Panera Debuts New Energy Drinks After Deadly Lemonade Lawsuits

Panera Bread is launching its first energy drinks since settling a series of lawsuits, including wrongful death suits, tied to its former Charged Lemonade line.

The new drinks, called Energy Refreshers, come in two flavors: Passionfruit Paradise and Dragonfruit Sunset. Depending on cup size, the Passionfruit Paradise contains either 28 or 44 milligrams of caffeine, while the Dragonfruit Sunset has either 28 or 42 milligrams. For reference, Panera's original Charged Lemonades contained up to 390 milligrams of caffeine, far exceeding a standard cup of coffee.

Panera is also rolling out two caffeine-free options, a Cherry Lime and a Strawberry Basil Lemonade, branded as Frescas.

The new Energy Refreshers carry a warning that they are not recommended for children, people sensitive to caffeine, or pregnant or nursing women.

Panera pulled the Charged Lemonade from menus after multiple lawsuits alleged the drinks caused serious harm and, in at least two cases, death. The chain has since settled all of those suits.