Keurig Dr Pepper Recalls McCafé Premium Roast Decaf Coffee Pods Over Possible Caffeine Mislabeling

WASHINGTON, DC (Jan. 27, 2026) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Keurig Dr Pepper is voluntarily recalling more than 80,000 McCafé Premium Roast Decaf Coffee K-Cup pods after discovering the products may contain regular caffeinated coffee despite being labeled as decaffeinated. The FDA said the company initiated the recall because of a labeling error that could pose health risks for consumers who are sensitive to caffeine.

Regulators classified the action as a Class II recall, stating that exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, while the likelihood of serious health consequences remains low.

Keurig Dr Pepper recall: quick summary

The recall affects McCafé Premium Roast Decaf Coffee K-Cup pods sold in 84-count cartons with a specific best-by date and batch number. The FDA confirmed that the products may contain caffeine despite being labeled decaf. A single retailer distributed the affected pods in three U.S. states. The agency has not received any reports of illness, but it urges consumers not to use the recalled pods and to return them for a refund.

What happened?

The FDA said Keurig Dr Pepper initiated the recall after the company discovered that a limited number of McCafé Premium Roast Decaf Coffee pods were incorrectly labeled and could contain caffeinated coffee. Keurig Dr Pepper announced the recall in coordination with the FDA in late December, and the agency publicly classified it on Jan. 23, 2026.

A single retailer distributed the affected products in California, Indiana, and Nevada. Each carton contains 84 pods and carries a best-by date of Nov. 17, 2026, along with batch number 5101564894.

In its recall alert, the FDA warned that “use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.” The agency added that people who are sensitive to caffeine could face symptoms such as heart palpitations, anxiety, or insomnia if they consume the mislabeled product.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best by date	Issue	Affected states
McCafé	Premium Roast Decaf Coffee K-Cup Pods	84-count carton	043000073438	Nov. 17, 2026	May contain caffeine	CA, IN, NV

What caused the issue?

According to the FDA notice, a labeling error caused the company to package caffeinated coffee as decaf. The agency confirmed that it has not received any reports of illness. However, the FDA said people who are pregnant, have heart conditions, or are sensitive to caffeine face the highest risk. Possible symptoms include rapid heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, anxiety, nausea, and sleep disturbances.

Here’s what you should do

• Do not consume the recalled pods.
• Return the product to the store where it was purchased for a refund or replacement.
• Check the label for the UPC, best-by date, and batch number listed above.
• Contact Keurig Dr Pepper customer service for additional assistance.

Behind the brand

Keurig Dr Pepper is one of the largest beverage companies in North America, producing coffee systems, soft drinks, and ready-to-drink beverages. In a statement to media outlets, the company said it has “ceased distribution of the affected product” and is working with retailers to notify consumers. Source86 reached out to Keurig Dr Pepper for comment on how the labeling error occurred, but has not yet received a response.

Other relevant recalls

This recall follows several recent mislabeling-related food recalls reported by Source86 over the past year, including A.S.K. Foods’ recall of Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas due to mislabeling, James Skinner’s recall of Publix Maple Walnut Coffee Cake over incorrect labeling, and Lunds & Byerlys’ recall of Monster Cookies because of labeling errors.

“The FDA is committed to protecting the health of the American people. It’s important that food packaging, at all points of the supply chain, appropriately lists the presence of all major food allergens so that individuals with food sensitivities can take appropriate steps to avoid products that may cause them serious and life-threatening harm. Consumers deserve to know exactly what they are buying to eat and to trust that the product labels clearly list all major food allergens.” — U.S. Food and Drug Administration spokesperson on food labeling and misbranding enforcement.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, added:

“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital it is to maintain transparency, rigorous checks, and supplier accountability.”

Regulatory context

The Keurig Dr Pepper recall is part of a broader pattern of mislabeling-related recalls across the beverage sector, highlighting the importance of verification steps in packaging and quality control processes.

Ensuring safe eats

This recall underscores how small errors can have real health consequences for consumers who rely on accurate labeling. Companies are expected to strengthen quality checks and traceability systems to prevent similar incidents. Consumers should immediately stop using the affected product and follow the return instructions.

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production with transparency and precision, ensuring supply chains are prepared to respond quickly when recalls occur. Contact us.