A popular coffee brand has hit a snag, and if you’re a fan of single-serve coffee pods, you’ll want to pay attention. New Mexico Piñon Coffee, a staple at major retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Kroger, has issued a voluntary recall for a specific batch of its Dark Piñon Single Serve 10-count coffee pods. The issue? A manufacturing defect that could let ink from the pod lids leak into your morning brew. Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe and keep your coffee routine on track.
Why the Recall Happened
The problem stems from a production hiccup at CinFranky LLC, the Albuquerque-based company behind New Mexico Piñon Coffee. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the clear coat seal on the lids of some single-serve coffee pods wasn’t applied evenly during manufacturing. This glitch means that when the pods are exposed to the high temperatures and pressure of a K-Cup machine, food-safe ink printed on the lids can bleed into the coffee. While the ink is considered food-safe, the company isn’t taking any chances and has pulled the affected products to maintain its quality standards.
The FDA has classified this as a Class III recall, which is the lowest risk level in their system. This means that drinking coffee brewed from these pods is unlikely to cause any health problems. In fact, no illnesses or injuries have been reported as of July 20, 2025. Still, New Mexico Piñon Coffee is acting out of caution, emphasizing their commitment to quality. A company spokesperson told Newsweek, “Quality means everything to us. While the issue was isolated and poses no health risk, it didn’t meet the standard of excellence you’ve come to expect from us.”
Which Products Are Affected?
Not every New Mexico Piñon Coffee product is involved, so don’t toss out your entire coffee stash just yet. The recall is specific to the Dark Piñon Single Serve 10-count coffee pods with the following details:
- Product Number: F03308
- UPC Code: 812361033081
- Lot Code: 251749
- Best-By Date: May 8, 2026
These pods, designed for single-serve brewing systems like Keurig, contain ground coffee with natural flavors. Only 154 units are affected, but they were sold nationwide at major retailers, including Costco, Walmart, Kroger, and other grocery stores, particularly in New Mexico where the brand is a local favorite. The company processes over a million pounds of coffee annually and is even the official coffee sponsor of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, so their products are widely available.
What Should You Do?
If you’ve got these coffee pods in your pantry, check the packaging for the lot code and best-by date. If they match the recalled batch, you’ve got two options:
- Throw Them Out: Safely dispose of the pods to avoid any risk of brewing with them.
- Return for a Refund: Take the pods back to the store where you bought them—whether it’s Costco, Walmart, Kroger, or another retailer—for a full refund. No receipt? No problem. Most stores will process returns for recalled items without one.
If you’re unsure or have questions, you can reach out to New Mexico Piñon Coffee directly at 505-298-1964 or via email at customercare@nmpinoncoffee.com. The company has been proactive, notifying retailers through emails, faxes, letters, phone calls, and even potential site visits to ensure the affected pods are pulled from shelves.
Is It Safe to Keep Brewing?
The FDA’s Class III designation means the risk is minimal. The ink that might leak into your coffee is food-safe, and there’s no evidence it’s caused harm. However, the thought of drinking coffee with a hint of ink isn’t exactly appetizing, and it’s not the quality experience New Mexico Piñon Coffee aims to deliver. The company has already fixed the issue in their production process to prevent this from happening again, so future batches should be good to go.
Finding a New Coffee Fix
While this recall only affects a small batch, it might leave you looking for a new go-to coffee pod. Luckily, the market is packed with options to keep your coffee maker humming. If you’re into bold, classic roasts, brands like Dunkin’, Starbucks, and Peet’s offer reliable blends that deliver a solid cup every time. For those who like a bit of adventure in their brew, Crazy Cups has variety packs with flavors like Death by Chocolate or Cinnamon French Toast—perfect for shaking up your morning routine. Whether you prefer a medium roast to ease into the day or a dark roast for a stronger kick, there’s something out there to match your taste.
Why This Matters
Even though the health risk is low, this recall highlights the importance of quality control in the food and beverage industry. Coffee is a daily ritual for millions, and a defect like this can shake consumer trust. New Mexico Piñon Coffee’s quick response and transparency show they’re serious about keeping customers happy. The FDA is keeping tabs on the recall, and updates will be posted on their Enforcement Report database if anything changes.
What’s Next?
The recall, which started on June 20, 2025, is still active. CinFranky LLC is working to remove all affected pods from stores and has promised to refine their manufacturing process to avoid future issues. If you’re a regular buyer of New Mexico Piñon Coffee, keep an eye on your purchases and check lot codes for peace of mind.
For now, take a minute to inspect your coffee pods, especially if you shop at Costco, Walmart, or Kroger. A quick check could save you from an off-tasting cup of joe. And with plenty of other great coffee options out there, you won’t miss a beat in your morning routine.
