Panera’s Charged Lemonade

A lawsuit filed last month against Panera accuses the chain of failing to properly label its Charged Lemonade as an energy drink.

While Panera advertises on its website that the beverage is the “ultimate energy drink,” in its stores the drink is displayed and offered side-by-side non-caffeinated and/or less caffeinated beverages and advertised as “plant-based and clean,” without any indication it is an energy drink with high and potentially dangerous levels of caffeine, according to the lawsuit.

The following images come from the complaint:

The lawsuit was filed by the parents of Sarah Katz, a 21-year-old woman with a heart condition who suffered cardiac arrest and died after drinking Panera’s Charged Lemonade in September 2022, the lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit claims that a large 30-ounce Charged Lemonade contains more caffeine than a 12-ounce can of Red Bull and a 16-ounce can of Monster Energy Drink combined. It accuses Panera of encouraging customers to drink “unlimited” Charged Lemonade by including the beverage in its Unlimited Sip Club, which allows subscribers to fill up for free every two hours.

Following the lawsuit, Panera said it had added more detailed disclosures about the caffeine content in its Charged Lemonade.

“While our investigation is ongoing, out of an abundance of caution, we have enhanced our existing caffeine disclosure for these beverages at our bakery-cafes, on our website and on the Panera app,” a company spokesperson reportedly said in a statement to NBC News, which was among the first outlets to report on the lawsuit last month.

During a visit to a Panera in Connecticut this week, TINA.org found signs located at self-service kiosks and cash registers warning that the drinks contain caffeine, should be consumed in moderation, and are not recommended for children, people sensitive to caffeine, or pregnant or nursing women.

The lawsuit remains pending.

Find more of our coverage on energy drinks here.