Dollar General Recalls Instant Coffee Over Safety Concerns

Dollar General has recalled select Clover Valley Instant Coffee 8-oz jars sold nationwide (except Alaska and Hawaii) after reports suggested possible glass contamination. The recall applies to products sold in July 2025 with specific lot codes. Customers are urged to check labels, discard affected jars, and request a refund through Dollar General’s customer service team.

What Sparked the Coffee Recall?

Imagine pouring your morning cup of instant coffee only to learn it might contain glass. That’s exactly the risk Dollar General wanted to prevent when it voluntarily recalled its Clover Valley Instant Coffee this week.

According to the company, a quality review raised concerns that some glass fragments may have slipped into the jars during manufacturing. While no injuries have been reported so far, the retailer acted quickly to pull the product off shelves across 48 states.

This isn’t the first time a major food recall has caught customers off guard. Just last month, a butter recall shook grocery shoppers nationwide, and earlier this summer, coffee creamer recalls left people double-checking their refrigerators.

Why This Recall Matters for Consumer Safety

Glass fragments in food or drink are more than just an inconvenience—they can cause:

• Cuts inside the mouth and throat.
• Internal bleeding or digestive injuries.
• Dangerous choking hazards, especially for kids or older adults.

The FDA typically labels these recalls as Class I or Class II, depending on severity. While this recall hasn’t been linked to confirmed injuries, experts agree that the potential risk is high enough to take seriously.

Details You Need to Know

Here are the key identifiers of the recalled product:

This level of detail helps customers quickly identify whether their jar is part of the recall.

What To Do If You Bought This Coffee

If you recently stocked up on instant coffee from Dollar General, here’s what you should do right away:

1. Check the label – Look for the UPC, lot codes, and best-by dates listed above.
2. Do not drink it – Even a small risk of glass makes it unsafe.
3. Dispose safely – Throw the jar away to avoid accidental use.
4. Request a refund – Contact Dollar General’s customer care team via phone or email.
5. Stay updated – Follow FDA recall notices or Dollar General’s website for new information.

The Bigger Picture: Food Safety in 2025

Food recalls involving glass, plastic, or metal are becoming more common as companies tighten quality checks. The FDA butter recall earlier this year and Celsius & High Noon energy drink recall both highlighted how fragile consumer trust can be when safety issues surface.

For shoppers, it’s a reminder to:

• Inspect food packaging before opening.
• Sign up for recall alerts through the FDA or your favorite retailers.
• Save digital receipts or loyalty app records, which make it easier to track recalls.

Dollar General’s Response

To its credit, Dollar General acted quickly. By making the recall voluntary and nationwide, the company sent a strong message that customer safety comes first.

This move not only prevents potential injuries but also reinforces trust in the Clover Valley brand—something private labels rely on heavily to compete with national names.

How Will This Affect the Coffee Market?

Instant coffee is a grocery staple, especially for busy households. While recalls like this can temporarily shake consumer confidence, food industry experts note that most are preventive, not reactive to actual harm.

That said, brand loyalty is fragile. Just as fast-food chains like McDonald’s rely on limited-time deals to win back customers, retailers must handle recalls with transparency to keep shoppers coming back.

Key Takeaways

• Dollar General recalled Clover Valley Instant Coffee (8 oz. jars) due to possible glass contamination.
• Affected products were sold in 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) in July 2025.
• Look for UPC 876941004069, lot codes L-5163–L-5165, and best-by dates Dec 13–14, 2026.
• No injuries reported yet, but risks of cuts, bleeding, and choking are serious.
• Customers should discard affected jars and request a refund.

FAQs

Sources:

• FDA – Food Recalls & Safety Alerts
• Dollar General Official Website
• USDA Food Safety Updates

Muhammad Ahtsham

Muhammad Ahtsham is the founder of EatLike.com, where he shares real-world advice on clean eating, high-protein meals, and healthy weight loss. With hands-on experience in nutrition and food blogging, his recipes and tips are practical, tested, and made to help real people see results.