Panera Bread has made the decision to discontinue its Charged Sips drinks, which have been linked to at least two wrongful death lawsuits due to their high caffeine content. The St. Louis-based company did not specify whether the drinks were being discontinued due to the lawsuits or health concerns but stated that they are introducing new low-sugar and low-caffeine drinks in response to customer feedback. The Charged Sips beverages, introduced in the spring of 2022, contained between 155 and 302 milligrams of caffeine, higher than the typical caffeine content found in coffee or energy drinks. The drinks were marketed as natural beverages with functional benefits such as boosting energy or immunity, containing caffeine derived from guarana and green coffee extract.
The decision to discontinue Charged Sips comes after two wrongful death lawsuits were filed against Panera. The first lawsuit was filed in October by the family of Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student with a heart condition who passed away after consuming a Charged Lemonade in September. The second lawsuit, filed in December, was brought by the family of a Florida man named David Brown who suffered cardiac arrest and died after drinking three Charged Lemonades at his local Panera. Brown’s family stated that he had high blood pressure and did not typically consume energy drinks but believed the Charged Sips beverages were safe since they were not marketed as such. The lawsuit indicated that Brown had purchased several Charged Lemonades in the weeks leading up to his death.
Panera has updated its online menu to include a warning stating, “Consume in moderation. Not recommended for children, people sensitive to caffeine, pregnant or nursing women.” It is unclear when this warning was added to the menu. The company has not provided a timeline for when the Charged Sips drinks will be removed from stores but has stated that they are working on introducing new beverages based on customer suggestions. The move to discontinue the controversial drinks reflects Panera’s commitment to customer safety and satisfaction, as well as its responsiveness to feedback and concerns raised by the lawsuits. As the company transitions away from the Charged Sips drinks, customers can expect to see new options that prioritize health and wellness while meeting their preferences for natural and functional beverages. Panera’s decision serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the food and beverage industry, especially when it comes to products that may impact consumer health and well-being.
