Panera debuts new energy refresher drinks, less caffeine than its 'charged lemonade'
Published in Business News
Nearly two years after Panera Bread got rid of its “charged lemonade,” the cafe chain is introducing two new caffeinated energy refresher drinks.
In 2023, a pair of wrongful-death lawsuits were filed against Panera in relation to its caffeinated lemonade. Sarah Katz’s family claimed that Katz, a 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student with a heart condition, died in 2022 after drinking Panera’s “charged lemonade.”
The family of 46-year-old Dennis Brown also filed suit, claiming the Florida resident consumed the lemonade in the days before his fatal cardiac arrest.
A 30-ounce cup of Panera’s Mango Yuzu Citrus Charged Lemonade had about 390 milligrams of caffeine, while a 20-ounce cup of Panera dark roast coffee has about 268 milligrams of caffeine, the company said.
Panera eventually pulled the drink from the market and settled with the two families.
On Wednesday, Panera debuted two new types of beverages: energy refreshers that contain caffeine, and frescas that do not.
The Dragon Fruit Sunset Energy Refresher is a blend of pineapple and tropical dragon fruit flavors, according to a press release. A 21-ounce cup will have about 28 milligrams of caffeine and a 30-ounce cup will have 42 milligrams.
The Passionfruit Paradise Energy Refresher tastes of passionfruit, guava, orange and pineapple. A 20-ounce cup has 28 milligrams of caffeine and a 30-ounce cup has 44 milligrams.
“By combining bold flavors with the high-quality ingredients that our guests know and love, including real fruit, we have created a lineup of drinks that are both invigorating and delicious,” Mark Shambura, Panera chief marketing officer, said in a statement. “I am incredibly excited for our guests to discover their new favorite way to refresh and recharge.”
The energy refreshers are not recommended for children, people sensitive to caffeine, pregnant or nursing women, Panera said in its announcement.
The brand’s new frescas come in the flavors of cherry lime and strawberry basil lemonade. Both are caffeine-free.
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