NEW YORK — Dunkin’ is adding an energy drink to its menu to capture some of the buzz generated by heavily caffeinated beverages, which are surging in popularity. But the menu addition comes with a risk: Panera Bread is facing multiple lawsuits over its own energy drink.
Beginning Wednesday, Dunkin’ is adding “SPARKD’ Energy” iced drinks in two flavors – berry burst and peach – which “provides a revitalizing burst of energy, made with vitamins, minerals and a kick of caffeine,” Dunkin’ said in a press release.
Notably, Dunkin’ is adding a type of drink that has been the center of legal trouble for its rival. Panera has faced three separate lawsuits over Charged Lemonade in recent months that claim the high levels of caffeine in the product have led to the deaths of two customers and irreversible health complications in another.
A large size of Panera’s Charged Lemonade, which comes in a …