Dunkin' gambles on caffeine-spiked drink after Panera deaths

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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