May 17, 2025

Worried About Microplastics in Your Tea Bags? Here's What Researchers Say You Should Know

If you’re someone who enjoys a comforting cup of tea, you might be surprised-or even a little alarmed-to hear that some tea bags could be releasing microplastics into your drink. Yes, microplastics: those tiny bits of plastic less than five millimeters in size that have been making headlines for turning up just about everywhere, from ocean water to table salt. But in your tea? Really?

Unfortunately, yes. A few years ago, researchers discovered that some modern tea bags-especially the fancy, pyramid-shaped ones made of plastic mesh-can shed billions of microplastic particles into your cup when steeped in hot water. That’s right-billions per cup. And we're not just talking about trace amounts.

The reason? Some brands use synthetic materials like nylon or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to create these sleek, see-through bags. While they may look elegant, these materials are not fully biodegradable and can break down when exposed to high temperatures-like boiling water. As they do, they release microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics into your tea.

Now, before you swear off tea forever, let’s put this in perspective. Researchers say that while the numbers sound shocking, we don’t yet know exactly how harmful these plastic particles are when consumed in small amounts. Studies on the health effects of microplastics are still ongoing, and scientists are working hard to figure out if and how they affect the human body. Some evidence suggests they may pass through the digestive system without much impact, but others warn of possible long-term effects due to plastic particles entering our cells or carrying toxic chemicals.

So what can you do if you're feeling uneasy about microplastics in your tea?

The good news is: you have options. If you want to avoid plastic tea bags altogether, switch to traditional paper tea bags-but make sure they're plastic-free. Some paper tea bags are sealed with plastic or have a plastic lining, so it’s worth checking the packaging or contacting the brand directly. Look for labels that say “100% biodegradable,” “plastic-free,” or “compostable.”

Another great option? Loose leaf tea. It’s as natural as it gets, and you can use a stainless steel infuser, tea ball, or reusable cloth bag to steep it. Not only will you avoid microplastics, but you’ll also reduce waste and often enjoy a better-tasting brew.

The takeaway? While the science around microplastics in food and drink is still developing, being informed helps you make better choices. If your daily cup of tea brings you peace and joy, don’t panic-just pay a little more attention to what your tea bag is made of.

After all, a good cup of tea should be soothing-not stress-inducing.