Panera Bread’s Charged Lemonade has developed a devoted following, with fans expressing dismay over the news that the beverage is being discontinued nationwide. Despite lawsuits linking the drink to health problems and deaths, including two fatalities, loyal customers are savoring their last cups of the controversial beverage. One customer has even resorted to hoarding the drink in her freezer to ensure a supply after it disappears from store shelves. Panera has declined to comment on the specific timeline for discontinuation and has denied any wrongdoing in response to legal challenges.
The lawsuits against Charged Lemonade refer to it as a “dangerous energy drink” and attribute deaths and permanent health issues to its consumption. However, fans of the beverage say they have not experienced adverse effects and are not concerned about its safety. Crystal Reeck, an associate professor of marketing, explains that consumers often downplay risks associated with products they have used without incident. Additionally, Panera’s Unlimited Sip Club membership has played a role in building customer loyalty, offering a cost-effective way for frequent drinkers to access their favorite beverages.
Panera had marketed Charged Lemonade as a caffeinated, plant-based alternative to traditional coffee, but lawsuits have highlighted its high caffeine content compared to other beverages on the menu. The Food and Drug Administration recommends a daily caffeine intake limit of 400 milligrams for adults, a threshold that a large serving of Charged Lemonade exceeds. In response to legal challenges, Panera relocated the drink behind the counter and updated its nutrition information to reflect the caffeine content more accurately.
Customers like Pamela Krasny, who regularly visited Panera for a Charged Lemonade during her lunch break, are now seeking to replicate the drink at home as its availability diminishes in stores. The beverage’s caffeine content, derived from various sources including guarana, has been a point of concern among consumers, leading some to reduce their consumption after learning about the lawsuits. Despite enjoying the drink to combat afternoon fatigue, customers like Ashlea Goodman express mixed feelings, acknowledging the seriousness of the health issues linked to Charged Lemonade.
Panera plans to discontinue Charged Lemonade as part of a menu transformation driven by customer feedback. A spokesperson announced that the company is working on introducing new beverages to meet customer preferences, including flavors like Blueberry Lavender Lemonade and Pomegranate Hibiscus Tea. The spokesperson did not specify whether the new drinks would contain caffeine and the amount if they did. For now, fans of Charged Lemonade are left to savor their last sips of the beloved drink as they await the launch of Panera’s new beverage offerings.
