The fruity energy drink debuts less than two months after bakery-cafe chain Panera Bread announced it was discontinuing its controversial Charged Lemonade, a beverage that lawsuits blamed for two deaths and referred to as a "dangerous energy drink."
The Iced Energy comes in three flavors, including its most caffeinated flavor, Tropical Citrus, which has 205 milligrams of caffeine, according to Starbucks' website.
Panera started phasing out the Charged Lemonade on May 7, and it has denied any wrongdoing, saying it removed the beverage as part of a broader menu transformation.
Except for its Frozen Tropical Citrus Iced Energy with Strawberry Puree, Iced Energy is sugar-free, containing artificial sweeteners.
Charged Lemonade and Iced Energy are part of a growing category called "functional beverages" that chains big and small are eager to jump into, according to experts.
Persons:
Brian Warrener, Panera, Dunkin, Bull
Organizations:
Starbucks, Energy, Center for Beverage Education, Innovation, Johnson & Wales University, Consumers, Drug Administration, American Academy of Pediatrics
Locations:
Providence , Rhode Island, Chicago, Russia, U.S, Coke