What’s Lurking in Your Tea Bag?

Tea is more than just a beverage—it's a comforting ritual, a moment of calm in our hectic lives. Whether you're starting your day or winding down in the evening, a hot cup of tea feels like a warm hug. But what if I told you that your favorite tea bag could be leaching harmful chemicals and plastics into your cup? While it might seem like a harmless way to enjoy your brew, many cheaper tea bags are made from synthetic materials that release toxins when steeped in hot water.

A 2019 study conducted by McGill University in Canada and published in the Environmental Science & Technology Journal revealed that steeping a plastic tea bag at 95°C can release around 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics into a single cup of tea.

Another study published in 2023, in the International Journal of Surgery, outlines a range of health risks associated with microplastic exposure, including endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, cancer, metabolic issues, and potential effects on neurodevelopment. These concerns are especially relevant for plastics that are heated during processing, such as those in tea bags, which are used in countless cups of tea over a lifetime.

Why Tea Bags Contain Plastic

Many traditional tea bags contain plastic, which is used to heat-seal the filter and prevent it from breaking apart. This plastic can be found in two main forms:

• Inside the paper filter itself

• In the glue used to seal the bags, typically in the form of polypropylene (PP)

Both materials can leach into hot water. However, many tea brands that once used plastic in their filter bags are now shifting to biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) material as an alternative.

The Greenwashing Myth

Here are a few red flags to watch for when shopping for genuinely plastic-free tea bags:

Some paper tea bags still have plastic elements: Many of the plastic-free tea bags listed below are made from paper sourced from wood pulp and/or abaca, a plant in the banana family. However, be cautious, as even paper bags can still contain plastic in the lining or the glue used to seal the bag.

Is Bioplastic Really Sustainable? Bioplastics are plastic materials made from plant-based raw materials instead of petroleum. For instance, plastics can be derived from sources like castor oil, sugar cane, or potatoes.

While these bioplastics may be an improvement over traditional petroleum-based plastics, there’s still a lot we don’t know. We’re uncertain about the toxicity of the manufacturing process and whether they contain the same plastic additives found in conventional plastics.

When it comes to tea bags, several excellent brands provide truly 100% plastic-free options. Personally, I would avoid bioplastics whenever possible, especially since we’re talking about something that will be ingested.

Biodegradable" doesn't necessarily mean "plastic-free: There is no official definition of “biodegradable,” and being biodegradable doesn’t necessarily mean something is compostable.

Sometimes, items can take years to "biodegrade," and even then, they might just break down into smaller fragments. The bottom line: If you come across a product labeled as "biodegradable," it’s important to dig deeper to understand what the tea bag is actually made from.

PLA is the most widely used bioplastic among tea companies: PLA is only biodegradable under specific conditions, such as anaerobic digestion or industrial composting. You can’t simply toss it into your backyard compost and expect it to break down in 6 months (or even 10 years).

This is where greenwashing is most common in the tea bag industry. Many brands claim their tea bags are "plastic-free" and made from plant-based materials (like Soilon or "cellulose-based materials").

Soilon, for example, is made entirely from PLA. While it’s technically "plant-based," it’s still a bioplastic, which isn’t as eco-friendly as unbleached paper.

Exposing the Chemicals in Tea Bags

Another reason that cheap paper tea bags are not the recommended option for drinking good tea is that they can be treated with various chemicals you don’t want to consume if you can avoid them. These chemicals include the following:

• Dioxin: Dioxin is a harmful chemical classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a "persistent organic pollutant." It has been linked to cancer and can disrupt hormone production, as well as weaken the immune system over time.

• Epichlorohydrin: Epichlorohydrin forms when propylene undergoes chlorination. This chemical is associated with respiratory issues and skin irritation, making it a potential health concern.

• Chlorine: While chlorine is commonly used in drinking water, the residue from chlorine-treated paper tea bags can result in off-flavors in your tea. Some manufacturers use chlorine to bleach the paper, which can negatively affect the taste during brewing.

These Brands Provide Fully Plastic-Free Tea Bags

Stash: Stash Tea’s website mentions that their tea bags are completely plastic-free, made from unbleached 100% wood fibers. The filter paper is machine-folded and pressed, held together without any glues or plastic sealants. These tea bags are fully compostable and contain no plastic.

All of their teas are GMO-free, with some certified organic. They offer a wide range of options, including black, green, oolong, herbal, decaf, and loose leaf teas.

You can this tea on StashTea.com , Amazon, Walmart & Target.

Traditional Medicinals: Traditional Medicinals states that their tea bags are made from wood pulp combined with GMO-free, Rainforest Alliance certified abaca, a plant in the banana family. They are 100% plastic-free.

The company uses double-chamber bags to avoid the need for chemical sealants or glues. Each tea bag features a cotton string and FSC-certified paper tag, making them BPI-certified compostable.

As a Certified B Corp and California Certified Green Business, Traditional Medicinals prioritizes ingredient purity, sustainability, and ethical manufacturing throughout their supply chain.

While not all of their products are organic, many are, and they also use Fair Trade certified ingredients in many of their teas.

You can this tea on TraditionalMedicinals.com, Amazon, Walmart & Target.

Yogi: Yogi’s tea bags are made from non-heat sealable filtration paper crafted from abaca fibers and wood pulp. The paper is plastic-free and naturally bleached with oxygen. Except for the metal staple used to seal the bag, the tea bags are compostable.

Yogi’s approach is rooted in Ayurveda, an ancient healing philosophy focused on holistic wellness. They offer over 40 tea blends and strive to support sustainability, quality, and social responsibility throughout their manufacturing process.

Many of Yogi’s ingredients are certified USDA Organic and Project Non-GMO Verified. They also conduct regular testing for heavy metals.

You can this tea on Yogi-Life.com, Amazon, Walmart & Target.

Alternatives to Using Tea Bags 

Tea bags aren’t the only option for storing and brewing your tea. There are multiple ways to steep loose leaf tea without using a tea bag. Here are a few methods to enjoy your tea without relying on tea bags:

Tea Infuser Ball: Steel tea infuser balls are a popular choice for brewing loose leaf tea. Typically attached to a metal chain, they can be submerged into a teapot or have a handle for easy removal. Spoon infusers are also a great option for steeping individual cups of tea.

Tea Basket Strainer: Another type of tea infuser is the mesh basket strainer, which functions like a filter. You place the loose leaf tea inside the basket, which is then dipped into a cup or teapot. These strainers are perfect for teas with larger leaves or stems, like yerba mate.

Disposable Filter Tea Bags: Since unbleached filter tea bags don't contain synthetic fibers or plastics, they can be a safer choice when it comes to avoiding potential chemicals or microplastics that may leach into your tea during steeping. Additionally, unbleached bags are often compostable, making them a more environmentally friendly option.

However, if the sealing fiber is made from synthetic materials (like nylon or polyester), there may be concerns, as these fibers can potentially leach chemicals when exposed to hot water. In general, natural sealing fibers are preferred for their safety and eco-friendliness.

As with any product, it's always a good idea to check the specific brand’s labeling and certifications to ensure that their sealing fibers meet safety standards and are free from harmful chemicals.

Next time you enjoy a calming cup of tea, choose one that's free from plastic, benefiting both your health and the environment.

References:

1. Carrie. (2021, November 10). What Are Tea Bags Made Of? Brewed Leaf Love.

   https://brewedleaflove.com/what-are-tea-bags-made-of/

2. Macarelli, C. (2025, January 7). Try These Plastic-Free Tea Bags to Decrease Your Microplastic Exposure. The Filtery. https://thefiltery.com/plastic-free-tea-bags/

3. Plastic Free Tea Bags: Which Brands Are Really Plastic Free? (2023, January 23. I’m Plastic Free. https://www.implasticfree.com/why-you-should-switch-to-plastic-free-tea-bags/