Panera Bread is discontinuing its Charged Lemonade from its menu due to multiple lawsuits and negative publicity surrounding the beverage. The drink, which has faced criticism for its high levels of caffeine, will be removed from the menu within the next two weeks. The chain has faced at least three lawsuits related to the Charged Lemonades, with claims of deaths and health complications resulting from the product.
In place of the Charged Lemonade, Panera will introduce new low-sugar and low-caffeine options such as a blueberry lavender lemonade, pomegranate hibiscus tea, citrus punch, and a tropical green smoothie. The decision to remove the Charged Lemonades comes after the beverage was introduced in April 2022 alongside a beverage subscription program that allowed customers unlimited soft drinks and coffees for a monthly fee.
Despite the controversies surrounding the Charged Lemonades, Panera initially chose to keep the drink on the menu in order to avoid the perception of admitting wrongdoing. Crisis PR experts have noted that immediate removal of a controversial product can sometimes lead to further reputational damage for a company. However, the decision to discontinue the Charged Lemonade ultimately reflects a consideration of the potential harm to the company’s market value.
In addition to removing the Charged Lemonades, Panera recently underwent its largest menu transformation ever, focusing on core options such as sandwiches, soups, salads, and macaroni and cheese. The chain has also made significant cuts to its menu, including items like flatbreads, sweet treats, and chili. These changes reflect a shift in response to customer feedback and a desire to offer a broader array of beverages to guests.
Panera’s menu overhaul and the discontinuation of the Charged Lemonades come at a time when the company is planning to go public again. In November 2023, Panera laid off 18% of its corporate workforce, and recent reports indicate that the chain is making changes to its ingredient standards to save money. The decision to remove the Charged Lemonade aligns with Panera’s broader efforts to address customer preferences and improve its offerings as it prepares to re-enter the public market.