Are Tea Sachets Healthy? The Truth About Microplastics and Your Brew

November 20, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2019 study published in Environmental Science & Technology, steeping a single plastic-based tea sachet can release billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles into your hot drink. This has led many to question: are tea sachets healthy, or are they a hidden source of contaminants and chemicals?

Quick Summary

The healthiness of tea sachets is highly dependent on their material composition, with many releasing microplastics and chemicals during brewing. Consumers concerned about this can choose certified plastic-free, plant-based, and organic sachets, or opt for loose-leaf tea to avoid contamination risks.

Key Points

Health Risks: Many conventional tea sachets, especially plastic or nylon ones, release billions of microplastics and potentially harmful chemicals when steeped in hot water.
Not All Sachets are Equal: The healthiness depends entirely on the material, with certified plastic-free, plant-based, and unbleached options being the safest.
Loose Leaf is Safest: Brewing loose-leaf tea with a reusable infuser is the most reliable way to avoid contaminants from bag materials and often offers higher quality tea.
Check the Label: Look for sachets explicitly labeled "plastic-free," "100% compostable," or made from natural fibers like corn starch or sugar cane.
Beware of Bleach: Some paper tea bags are bleached with chlorine and can be treated with strengthening agents like epichlorohydrin, which carry potential health risks.
Go Organic: Choosing organic tea helps avoid pesticide residues that may be present in conventional tea leaves, which are often unwashed.

The convenience of a quick cup of tea from a sachet is a daily ritual for millions. However, beneath the surface of this simple habit lies a complex issue regarding the health and safety of the materials used in many commercial tea sachets. The answer to the question "Are tea sachets healthy?" is far from straightforward and depends entirely on the material of the bag and the quality of the tea inside.

The Health Risks of Conventional Tea Sachets

Many tea sachets, including seemingly harmless paper or "silken" pyramid bags, can pose significant health risks due to their composition when exposed to hot water.

Microplastics and Nanoplastics

Plastic-based sachets, often made from nylon, PET, and polypropylene, can release microplastics and nanoplastics into your tea. A McGill University study from 2019 found billions of these particles released from a single plastic tea bag steeped in hot water. The long-term health effects are being studied, with initial concerns about inflammation and hormonal disruption.

Potentially Toxic Chemicals

Conventional paper tea bags may contain epichlorohydrin, a potential carcinogen, for strength and can be bleached with chlorine dioxide, potentially producing dioxins. Adhesives used to seal bags can also contain harmful compounds.

Loose Leaf vs. Tea Sachets: A Health and Quality Comparison


Feature	Loose Leaf Tea	Conventional Tea Sachets
Material Risks	Virtually none; uses no bag material.	Potential for microplastics, plastics, and chemical leaching from bag and sealants.
Tea Quality	Often whole leaves or larger pieces, preserving essential oils and nutrients.	Commonly contains "fannings" or "dust," which are broken, lower-quality leaf fragments with less antioxidant content.
Flavor Profile	Superior flavor, complexity, and aroma, with leaves given room to expand and infuse properly.	Quicker, more bitter flavor due to small leaf particles and restricted space for infusion.
Antioxidant Content	Generally higher antioxidant levels due to the whole leaves and minimal processing.	Lower antioxidant potency due to broken leaves and longer storage exposure to oxygen.
Environmental Impact	More sustainable, as leaves can be composted without plastic waste.	Most contain non-biodegradable plastics that contribute to landfill waste.
Convenience	Requires a reusable infuser or teapot, more involved preparation.	Quick and easy, with minimal cleanup.

How to Choose a Healthier Tea Sachet or Alternative

To ensure a cleaner brew, look for tea sachets with specific indicators.

What to Look For

Explicitly Labeled as Plastic-Free: Phrases like "100% plastic-free," "biodegradable," or "compostable" are key.
Plant-Based Materials: Materials from corn starch (PLA), sugar cane fiber, or manila hemp are safer, though PLA may require industrial composting.
Unbleached Paper: Helps avoid potential chemical residues from chlorine.
Organic Certification: Ensures the tea leaves are free from synthetic pesticides.

The Best Alternatives

Loose-Leaf Tea: Brewed with a stainless-steel or glass infuser, it's the purest option and leaves can be composted.
DIY Reusable Bags: Use bags made from natural materials like cotton or muslin.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

While the healthiness of tea sachets varies, many convenient options pose risks from microplastics and chemicals. Fortunately, safer, plastic-free alternatives exist due to consumer demand. Loose-leaf tea remains the superior choice for quality, antioxidants, and contaminant freedom. Informed choices allow you to enjoy a clean tea ritual.

Further reading on microplastics in food and drink: ScienceDirect - Microplastics and nanoplastics in tea: Sources, characteristics and toxicological effects

Frequently Asked Questions

No, but many do. While many newer brands offer certified plastic-free, plant-based materials, a significant number of conventional and "silken" pyramid bags still contain plastics like nylon or polypropylene to maintain their shape and seal.

Microplastics and nanoplastics are microscopic plastic particles. According to a McGill University study, plastic-based tea bags can release billions of these tiny particles into your drink, with nanoplastics being thousands of times smaller than microplastics.

Conventional paper bags may contain chemicals like epichlorohydrin (for strength) and trace amounts of dioxins from chlorine bleaching. Plastic bags can also leach chemicals such as BPA and phthalates when exposed to heat.

Certified plant-based biodegradable sachets (made from corn starch or other natural fibers) are a safer alternative to petroleum-based plastics. However, check local guidelines, as some types require industrial composting to break down completely.

Loose-leaf tea is generally considered the healthiest option as it eliminates the risk of ingesting microplastics and bag-related chemicals. It also often contains higher-quality leaves and more antioxidants than the fannings found in many sachets.

Yes. Even if the tea leaves are certified organic and free of pesticides, a plastic-based sachet can still release microplastics and chemicals into your brew when exposed to hot water.

Check the packaging for explicit labels like "plastic-free" or "100% compostable." Another method is to tear the bag after steeping; if it feels wet paper, it is likely fine, but if it seems tough or has a synthetic mesh-like quality, it may contain plastic.