Keurig recalls McCafé Premium Roast Decaf K-Cup pods over labeling error; FDA classifies risk as Class II

Redaksi•Rabu, 28 Jan 2026, 08.12
Consumers are being urged to check for specific best-by dates and batch numbers on recalled decaf-labeled coffee pods that may contain caffeine.

A recall focused on a key detail: caffeine in products labeled “decaf”

Coffee drinkers who rely on single-serve pods may want to take a moment to check what is in their kitchen cabinets. More than 80,000 coffee pods have been recalled after a labeling mistake that could matter to anyone trying to avoid caffeine.

Keurig Dr Pepper has issued a voluntary recall involving McCafé Premium Roast Decaf Coffee K-Cup Pods. The issue is not a contamination or spoilage concern; rather, it is a labeling error. Pods labeled as decaffeinated may, in fact, contain caffeine. For many consumers, that difference is more than a preference—it can be a health consideration.

FDA elevates the recall to Class II

After the voluntary recall was initiated, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration elevated the action to a Class II risk classification. A Class II classification indicates that use of, or exposure to, the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or that the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

In practical terms, the product is described as safe to drink, but the risk is tied to unintended caffeine consumption. People with caffeine sensitivity are being advised to be mindful of potential side effects if they unknowingly drink caffeinated coffee that is labeled as decaf.

Why the labeling error matters for some consumers

Decaffeinated coffee is often chosen for specific reasons: to reduce jitters, avoid sleep disruption, manage sensitivity, or limit stimulant intake. A mismatch between the label and the contents can therefore have real-world implications, especially for those who are sensitive to caffeine.

The FDA has advised that 400 milligrams per day of caffeine—about two to three 12-fluid-ounce cups of coffee—is a safe amount to consume for most adults without negative effects. However, the recall guidance emphasizes that individuals with caffeine sensitivity should take particular care, since they may experience side effects at lower amounts.

Where the recalled Keurig pods were distributed

The recalled McCafé Premium Roast Decaf Coffee K-Cup Pods were distributed in three U.S. states: California, Indiana, and Nevada. The distribution details are important for narrowing down who may be affected, but consumers outside those states may still want to check if they have the product, particularly if it was purchased through online retail channels.

In total, 960 cartons are included in the recall. Each carton contains 84 individual coffee pods, which helps explain how the recall reaches more than 80,000 pods overall.

How to identify the affected McCafé Premium Roast Decaf K-Cup pods

Consumers are being asked to identify the product using specific codes and dates printed on the packaging. The recalled product can be identified by:

  • “Best-buy” date: November 17, 2026

  • Batch number: 5101564894

  • Material number: 5000358463

  • ASIN: B07GCNDL91

These details are intended to help consumers distinguish the recalled boxes from other McCafé or Keurig-compatible products that are not part of the recall. Because coffee pod packaging can look similar across varieties, the best-by date and batch number are particularly useful for confirmation.

What consumers are advised to do

Customers who have the recalled product are encouraged to take one of two steps: discard the pods or return them to the place of purchase. The recall guidance indicates that consumers can seek a refund or replacement.

While the product is described as safe to drink, the core issue is that people who intentionally chose decaf may be exposed to caffeine unexpectedly. For households that include individuals avoiding caffeine, the simplest approach may be to stop using the affected pods until the package information can be verified.

What the company has said about the recall

In a statement, a spokesperson for Keurig Dr Pepper said the recall involved “a limited number of 84-count boxes of McCafe Premium Roast Decaf coffee K-Cup pods.” The company described the action as a voluntary recall initiated in cooperation with the FDA.

The spokesperson also said the boxes were sold exclusively through Amazon, and that consumers who purchased the product were notified directly in mid-December. According to the statement, the product was removed from sale at that time.

“We are committed to the highest standards of safety and quality in the products we produce and distribute,” the spokesperson said.

Complaints and consumer reports

It is not known whether the company has received any complaints as a result of the labeling error. This point is notable because labeling issues can be discovered through internal checks, supplier notifications, or consumer feedback. In this case, the available information does not confirm whether customers reported unexpected caffeine effects, or whether the issue was identified through other means.

A similar recall highlights a broader issue: decaf labeling accuracy

The Keurig recall is not the only recent example of coffee pods being recalled due to a similar labeling problem. Another company, Gimme Coffee, Inc., announced in October that it was voluntarily recalling its Gimme! Decaf de Agua Coffee Pods after it was discovered that those pods contained caffeine despite being labeled as decaf.

As with the Keurig action, the FDA later elevated the Gimme Coffee recall to Class II. The pattern underscores how a labeling error—especially involving caffeine content—can prompt a formal recall even when the product is otherwise safe to consume.

How to identify the recalled Gimme! Decaf de Agua Coffee Pods

The Gimme Coffee recall involves 252 affected boxes. Consumers can identify the product using packaging information provided in the recall notice. The affected boxes can be identified by:

  • UPC: 051497457990

  • Outer packaging best-by date: October 15, 2025

  • Inner packaging best-by date: September 30

These identifiers are intended to help consumers separate the affected product from other varieties or production runs. Because best-by dates and UPC codes are commonly used at checkout and in inventory systems, they can also help retailers and consumers confirm whether a specific box is part of the recall.

Where the recalled Gimme Coffee pods were distributed

Gimme Coffee said boxes of 10 coffee pods were distributed to multiple states. The distribution list includes:

  • Florida

  • Iowa

  • Massachusetts

  • Maryland

  • Missouri

  • North Carolina

  • New Jersey

  • New York

  • Ohio

  • Wisconsin

The geographic spread in that case is broader than the three-state distribution described for the recalled McCafé Premium Roast Decaf K-Cup pods, though the number of affected boxes is smaller.

Customer complaints in the Gimme Coffee case

As of October 24, the company had not received any complaints from customers regarding the mix-up. Even without reported complaints, the recall guidance still advises consumers to take action if they have the product, reflecting the principle that accurate labeling is essential—particularly when it relates to ingredients or substances that some consumers actively avoid.

What to do if you have the recalled Gimme Coffee pods

Consumers who have the recalled Gimme! Decaf de Agua Coffee Pods are advised to contact the company for a return or replacement, or return the coffee pods to the place of purchase. The recall notice also provides direct contact details for questions.

Practical steps for households that keep both regular and decaf pods

For many households, decaf and regular coffee pods are stored side by side, sometimes in the same drawer or organizer. When a recall is tied to labeling, the key task is careful verification. Consumers can compare the best-by dates, batch numbers, and other identifiers against the recall information before brewing.

Because the recalled McCafé product comes in 84-count boxes, it may be especially important to check the original carton if it is still available. Individual pods may not always display the same level of identifying detail as the outer packaging. If the carton is no longer available, consumers may need to consider whether they can confirm the product identity through purchase records or other packaging information still on hand.

What this recall does—and does not—say about coffee safety

Both recall notices focus on a specific mismatch: products labeled as decaffeinated that may contain caffeine. The available information does not describe broader safety concerns beyond that labeling issue. In the Keurig case, the product is described as safe to drink, with the main caution directed to those who have caffeine sensitivity.

At the same time, the FDA’s Class II classification signals that the agency considers the potential health impact meaningful enough to warrant attention and consumer action. For people who choose decaf for health or sensitivity reasons, accurate labeling is not a minor detail—it is central to the purchase decision.

Checking your pantry: the key identifiers to review

Consumers who want to confirm whether they have affected products can use the following checklist based on the recall details:

  • For McCafé Premium Roast Decaf Coffee K-Cup Pods: look for an 84-count box and verify the best-buy date (November 17, 2026) and batch number (5101564894), along with material number 5000358463 and ASIN B07GCNDL91.

  • For Gimme! Decaf de Agua Coffee Pods: verify UPC 051497457990 and check the outer packaging best-by date (October 15, 2025) and inner packaging best-by date (September 30).

Anyone who finds a match is advised to follow the recall instructions: discard the product or return it for a refund or replacement, and contact the company if additional guidance is needed.