Are there BPA in aluminum cans? The full story

December 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Can Manufacturers Institute, roughly 95% of food cans in the United States no longer use linings containing bisphenol A (BPA). While this is a significant improvement, the question of whether all aluminum cans are completely BPA-free, or if replacement chemicals are safer, remains a relevant concern for many health-conscious consumers.

Quick Summary

The vast majority of modern cans are lined with BPA-free alternatives, though some older or international products may still contain it. The aluminum itself does not contain BPA; the chemical is only present in the protective epoxy resin lining used to prevent corrosion. Concerns now focus on the safety of replacement chemicals like BPS and BPF.

Key Points

Not the Aluminum, but the Lining: Pure aluminum does not contain BPA; the chemical was used historically in the protective epoxy resin lining inside metal cans.
Majority are BPA-Free Now: Due to consumer pressure and industry changes, most modern cans no longer use BPA-based linings, especially in North America.
BPA-Free Doesn't Mean Bisphenol-Free: Many manufacturers replaced BPA with similar chemicals like BPS and BPF, which some studies suggest may have comparable hormone-disrupting effects.
Leaching Increases with Heat: Bisphenols are more likely to leach into food and drinks when the can is heated, so never heat food inside the can.
Alternative Packaging is Safest: The most effective way to avoid bisphenols from canned goods is to choose fresh, frozen, or jarred foods instead.
Acidic Foods are Riskier: Acidic contents, such as tomatoes, can cause more of the lining's chemicals to break down and contaminate the food.

Do Aluminum Cans Contain BPA?

While pure aluminum does not contain Bisphenol A (BPA), the controversy arises from the internal lining used in most metal cans to prevent the metal from corroding or reacting with the contents. Historically, epoxy resins containing BPA were the industry standard for this protective coating. This lining is essential for preserving the food's taste, quality, and shelf life, particularly for acidic products like tomatoes.

However, due to mounting consumer concerns and increasing scientific evidence linking BPA exposure to potential health issues, the industry has largely phased out its use. Today, the vast majority of cans produced for the U.S. and Canadian markets are lined with alternative materials and are considered BPA-free. It is crucial to remember that the can itself is made of aluminum, but the lining is the source of the chemical issue.

The Move to BPA-Free Linings

In response to consumer pressure and regulatory changes, manufacturers have rapidly transitioned to non-BPA alternatives. This shift was not instantaneous, and some regions or specific products might still use older lining formulations. However, major food and beverage companies have widely adopted new coating technologies. These alternatives often fall into several categories:

Acrylic Resins: A common replacement, though the full safety profile of all formulations is still being researched.
Polyester Resins: Widely used and considered a safer alternative to BPA-based linings.
Oleoresins: Naturally derived coatings, often considered a safer option for highly acidic foods.
Olefin Polymers: Another polymer-based option used as a replacement for BPA.

Are BPA Alternatives Safe?

The use of BPA-free labels has reassured many consumers, but it has also led to new questions about the safety of the replacement chemicals, often referred to as "regrettable substitutions". Some of these alternatives, particularly other bisphenols like BPS (Bisphenol S) and BPF (Bisphenol F), have been found to exhibit similar endocrine-disrupting properties to BPA. Research shows that these chemicals can also leach into food and water, posing similar health risks, though more studies are needed.

Concern over BPS: BPS, used in products like thermal receipt paper and some can linings, has been shown to be as estrogenic and toxic as BPA in some studies.
Evolving Regulation: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and other bodies are actively evaluating the safety of bisphenols as a group, recognizing the need to prevent simple chemical substitutions that do not improve public health.

Comparison of Can Linings

To better understand the differences, here is a comparison of various can lining materials.


Feature	BPA-Based Epoxy Resins	BPA-Free (Polyester/Acrylic)	BPA-Free (Oleoresin)
Usage	Previously standard for corrosion protection.	Widely used today as a common replacement.	Used for high-acid foods; naturally derived.
BPA Content	Contains Bisphenol A (BPA).	Contains no Bisphenol A.	Contains no Bisphenol A.
Known Health Concerns	Linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and developmental issues.	Some replacements (BPS/BPF) have similar concerns.	Generally considered safer, but not a universal solution.
Effectiveness	Highly effective and durable barrier.	Highly effective; developed for performance.	Effective but may not be suitable for all applications.
Prevalence	Primarily in older products; limited use now.	Very widespread in modern cans.	Less common than polymer linings; niche use.

How to Minimize Your Exposure

While the risk from modern, non-BPA-lined cans is generally lower, cautious consumers can take several steps to reduce their potential exposure to bisphenols and other unknown chemicals:

Opt for Fresh or Frozen Foods: The most direct way to avoid can linings is to choose fresh, frozen, or dried food alternatives whenever possible.
Choose Glass or Jarred Products: Many companies now offer products in glass jars, which are not lined with bisphenols. Always check the packaging to confirm.
Check for 'BPA-Free' Labels: While not a perfect guarantee, purchasing products explicitly labeled as "BPA-free" indicates that manufacturers have actively phased out the chemical.
Reduce Canned Food Consumption: Limiting how many canned and processed foods you eat can significantly reduce exposure.
Avoid Heating Cans: Never heat food directly in the can. High temperatures can cause chemicals to leach into the food more readily.

The Verdict: Are there BPA in aluminum cans?

While some older or less common products might still contain BPA, the vast majority of aluminum cans in today's market are lined with BPA-free alternatives. The aluminum metal itself is not the source of BPA. The larger, more nuanced issue is whether these new replacement chemicals, such as BPS and BPF, are truly safer for human health. While they are a step away from BPA, scientific research is ongoing and some studies suggest that these substitutes may also be endocrine disruptors.

For consumers, staying informed and prioritizing fresh, frozen, or glass-packed alternatives remains the most certain way to minimize bisphenol exposure. Always check product labels and if concerned, opt for brands transparent about their can lining materials.

For further information, the Environmental Working Group provides useful resources and analysis on this topic: EWG.org.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Ultimately, the question of "Are there BPA in aluminum cans?" is no longer a simple 'yes' or 'no.' It has evolved into a more complex discussion about industry reformulation, chemical alternatives, and the need for greater transparency. While the food packaging industry has largely moved away from BPA-based linings, the potential health implications of substitute chemicals require continued monitoring and consumer diligence. By being mindful of food packaging choices, consumers can effectively reduce their exposure and advocate for safer, more thoroughly tested alternatives in the marketplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the aluminum metal itself does not contain BPA. The chemical was historically used in the epoxy resin liner applied to the inside of the can to protect the food from the metal.

Many modern cans, especially those for food, will be clearly labeled with 'BPA-free' on the packaging. However, this is not a universal requirement, and the absence of a label doesn't necessarily mean BPA is present.

Common replacements include acrylic resins, polyester resins, and olefin polymers. For some high-acid foods, naturally derived oleoresins are also used.

The safety of all BPA alternatives, particularly other bisphenols like BPS and BPF, is a topic of ongoing debate. Some research indicates they may have similar endocrine-disrupting properties.

Yes, BPA from older linings can leach into the contents of the can, especially when exposed to heat or acidity. This is why the industry has shifted away from its use.

No, you should always transfer leftover food from a can into a glass or plastic container for refrigerator storage. The prolonged contact and cooler temperatures can still affect leaching.

Rinsing canned vegetables and fruits can help reduce surface-level BPA contamination. However, some leaching may have already occurred and absorbed into the food.

Yes, just like with food cans, beverage cans have also historically used BPA-based linings, but the industry has largely transitioned to BPA-free alternatives. However, some concern still exists regarding replacements.