Wendy's menu adds items that went terribly wrong at Panera Bread

Wendy's sits at number two in the fast-food burger race, at least in the United States, although many would think Burger King holds that spot.

The Dave Thomas-founded brand has struggled to break out beyond its square burgers and the Frosty, a frozenish menu item that's not quite ice cream and not quite a shake.

Wendy's (WEN) has had success in recent years with its signature Baconator. The calorific burger may not have the name recognition of the McDonald's Big Mac or Burger King Whopper, but it has given the company a platform that launched Baconator fries and the Breakfast Baconator.

Now, as its sales have struggled, Wendy's has made a major move in a space where McDonald's has invested heavily — beverages. That's an attractive growth area because margins are high, but it's also one full of competition, and in Wendy's case, fraught with peril.

The number two burger chain has opted to enter a space that cost rival quick-serve chain Panera Bread millions.

Panera Bread has tried to become a beverage destination.

Image source: Panera Bread

Wendy's drives down a dangerous road

Panera Bread saw multiple customers die and faced lawsuits due to its Charged Lemonades allegedly containing too much caffeine.

The chain launched the Charged line in 2022 with great fanfare.

“Earlier this Spring, Panera launched Charged Lemonades, with plant-based caffeine for a burst of energy. Fueled by Clean caffeine from Guarana and green coffee extract, Charged Lemonades come in three vibrant flavor combinations: Strawberry Lemon Mint, Fuji Apple Cranberry and Mango Yuzu Citrus,” it shared.

The company played up its caffeine content as well.

“A 20 fl. oz. Charged Lemonade without ice has about the same amount of caffeine as a Panera 20 fl. oz. hot Dark Roast coffee,” it added.

That, however, may not have actually been true.

“A 30-ounce (890ml) Charged Lemonade contains up to 390mg of caffeine, more than the combined caffeine levels of a Red Bull and Monster Energy Drink, said the lawsuit,” BBC reported.

Charged Lemonade also contains guarana extract, another stimulant, and the equivalent of nearly 30 teaspoons of sugar in the large size, according to the court papers.

Panera pulled the Charged line in 2024.

Wendy's adds its take on Charged beverages

The issue with the “Charged” lemonades was that consumers had no expectations that they may be dangerous. It also did not help that Panera offers self-serve beverages and refills.

Still, Wendy's seems to be taking a risk by launching a similar product line of energy fruit drinks:

Cherry Limeade Sparkling Energy: Sparkling cherry limeade with Monin Brilliance Glacier Clear Natural Energy (caffeine shots).
Pineapple Citrus Sparkling Energy: A fizzy Pineapple Citrus blend mixed with Monin Brilliance Glacier Clear Natural Energy.

The fast-food chain has used similar “natural” wording with its new beverage line.

“Wendy's Sparkling Energy drinks are iced fruit-flavored beverages that contain 80 to 120mg of caffeine (depending on the size),” it shared.

Here's how that compares to other caffeinated beverages:

Caffeine content of popular drinks:

Coca-Cola Classic (12 oz): 34 mg caffeine
Diet Coke (12 oz): 46 mg caffeine
Red Bull (8.3 oz): 80 mg caffeine
Monster Energy (16 oz): 160 mg caffeine
Spike Shooter (8.4 oz): 300 mg caffeine
Brewed Coffee (8 oz): 96 mg caffeine (range 80–135 mg)
Robusta Coffee, drip-brewed (6 oz): 140–200 mg caffeine
Arabica Coffee, drip-brewed (6 oz): 75–130 mg caffeine
Espresso (1 oz): 63 mg caffeine

“For most adults, the FDA has cited 400 milligrams a day — that's about two to three 12-fluid-ounce cups of coffee — as an amount not generally associated with negative effects. However, there is wide variation in both how sensitive people are to the effects of caffeine and how fast they eliminate it from the body,” according to FDA.gov.

Kids and teens should avoid energy drinks

Medical experts advise against energy drinks for children and teens because of the levels of sugar and caffeine, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Too much caffeine in children and teens can cause increased heart rate, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety, and lead to sleep problems, digestive problems, and dehydration.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans say that drinks containing caffeine should be avoided for children younger than age 2 and beverages that contain no added sugars should be the primary choice for children and teens.