(Siri Chevuru / The University News)

Recently, Panera released a brand new addition to their lineup of Charged Lemonades: The Blood Orange Splash. Upon first impressions, the orange liquid in the cup appeared like it was glowing. The taste was strangely familiar, similar to that of cough syrup and tang. A tall cup of this glowing concoction boasts over 360 milligrams of caffeine, which is about three RedBulls TM, along with no added sugar. It had been months since I last ordered one of these charged lemonades, and once I tasted The Blood Orange Splash, I was immediately reminded of the origins of my abstainment.. 

College is stressful  and often there is not enough time in the day for sleep. Students are always hunting for ways to cram more information, pull all-nighters, and sharpen their minds to tackle complex academic challenges. Enter the Charged Lemonade. With its intimidating caffeine content and monthly subscription service, it promises not just wakefulness, but an almost superhuman alertness that could make anyone feel like they just unlocked the academic version of a superpower.

In the fall of 2022, I was intrigued by the colors and advertisements for this product and shortly subscribed. Upon my first sip I was hooked. It was like the world became brighter and the air tasted sweeter. I had a lot more in the middle of the day and I found that other people were always walking excruciatingly slow. At the time I was taking 18 credit hours and enrolled in a notoriously difficult algorithms course. These caffeinated drinks allowed me to borrow tomorrow’s time and use it immediately. I had finally found the time it took to study and do well. 

Then I flew too close to the bright yellow, artificially colored sun. I intended to maximize my subscription so I would drink up around two to three of these drinks per day. My grades began to race, along with my heart. I found myself jittery and anxious all the time. I built up a tolerance and required more caffeine to feel its promising effects. One day I looked up the nutrition content, when I saw the 390 milligrams of caffeine and up to 80 grams of sugar per drink, that was when I learned the true cost of these drinks was not $12.99 per month. I quit that day and stayed away until the release of the Blood Orange. 

As tempting as it may be to rely on high-caffeine drinks for an academic edge, overindulgence can lead to adverse health effects. As with all things that seem too good to be true, moderation is key. I will still enjoy one of these every now and then, but not at the rate as before. While their popularity is rising, it is important for everyone to be mindful of their caffeine consumption and listen to their bodies. After all true academic prowess is a combination of hard work, rest and maybe just a little sip.