Latest news with #ChargedLemonade
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Wendy's menu adds items that went terribly wrong at Panera Bread
Wendy's sits at number two in the fast-food burger race, at least in the United States, although many would think Burger King holds that spot. The Dave Thomas-founded brand has struggled to break out beyond its square burgers and the Frosty, a frozenish menu item that's not quite ice cream and not quite a shake. Related: CDC sounds alarm on American eating habits, dangers for small kids Wendy's (WEN) has had success in recent years with its signature Baconator. The calorific burger may not have the name recognition of the McDonald's Big Mac or Burger King Whopper, but it has given the company a platform that launched Baconator fries and the Breakfast Baconator. Now, as its sales have struggled, Wendy's has made a major move in a space where McDonald's has invested heavily - beverages. That's an attractive growth area because margins are high, but it's also one full of competition, and in Wendy's case, fraught with peril. The number two burger chain has opted to enter a space that cost rival quick-serve chain Panera Bread millions. Panera Bread saw multiple customers die and faced lawsuits due to its Charged Lemonades allegedly containing too much caffeine. The chain launched the Charged line in 2022 with great fanfare. "Earlier this Spring, Panera launched Charged Lemonades, with plant-based caffeine for a burst of energy. Fueled by Clean caffeine from Guarana and green coffee extract, Charged Lemonades come in three vibrant flavor combinations: Strawberry Lemon Mint, Fuji Apple Cranberry and Mango Yuzu Citrus," it shared. The company played up its caffeine content as well. "A 20 fl. oz. Charged Lemonade without ice has about the same amount of caffeine as a Panera 20 fl. oz. hot Dark Roast coffee," it added. That, however, may not have actually been true. "A 30-ounce (890ml) Charged Lemonade contains up to 390mg of caffeine, more than the combined caffeine levels of a Red Bull and Monster Energy Drink, said the lawsuit," BBC reported. Charged Lemonade also contains guarana extract, another stimulant, and the equivalent of nearly 30 teaspoons of sugar in the large size, according to the court papers. Panera pulled the Charged line in 2024. The issue with the "Charged" lemonades was that consumers had no expectations that they may be dangerous. It also did not help that Panera offers self-serve beverages and refills. Still, Wendy's seems to be taking a risk by launching a similar product line of energy fruit drinks: Cherry Limeade Sparkling Energy: Sparkling cherry limeade with Monin Brilliance Glacier Clear Natural Energy (caffeine shots).Pineapple Citrus Sparkling Energy: A fizzy Pineapple Citrus blend mixed with Monin Brilliance Glacier Clear Natural Energy. The fast-food chain has used similar "natural" wording with its new beverage line. "Wendy's Sparkling Energy drinks are iced fruit-flavored beverages that contain 80 to 120mg of caffeine (depending on the size)," it shared. Here's how that compares to other caffeinated beverages: Caffeine content of popular drinks: Coca-Cola Classic (12 oz): 34 mg caffeine Diet Coke (12 oz): 46 mg caffeine Red Bull (8.3 oz): 80 mg caffeine Monster Energy (16 oz): 160 mg caffeine Spike Shooter (8.4 oz): 300 mg caffeine Brewed Coffee (8 oz): 96 mg caffeine (range 80–135 mg) Robusta Coffee, drip-brewed (6 oz): 140–200 mg caffeine Arabica Coffee, drip-brewed (6 oz): 75–130 mg caffeine Espresso (1 oz): 63 mg caffeine "For most adults, the FDA has cited 400 milligrams a day - that's about two to three 12-fluid-ounce cups of coffee - as an amount not generally associated with negative effects. However, there is wide variation in both how sensitive people are to the effects of caffeine and how fast they eliminate it from the body," according to Kids and teens should avoid energy drinks Medical experts advise against energy drinks for children and teens because of the levels of sugar and caffeine, according to the American Academy of much caffeine in children and teens can cause increased heart rate, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety, and lead to sleep problems, digestive problems, and Dietary Guidelines for Americans say that drinks containing caffeine should be avoided for children younger than age 2 and beverages that contain no added sugars should be the primary choice for children and teens. Related: McDonald's CEO promises massive restaurant changes, improvements The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Panera settles remaining lawsuits over its highly caffeinated Charged Lemonade
Panera Bread has settled three remaining lawsuits that it faced over its highly caffeinated Charged Lemonade, a beverage blamed for two deaths and various permanent injuries. Plaintiffs' attorney Elizabeth Crawford, a partner at the Philadelphia law firm Kline & Specter, PC, confirmed Wednesday that 'the matters have all been resolved.' She said she could not comment any further. Panera also confirmed the legal developments, which were reported first by NBC News, but declined to answer any additional questions. Charged Lemonade made headlines in October 2023 when the parents of a 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student with a heart condition filed a lawsuit alleging that their daughter, Sarah Katz, suffered a fatal cardiac arrest after consuming a cup of the drink. Panera settled that suit last October, which was the first of at least four that were filed against the bakery-cafe chain. A second lawsuit alleged that the drink caused the death of 46-year-old Florida resident Dennis Brown after he drank three Charged Lemonades. The other two legal complaints alleged the beverage resulted in serious cardiac problems in two previously healthy people: 28-year-old Lauren Skerritt of Rhode Island, and Luke Adams, a Pennsylvania teenager whose lawsuit said he had to be resuscitated hours after he drank a Charged Lemonade. Crawford represented the plaintiffs in all four cases. Court records showed the remaining three lawsuits were listed on Monday as dismissed with prejudice, meaning the cases cannot be refiled again in the same courts. The cases had previously been scheduled to go to trial. The lawsuits had referred to Charged Lemonade as a 'dangerous energy drink' and accused Panera of failing to appropriately warn customers about its ingredients. When served without ice, a large, 30-fluid-ounce size contained 390 milligrams of caffeine — just barely under the 400 milligrams of caffeine that the Food and Drug Administration says healthy adults can safely consume in a day. Charged Lemonade also contained guarana extract, another stimulant. Panera has denied wrongdoing in court documents. Following the lawsuit over Katz's death, the chain made a number of changes, including moving the beverage behind the counter so it was no longer a self-serve offering. It also added signs cautioning that Charged Lemonade should be consumed in moderation and was not recommended for children, people sensitive to caffeine, or pregnant or nursing women. Panera removed the controversial beverage from its stores nationwide in May 2024, which it said was a part of a 'recent menu transformation.' This article was originally published on
NBC News
09-07-2025
- Health
- NBC News
Panera settles remaining lawsuits over its highly caffeinated Charged Lemonade
Panera Bread has settled three remaining lawsuits that it faced over its highly caffeinated Charged Lemonade, a beverage blamed for multiple deaths and permanent injuries. Plaintiffs' attorney Elizabeth Crawford, a partner at the Philadelphia law firm Kline & Specter, PC, confirmed Wednesday that 'the matters have all been resolved.' She said she could not comment any further. Panera also confirmed the legal developments, which were reported first by NBC News, but declined to answer any additional questions. Charged Lemonade made headlines in October 2023 when the parents of a 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student with a heart condition filed a lawsuit alleging that their daughter, Sarah Katz, suffered a fatal cardiac arrest after consuming a cup of the drink. Panera settled that suit last October, which was the first of at least four that were filed against the bakery-cafe chain. A second lawsuit alleged that the drink caused the death of 46-year-old Florida resident Dennis Brown after he drank three Charged Lemonades. The other two legal complaints alleged the beverage resulted in serious cardiac problems in two previously healthy people: 28-year-old Lauren Skerritt of Rhode Island, and Luke Adams, a Pennsylvania teenager whose lawsuit said he had to be resuscitated hours after he drank a Charged Lemonade. Crawford represented the plaintiffs in all four cases. Court records showed the remaining three lawsuits were listed on Monday as dismissed with prejudice, meaning the cases cannot be refiled again in the same courts. The cases had previously been scheduled to go to trial. The lawsuits had referred to Charged Lemonade as a 'dangerous energy drink' and accused Panera of failing to appropriately warn customers about its ingredients. When served without ice, a large, 30-fluid-ounce size contained 390 milligrams of caffeine — just barely under the 400 milligrams of caffeine that the Food and Drug Administration says healthy adults can safely consume in a day. Charged Lemonade also contained guarana extract, another stimulant. Panera has denied wrongdoing in court documents. Following the lawsuit over Katz's death, the chain made a number of changes, including moving the beverage behind the counter so it was no longer a self-serve offering. It also added signs cautioning that Charged Lemonade should be consumed in moderation and was not recommended for children, people sensitive to caffeine, or pregnant or nursing women. Panera removed the controversial beverage from its stores nationwide in May 2024, which it said was a part of a 'recent menu transformation.'
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
How to score free drinks at Panera Bread this summer
Panera Bread customers can score free beverages at participating US locations this summer. The restaurant chain is offering free drinks for the next three months to new Unlimited Sip Club members who sign up today through June 30. Beverages that are part of this deal include iced or hot teas and coffees, and several fountain drinks like Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, and Mountain Dew. The special, dubbed 'Summer of Free Sips', was created in collaboration with Pepsi Starry soda brands. The chain also enlisted athlete and Dancing With the Stars contestant Ilona Maher to help announce the offer. Customers interested in joining the club can sign up online or through the Panera app after creating a MyPanera account. They must then choose a plan, which usually costs $14.99 per month or $119.99 per year. Customers are also able to get a new drink every two hours, according to the chain. Unlimited refills of self-serve beverages at participating locations is one of the perks that come with guests' existing accounts. The 38-year-old chain has been launching several new items and a menu haul since last year. Panera has made a variety of changes with its menu and axed its controversial Charged Lemonade . The beverage was said to have been linked to multiple deaths, including 21-year-old Sarah Katz. Katz, a loyal Panera customer, died in 2022 after suffering cardiac arrests following Charged Lemonade consumption. Her death led to lawsuits on behalf of others who allegedly died or were left with health conditions after drinking the beverage. The restaurant chain also faced backlash after closing its fresh dough factories to shift toward frozen bread . The factories were located in several states, including California, Texas, Georgia, Colorado, Kansas, and North Carolina. The closures led to hundreds of layoffs for employees that Panera said would be offered job fairs, benefits, and reassignment opportunities. Besides 'Summer of Free Sips,' Panera Bread is busy promoting a variety of special store and menu items. The restaurant chain made headlines after offering a croissant clutch. The limited-time purse, which sold out in less than 48 hours, was worn by comedian Ego Nwodim at the Met Gala . The chain also began offering its all-new Croissant Toast Sandwiches in April, limited-time items Panera called an 'innovative gamechanger.' These sandwiches, along with its limited-time Strawberry Caprese Salads and its Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Sandwich, are still available at participating locations.
Daily Mail
03-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
How to snag free soda all summer from your favorite brands...including Pepsi, Dr. Pepper and Mountain Dew
Panera Bread customers can score free beverages at participating US locations this summer. The restaurant chain is offering free drinks for the next three months to new Unlimited Sip Club members who sign up today through June 30. Beverages that are part of this deal include iced or hot teas and coffees, and several fountain drinks like Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, and Mountain Dew. The special, dubbed 'Summer of Free Sips', was created in collaboration with Pepsi Starry soda brands. The chain also enlisted athlete and Dancing With the Stars contestant Ilona Maher to help announce the offer. Customers interested in joining the club can sign up online or through the Panera app after creating a MyPanera account. They must then choose a plan, which usually costs $14.99 per month or $119.99 per year. Customers are also able to get a new drink every two hours, according to the chain. Unlimited refills of self-serve beverages at participating locations is one of the perks that come with guests' existing accounts. The 38-year-old chain has been launching several new items and a menu haul since last year. Panera has made a variety of changes with its menu and axed its controversial Charged Lemonade. The beverage was said to have been linked to multiple deaths, including 21-year-old Sarah Katz. Katz, a loyal Panera customer, died in 2022 after suffering cardiac arrests following Charged Lemonade consumption. Her death led to lawsuits on behalf of others who allegedly died or were left with health conditions after drinking the beverage. The restaurant chain also faced backlash after closing its fresh dough factories to shift toward frozen bread. The factories were located in several states, including California, Texas, Georgia, Colorado, Kansas, and North Carolina. The closures led to hundreds of layoffs for employees that Panera said would be offered job fairs, benefits, and reassignment opportunities. Besides 'Summer of Free Sips,' Panera Bread is busy promoting a variety of special store and menu items. The restaurant chain made headlines after offering a croissant clutch. The limited-time purse, which sold out in less than 48 hours, was worn by comedian Ego Nwodim at the Met Gala. The chain also began offering its all-new Croissant Toast Sandwiches in April, limited-time items Panera called an 'innovative gamechanger.' These sandwiches, along with its limited-time Strawberry Caprese Salads and its Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Sandwich, are still available at participating locations. Panera, which has over 2,200 locations worldwide, aims to recover from last year's 5 percent sales dive. 'We're in the middle of a turnaround. We are taking a strategic look at where we are today and where we want to be three years from now,' said Brooke Buchanan, Panera's chief corporate affairs officer. has reached out to Panera for comment about the 'Summer of Free Sips' deal. 'Summer of Free Sips' beverages Hot Coffee Iced Coffee Hot Tea Iced Tea Lemonade Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Citrus Punch Pomegranate Hibiscus Tea Pepsi Diet Pepsi Starry Mountain Dew Bubly Lime Brisk Raspberry Tea Dr. Pepper Canada Dry Ginger Ale
