☕ Unexpected Buzz: Nationwide Recall of Mislabeled Decaf Coffee

If your so-called “decaf” has had you bouncing off the walls lately, you’re not alone—and it turns out your coffee might be to blame. In a twist that’s both hilarious and mildly horrifying, a batch of supposedly decaffeinated coffee has been recalled after it was found to be fully caffeinated. Yep. The sleepytime brew you’ve been sipping might have been secretly fueling your 2 a.m. cleaning sprees.

Let’s get into the details of this unexpected buzz—literally.

🚨 What’s Brewing with the Coffee Recall?

In March 2025, the FDA (aka the watchdogs of what goes in our snacks and sips) announced a big ol’ recall of over 4,000 bags of ground coffee labeled as decaf. Except, surprise! Some of those sleepytime brews were actually the high-octane kind.

The star of this unintentional plot twist?
Our Family Traverse City Cherry Artificially Flavored Decaf Light Roast Ground Coffee (say that three times fast). These 12-ounce bags made their way into homes across 15 states, including:

Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

According to the FDA, this is a Class II recall, which is their way of saying, “It’s not the apocalypse, but yeah, this could definitely mess with someone’s health.”

Recalled Coffee Our Family Traverse City Coffee Blend

😬 Why This “Decaf” Snafu Is a Big Deal

Look, I love a good caffeine jolt as much as the next sleep-deprived mom—but for folks who intentionally reach for decaf (bless your willpower), this labeling mistake could add up to being more than just inconvenient.

Caffeine-sensitive people—including those with heart conditions, pregnant mamas, and folks with anxiety—may experience:

  • racing heart

  • jumpy nerves

  • headaches

  • and some seriously messed-up sleep (been there, done that).

If you’ve ever had a surprise double espresso at 4 p.m., you know what I mean. And if you’re avoiding caffeine for health reasons? This kind of slip-up is a major no-no.

Navigating a Coffee Recall

🛒 How to Spot the Recalled Coffee in Your Pantry

Okay, let’s get practical. If you’ve got coffee stashed like a squirrel hides acorns (guilty), here’s how to check if yours is part of the recall:

  • Brand: Our Family

  • Flavor: Traverse City Cherry Artificially Flavored Decaf Light Roast

  • Size: 12 oz bag

  • UPC: 0 70253 11080 1

  • Best By Date: August 3, 2025

This product was distributed by SpartanNash Company, which stocks shelves in plenty of midwestern and southeastern states. So, if Our Family is a brand you regularly buy, check that bag before you brew!

✅ What to Do If You Bought It

First of all—deep breath. It’s okay.

If you do have one of these stealthily caffeinated bags at home, stop drinking it. Return it to the store for a full refund or replacement (no receipt needed in most cases). The manufacturer has already issued an apology and is working with the FDA to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

And hey, at least now you know why you cleaned the entire house at midnight last Tuesday. 😅

What to do if you bought coffee that's been recalled

🔍 Tips to Avoid Coffee Confusion in the Future

This isn’t the first food label fail, and it won’t be the last. Here are a few ways to protect your pantry (and your sleep schedule) moving forward:

  1. Sign Up for FDA Recall Alerts: A boring task that might save your day—or night.

  2. Double Check Labels: Especially if you’re buying something new or flavored.

  3. Know Your Body: If you feel wired after your “decaf,” listen to your gut… or your heart racing like you’re being chased by a toddler.

  4. Stick to Trusted Brands: If you’ve got a go-to coffee that’s never steered you wrong, now’s a good time to stay loyal.

Enjoying a morning cup of coffee

☕ The Takeaway: Wake Up, Stay Informed

Whether you’re team espresso or decaf devotee, this recall is a good reminder to keep an eye on what’s going in your cup. Even the most comforting routines—like brewing a hot pot of “relaxing” coffee—can surprise us.

So, next time you’re wide awake at 1 a.m. wondering if the universe is punishing you, check your coffee bag. It might not be the toddler’s fault this time. 😉

Stay safe and caffeinate responsibly, mamas.