Panera’s Charged Lemonades Are Being Discontinued After Multiple Pending Lawsuits Related to Deaths
In a statement to PEOPLE, a Panera representative cited a “recent menu transformation,” including drinks with less caffeine
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Panera Charged LemonadePanera is discontinuing its Charged Lemonades.
A representative for the brand confirmed with PEOPLE that the highly caffeinated beverages, which spurred lawsuits after multiple deaths, will no longer be on the menu.
In a statement, the Panera representative cited a “recent menu transformation,” including drinks with less caffeine.
“We listened to more than 30,000 guests about what they wanted from Panera, and are focusing next on the broad array of beverages we know our guests desire – ranging from exciting, on-trend flavors, to low sugar and low-caffeine options,” the statement read.
A regular size of the Charged Lemonade drink contains 260 milligrams of caffeine, while a large has 390 milligrams, according to Panera's website. The drink is advertised as containing “as much caffeine as our Dark Roast coffee.”
Antonia DeBianchi
Panera Charged LemonadeIn October, the parents of late 21-year-old daughter Sarah Katz, sued the fast-casual chain, claiming her death was related to her consumption of the drink. The complaint alleged Panera's Charged Lemonade is “unreasonably dangerous."
On October 9, a 46-year-old Florida resident, Dennis Brown, died after allegedly consuming three cups of Panera’s Charged Lemonade, according to the complaint obtained by PEOPLE at the time.
His mother, sister and brother sued the restaurant chain after Brown’s death, alleging that the Charged Lemonade is “dangerous.”
The suit specified that Brown had a chromosomal deficiency disorder, a developmental delay, a mild intellectual disability and high blood pressure. The long-time Publix grocery store employee allegedly did not consume energy drinks because of his high blood pressure.
In 2024, Panera was hit with another lawsuit when 28-year-old Lauren Skerritt claimed that drinking Charged Lemonade caused her to have “permanent cardiac injuries” despite having “no underlying medical conditions,” per the documents obtained by PEOPLE at the time.
Antonia DeBianchi
Panera Charged LemonadeThe complaint came after Skerritt, an occupational therapist, who played soccer and often competed in obstacle course races, consumed two and a half Charged Lemonades on April 8, 2023 from a Panera in Greenville, Rhode Island. After, she allegedly experienced several episodes of palpitations, which she claimed she had never experienced before, and was hospitalized.
PEOPLE reached out to the lawyer representing all of the affected families but did not immediately hear back.
Following the multiple legal complaints, Panera removed the self-serve fountains in some locations.
“Looking for Charged Sips? You can pick up your order on the Rapid Pick-Up shelf or at the pick-up counter. Ask an associate if you need help locating your drink," read a sign at some Panera locations in January, as confirmed by PEOPLE.
It is not clear when the fountains will be removed all together following the discontinuation.
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