Panera Bread is re-entering the caffeinated beverage market with a fresh lineup of drinks that aim to offer a lighter caffeine boost. This move comes approximately two years after the company pulled its previous caffeinated offering, Charged Lemonade, following health concerns and legal issues.
Panera’s new “Energy Refreshers” will be available starting March 11, featuring two fruit-infused options: Dragonfruit Sunset and Passionfruit Paradise. These drinks provide roughly 28 milligrams of caffeine in a 20-ounce serving, and up to 44 milligrams in a 30-ounce serving, according to a company press release.
The caffeine content in these new offerings is significantly lower than that of the discontinued Charged Lemonade, which contained up to 260 milligrams of caffeine in a similar-sized serving. For comparison, a standard can of Red Bull contains about 77.4 milligrams of caffeine, while a typical cup of coffee has around 95 milligrams in an 8-ounce serving.
Alongside the Energy Refreshers, Panera is introducing a caffeine-free line called “Frescas,” available in Cherry Lime and Strawberry Basil Lemonade flavors. These beverages are crafted with real fruit and will be available nationwide. To celebrate the launch, Panera is offering a complimentary Energy Refresher or Fresca with a Mix & Match order on March 11, using a promotional code.
This launch marks Panera’s first significant re-entry into the caffeinated drink market since the Charged Lemonade issues. The company faced lawsuits after allegations that the lemonade’s caffeine content was not properly disclosed, contributing to severe health incidents, including the death of a University of Pennsylvania student with a heart condition in 2022.
The lawsuits resulted in settlements by July 2025, although the specific terms were not revealed. A Panera representative has emphasized the safety of its products, stating that the new menu additions are part of their “RISE” revitalization strategy, designed to provide customers with more choices.
“We’re excited to add new Energy Refreshers and Frescas to our menu to expand our beverage lineup and complement our other menu items, from herbal teas and lemonades to coffee, smoothies, and more,” the spokesperson said.
The enduring demand for energy drinks is evident, with brands like Celsius and Alani Nu gaining traction among health-conscious consumers. Alani Nu, for instance, achieved over $1 billion in US retail sales in the past year. Panera’s introduction of lower-caffeine beverages suggests a strategic shift to tap into this demand while addressing past concerns.
