Panera Bread Tests New Caffeinated Energy Drinks
Panera Bread is reintroducing caffeinated energy drinks after facing multiple lawsuits last year over its Charged Lemonades.
The company is testing two new specialty beverage categories: caffeine-free Frescas and caffeinated Energy Refreshers in various flavors.
- The new Energy Refreshers have about 42 milligrams of caffeine in a 30-ounce serving.
- A 30-ounce cup of coffee has about 341 milligrams of caffeine for comparison.
Panera had energy drinks on the menu last year that were phased out after several lawsuits alleged the Charged Lemonades caused deaths or injury of consumers with underlying health issues.
The previous Charged Lemonades had about 390 milligrams of caffeine in a 30-ounce large cup.
Panera denied wrongdoing and settled the lawsuits.
Author's summary: Panera Bread reintroduces energy drinks with lower caffeine content.