Keurig Recalls McCafé Decaf Pods That May Contain Caffeine

Keurig Dr Pepper has issued a voluntary recall of certain McCafé Premium Roast Decaf coffee pods after determining that some may contain regular caffeinated coffee, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The recall affects 960 cartons of McCafé decaf K-Cup pods, each containing 84 pods, with the UPC code 043000073438. The products were distributed by Keurig Green Mountain and sold in California, Indiana, and Nevada. Recalled items carry a best-by date of November 17, 2026.

The FDA classified the recall earlier this month as a Class II recall, which the agency defines as “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”

Health Concerns for People With Heart Conditions

While no illnesses or adverse events have been reported, health experts note that caffeine can worsen certain cardiovascular conditions. Caffeine acts as a stimulant, increasing heart rate and blood pressure by promoting the release of norepinephrine and noradrenaline. It also blocks adenosine, a compound that helps blood vessels relax, leading to artery constriction and added strain on the heart.

These effects can be especially concerning for people with high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, or coronary artery disease. Nearly half of American adults, or about 128 million people, have some form of cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death in the United States.

The FDA recommends that healthy adults consume no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, roughly the amount in four cups of coffee. Cardiologists often advise people with heart disease to limit caffeine intake further or avoid it entirely.

It remains unclear how much caffeine may be present in the recalled pods.

Company Response and Recall Details

Keurig Dr Pepper initiated the recall in December, before the FDA issued its classification.

“At Keurig Dr Pepper, we are committed to the highest standards of safety and quality in the products we produce and distribute,” the company said in a statement to FOX Television Stations.

“In cooperation with the FDA, we initiated a voluntary recall of a limited number of 84-count boxes of McCafé Premium Roast Decaf coffee K-Cup pods, sold through a single retail partner, as the coffee may contain regular caffeinated coffee,” the statement continued.

The company said consumers who purchased the affected products were notified directly by the retailer and given instructions for replacement or disposal.

“All impacted product remaining with the retailer has been returned to us,” Keurig Dr Pepper said.

What Consumers Should Know

A voluntary recall means a company removes a product from the market due to a potential safety concern without being ordered to do so by the FDA. Consumers who believe they purchased the recalled McCafé decaf pods are advised not to use them and to follow the replacement or disposal instructions provided by the retailer.

For most consumers, accidental caffeine exposure may cause temporary symptoms such as jitters or increased heart rate. For those with underlying heart conditions, however, the unintended caffeine intake could pose a more serious risk.

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