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Panera Bread to Discontinue Charged Lemonade Drinks
Panera Bread’s Charged Lemonade, a popular beverage option known for its high caffeine content of up to 237 milligrams, is set to be phased out soon. According to a memo obtained by Bloomberg from the restaurant chain, Panera has decided to discontinue serving this drink nationwide in the coming weeks. Restaurants have been instructed to halt new orders of the Charged Lemonade to prevent an excess of inventory, as reported by Bloomberg.
New Menu Focus on Low Sugar and Low-Caffeine Options
A spokesperson for Panera expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing success of their recent menu revamp, which initially focused on core items such as sandwiches and salads. The company intends to shift its focus towards offering alternatives that are low in sugar and caffeine, catering to a wider range of customer preferences.
As part of this shift, Panera plans to introduce a new lineup of beverages, including Blueberry Lavender Lemonade, Pomegranate Hibiscus Tea, Citrus Punch, and a Tropical Green Smoothie. These offerings are aimed at providing customers with refreshing options that are lower in caffeine compared to the soon-to-be-discontinued Charged Lemonade.
Lawsuits and Allegations
The decision to remove the Charged Lemonade from Panera’s menu may be influenced by a series of lawsuits the company has faced in recent months. Some of these legal actions have alleged that the caffeinated beverage directly contributed to unfortunate incidents, including reported deaths.
Following these legal challenges, Panera took steps to modify how the drinks are served. In January 2024, the Charged Lemonade was moved from self-serve stations to behind the counter in response to the lawsuit allegations. Additionally, the company updated its website to clearly indicate that the drinks contain caffeine, providing customers with transparent information about the product.
The Charged Lemonade, which offered an energy boost with its high caffeine content, was first introduced in 2022 through Panera’s subscription program. This membership allowed customers to receive a complimentary beverage every two hours, with the Charged Lemonade being one of the options available.
With the impending discontinuation of the Charged Lemonade, Panera aims to prioritize customer safety and satisfaction by offering a range of new beverages that align with evolving consumer preferences for healthier and lower-caffeine drink choices.
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