberry Lemon Mint, was marketed as having "clean caffeine" derived from guarana and green coffee extract. The central issue was the alarming caffeine concentration, especially in the 30-ounce large size, which contained as much as 390 milligrams of caffeine when served without ice. To put this into perspective, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally considers 400 mg of caffeine per day safe for healthy adults, meaning a single large Charged Lemonade pushed the daily limit.
Lawsuits Follow Tragic Events
Multiple lawsuits were filed against Panera, alleging that the company failed to adequately warn consumers about the drinks' potency. These lawsuits included tragic claims of wrongful death and reports of permanent health complications.
- The Sarah Katz Case: In October 2023, a lawsuit was filed by the family of 21-year-old Sarah Katz, a University of Pennsylvania student who passed away in September 2022. Katz had a heart condition known as long QT syndrome and avoided energy drinks, but allegedly mistook the Charged Lemonade for a regular, low-caffeine beverage. The suit claimed the drink’s placement among other fountain drinks and its insufficient labeling led to her consumption and subsequent death from cardiac arrest.
- The Dennis Brown Case: A second wrongful death lawsuit was filed in December 2023 following the death of 46-year-old Dennis Brown in October 2023. According to his family, Brown had a chromosomal disorder and high blood pressure, and avoided energy drinks. The lawsuit alleged he died from cardiac arrest after consuming three large Charged Lemonades.
- Cardiac Injury Claims: Other lawsuits followed, including one from a competitive athlete who claimed to suffer permanent cardiac injuries after drinking the beverage.
Marketing and Labeling Controversy
One of the most significant points of contention was Panera's marketing strategy for the Charged Lemonade. The drink was placed in self-serve fountains alongside standard beverages like iced tea and iced coffee, rather than with energy drinks, leading to confusion among customers. For Unlimited Sip Club members, who could get unlimited refills, this created a potential for consuming dangerously high levels of caffeine.
- Placement Confusion: The availability of Charged Lemonade in self-service dispensers made it look and feel like any other fountain drink, despite its high caffeine and sugar content.
- Inadequate Warnings: While Panera eventually added warning labels advising against consumption by children and people sensitive to caffeine, critics and lawsuits argued that these warnings were initially inadequate or not prominently displayed.
Panera's Response and Menu Changes
In the wake of the legal challenges and public outcry, Panera took several steps. While initially denying liability, the company eventually settled the lawsuits and made significant changes to its beverage menu.
- Initial Response: Following the first lawsuit in October 2023, Panera added more explicit caffeine disclosure warnings on its website and in restaurants. The drinks were also moved behind the counter in many locations to prevent customers from self-serving potentially limitless amounts.
- Discontinuation: In May 2024, as part of a wider menu revamp, Panera announced it was discontinuing all flavors of the Charged Lemonade line. This move was publicly framed as a shift toward lower-sugar and lower-caffeine options, though it coincided with the pressure from the lawsuits.
- Settlements: By July 2025, Panera had settled all remaining lawsuits related to the Charged Lemonade controversy, with the cases dismissed "with prejudice". The terms of the settlements were not disclosed.
Caffeine Content Comparison
To illustrate the potency of the Charged Lemonade, here is a comparison of caffeine content between common beverages and the drink at the center of the controversy. Caffeine levels vary based on size and preparation.
| Beverage | Size | Caffeine (mg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panera Charged Lemonade (Large, no ice) | 30 oz | ~390 mg | Discontinued |
| Panera Dark Roast Coffee (Large) | 20 oz | ~268 mg | Current menu |
| Monster Energy Drink | 16 oz | ~160 mg | Standard energy drink |
| Starbucks Iced Coffee (Grande) | 16 oz | ~185 mg | Popular coffee option |
| Red Bull | 8.4 oz | ~80 mg | Standard energy drink |
Conclusion: The Aftermath for Panera
The "Panera coffee" controversy, which actually involved the Charged Lemonade, highlights a serious issue of product labeling and corporate responsibility. The lawsuits and subsequent removal of the highly caffeinated beverage served as a cautionary tale for the food industry regarding transparency in marketing. While Panera has moved on with new menu items and settled the legal challenges, the incident caused significant reputational damage and raised consumer awareness about stimulant content in drinks that aren't typically associated with energy products. It underscores the importance of clear communication, particularly when offering high-potency products, to ensure public safety and maintain customer trust. You can read more about the lawsuits and settlements on NBC News.
