Dunkin' adds energy drinks with up to 192 mg caffeine following Panera controversy
Dunkin' has introduced new fruit-flavored energy drinks that contain slightly less caffeine than Panera Bread's Charged Lemonades, which led to lawsuits over customer deaths.
Why it matters: Heavily caffeinated beverages like energy drinks are growing in popularity but can carry health risks.
The big picture: The booming energy drink category has attracted younger consumers with consumption highest among men 18 to 34, according to market research firm Mintel.
- Similar drinks have also been big sellers for chains like Dutch Bros., accounting for 24% of all sales.
- CosMc's — the McDonald's spinoff coffee chain — has a Sour Cherry Energy Slush on its menu.
What's happening: SPARKD' Energy arrived at Dunkin' locations nationwide Wednesday in two flavors — a Berry Burst with raspberry and strawberry and Peach Sunshine.
- It was tested at some Florida and Vermont locations in the fall, the chain told Axios.
Zoom in: The Food and Drug Administration says "for healthy individuals" a safe quantity of caffeine is 400 milligrams per day, which is around four to five cups of coffee.
- The FDA said it estimates "toxic effects, like seizures, can be observed with rapid consumption of around 1,200 milligrams of caffeine."
By the numbers: Dunkin's large energy drink has 192 mg of caffeine, which is less than the 347 mg in a large cold brew coffee, according to nutritional information on the company's website.
- A large, 30-ounce Charged Lemonade contains up to 236 mg of caffeine, per Panera's website.
Yes, but: Panera's lemonades previously were listed on the website as having up to 390 mg of caffeine, internet archive site Wayback Machine shows.
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