Panera Settles $2.5M Class Action Lawsuit, You Could Get Up to $6,500 On Data Breach and Charged Lemonade Cases
Panera Bread has faced multiple class action lawsuits in recent years, with the most significant being a $2.5 million data breach settlement and several wrongful death cases related to its discontinued Charged Lemonade product. If you’re wondering whether you’re eligible for compensation or simply want to understand what happened, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Panera class action lawsuit developments.
What Is the Panera Class Action Lawsuit About?
The Panera class action lawsuit actually refers to multiple legal disputes involving the popular bakery-cafe chain. The two main cases that have dominated headlines are:
The 2024 Data Breach Class Action Settlement — Panera agreed to pay $2.5 million after a March 2024 cybersecurity incident exposed personal information of employees, customers, and contractors.
The Charged Lemonade Wrongful Death Lawsuits — Multiple families sued Panera after loved ones died or suffered cardiac injuries allegedly linked to the highly caffeinated beverage. These cases have since been settled.
Let’s dive into each case and what they mean for consumers and affected individuals.
The $2.5 Million Panera Data Breach Settlement
What Happened in the Data Breach?
On March 23, 2024, Panera discovered that an unauthorized third party had gained access to its internal systems. The breach compromised sensitive information including names and Social Security numbers of current and former employees, along with a small number of customers, contractors, and other individuals.
The cyberattack disrupted Panera’s digital operations for approximately three days, shutting down online ordering systems, point-of-sale systems, and in-store kiosks.
Legal Claims Against Panera
A class action lawsuit was filed in June 2024 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. The plaintiffs alleged that Panera:
- Failed to implement adequate cybersecurity measures
- Was negligent in protecting sensitive personal information
- Violated state and federal privacy laws
- Did not provide timely notification of the breach
Panera has denied all wrongdoing but agreed to settle the case to avoid prolonged litigation.
Who Qualifies for the Settlement?
You may be eligible if you received a notice letter from Panera informing you that your personal information was compromised in the March 2024 data breach. This typically includes:
- Current and former Panera employees
- Customers whose data was accessed
- Contractors and vendors
- Anyone who received official breach notification from Panera
How Much Money Can You Get?
Settlement class members can claim multiple types of compensation:
Ordinary Out-of-Pocket Losses: Up to $500 for documented expenses like credit monitoring services or identity protection costs.
Extraordinary Losses: Up to $6,500 for documented identity theft or fraud losses, plus up to $250 for time spent (up to 10 hours at $25/hour) addressing breach-related issues.
California Statutory Payment: California residents affected by the breach can receive up to $100.
Residual Cash Payment: All settlement class members can claim up to $250 from the remaining settlement fund after other claims are paid.
Important Deadlines
- Claim Submission Deadline: November 11, 2025
- Opt-Out/Objection Deadline: October 13, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: January 29, 2026 at 10:30 AM CT
To file a claim, visit the official settlement website at panerasettlement.com or call (833) 890-4542.
The Panera Charged Lemonade Lawsuits
What Was Panera’s Charged Lemonade?
Panera’s Charged Lemonade was a caffeinated beverage marketed as a refreshing drink option. However, a large 30-ounce serving contained approximately 390 milligrams of caffeine—more than any size of Panera’s dark roast coffee and nearly the daily maximum recommended by health experts (400mg).
The drink also contained guarana extract, another stimulant, and the equivalent of nearly 30 teaspoons of sugar in some sizes.
The Wrongful Death Cases
Between 2022 and 2023, at least two deaths and two permanent cardiac injuries were allegedly linked to consumption of Charged Lemonade:
Sarah Katz (2022): A 21-year-old University of Pennsylvania student with a heart condition died in September 2022 after drinking the beverage. Her parents filed the first lawsuit in October 2023, claiming inadequate caffeine warnings led their daughter to believe it contained safe levels of caffeine.
Dennis Brown (2023): A Florida man suffered fatal cardiac arrest in October 2023 after consuming three Charged Lemonades in one visit, unknowingly ingesting dangerous levels of caffeine.
Additional lawsuits were filed by individuals who suffered permanent cardiac injuries after consuming the drink.
Legal Arguments in the Charged Lemonade Cases
The lawsuits alleged that Panera:
- Failed to adequately warn consumers about extreme caffeine content
- Marketed the drink in a misleading manner
- Placed the beverage in self-serve dispensers alongside regular lemonade
- Did not provide clear labeling about health risks for people with heart conditions
Plaintiffs argued that Panera’s negligence and failure to warn constituted product liability and wrongful death.
How Did Panera Respond?
Following the initial lawsuit over Sarah Katz’s death, Panera made several changes:
- Moved Charged Lemonade behind the counter (no longer self-serve)
- Updated nutrition information to reflect caffeine content when served with ice
- Enhanced warning labels about caffeine levels
In May 2024, Panera discontinued the Charged Lemonade product entirely.
Settlement of the Cases
Panera settled the first Charged Lemonade lawsuit in October 2024 and resolved the remaining three cases by July 2025. The terms of these settlements were not publicly disclosed, as they typically include confidentiality agreements.
Consumer Protection Laws at Play
Both Panera class action lawsuits involve important consumer protection principles:
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Standards
Under laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and similar state statutes, companies have a duty to:
- Implement reasonable security measures to protect personal information
- Notify affected individuals promptly after a data breach
- Provide remediation options for breach victims
The data breach settlement reflects these obligations and provides compensation for individuals whose information was compromised.
Product Liability and Duty to Warn
Food and beverage companies must:
- Provide accurate nutritional and ingredient information
- Warn consumers about potential health risks
- Ensure products are reasonably safe when used as intended
The Charged Lemonade cases highlight the importance of clear labeling and warnings, especially for products with potentially dangerous ingredients like extreme caffeine levels.
What This Means for the Restaurant Industry
The Panera class action lawsuits have broader implications for restaurant chains and food service businesses:
Cybersecurity is Non-Negotiable: With restaurants increasingly reliant on digital systems, robust cybersecurity measures are essential to protect customer and employee data.
Transparency Matters: Clear, prominent labeling of ingredients and potential health risks protects both consumers and companies from liability.
Product Safety Standards: Restaurants must carefully evaluate products with potentially dangerous ingredients and ensure appropriate warnings are in place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if I’m part of the Panera data breach class action settlement?
If you received a notice letter from Panera stating your information was compromised in the March 2024 breach, you’re automatically part of the settlement class. Check your mail and email for official notification from Panera or the settlement administrator.
Can I still file a claim if I didn’t suffer any financial losses from the data breach?
Yes. Even without documented out-of-pocket losses, you can claim the Residual Cash Payment of up to $250. California residents can also claim the $100 statutory payment regardless of actual damages.
What happened to people who drank Charged Lemonade but didn’t suffer serious injuries?
The Charged Lemonade settlements specifically addressed wrongful death and serious injury cases. General consumers who drank the product without incident are not part of these settlements. However, the product has been discontinued.
Will I have to testify or attend court hearings to receive settlement money?
No. You simply need to submit a valid claim form by the deadline. You can attend the final fairness hearing on January 29, 2026 if you wish, but it’s not required to receive payment.
How long will it take to receive my settlement payment?
Payments will be issued only after the court grants final approval (scheduled for January 29, 2026) and any appeals are resolved. This typically takes several months after the approval hearing.
What if I opt out of the settlement?
Opting out means you won’t receive any settlement payment, but you preserve your right to file your own individual lawsuit against Panera for the same claims. The opt-out deadline is October 13, 2025.
Is Panera admitting they did something wrong?
No. The settlements explicitly state that Panera denies any wrongdoing or liability. Settlements are agreements to resolve litigation without admission of fault.
How to Protect Yourself as a Consumer
Whether you’re affected by the Panera data breach or simply want to stay informed about your consumer rights, here are practical steps:
Monitor Your Credit: If your Social Security number was compromised, regularly check your credit reports for suspicious activity. You’re entitled to free credit reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Enable Fraud Alerts: Consider placing fraud alerts or credit freezes on your credit files to prevent identity thieves from opening accounts in your name.
Read Nutrition Labels: Always check caffeine content and other nutritional information, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Stay Informed About Product Recalls: Sign up for FDA and company notifications about product safety issues.
Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with consumer protection laws in your state and understand how to join class action lawsuits when appropriate.
Important Legal Disclaimer
This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided here is based on publicly available court documents, news reports, and settlement notices as of October 2025.
If you believe you have been harmed by a data breach, defective product, or other consumer protection issue, consult with a qualified attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and advise you on your legal options.
For questions specific to the Panera data breach settlement, contact the settlement administrator at (833) 890-4542 or visit panerasettlement.com.
The Bottom Line
The Panera class action lawsuits serve as important reminders about corporate responsibility in both cybersecurity and product safety. The $2.5 million data breach settlement provides compensation for affected individuals, while the resolved Charged Lemonade cases highlight the critical importance of clear product warnings.
If you received notification about the data breach, don’t miss the November 11, 2025 deadline to file your claim. The settlement provides real compensation for those affected, and submitting a claim is straightforward.
These cases also demonstrate how class action lawsuits can hold large corporations accountable when consumer protection standards aren’t met. Whether you’re directly affected or simply staying informed, understanding your rights as a consumer empowers you to make better decisions and take action when necessary.
Last Updated: October 2025
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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