Which tea bags are PFAS free? A comprehensive guide

A 2019 study revealed that steeping a single plastic tea bag can release billions of microplastic particles into a cup. Identifying which tea bags are PFAS free is crucial for avoiding these potential contaminants and enjoying a safer, more natural brew.

Quick Summary

Guide to identifying tea bags free from PFAS and other plastics. Focuses on material types, specific brands, and the health implications of common tea bag materials like polypropylene and nylon.

Key Points

• PFAS Presence: While not direct ingredients, plastics like polypropylene in some tea bags raise concerns about microplastic and chemical leaching during brewing.

• Safe Brands: Brands such as Clipper, Numi Organic, Pukka, and Stash use plant-based, biodegradable materials like Manila hemp or PLA, making them PFAS free.

• Brands to Watch: Mainstream brands like Lipton and Celestial Seasonings often use polypropylene for sealing, which means they contain plastic components.

• Identification: A simple home test involves tearing the bag: if it tears like paper and lacks a shiny edge, it's likely plastic-free.

• Safest Option: Brewing with loose-leaf tea and a stainless steel infuser offers the ultimate guarantee of a PFAS-free cup.

Understanding PFAS and Tea Bags

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called "forever chemicals," are a group of synthetic chemicals known for their resistance to water, grease, and heat. In the context of tea bags, while PFAS are not typically an intentional ingredient, the materials used in tea bags, particularly plastics like polypropylene or nylon used for heat-sealing or the bag itself, have raised concerns about potential microplastic and chemical leaching during the brewing process.

The primary concern stems from the fact that many conventional paper tea bags use a small amount of polypropylene to seal the edges and prevent them from falling apart in hot water. Other premium, pyramid-shaped bags are often made from nylon or PET, which are types of plastic.

Brands That Are PFAS Free and Plastic-Free

The good news is that many reputable tea brands have switched to plant-based, biodegradable, and completely plastic-free materials, making their products a safer choice. These brands often use materials like unbleached Manila hemp, abaca fiber (from a type of banana plant), or a bio-material made from plant cellulose called polylactide (PLA).

Here are some of the brands confirmed to be PFAS and plastic-free in their tea bags:

• Clipper Teas: Was the world's first company to offer a fully plant-based, unbleached, and non-GM biodegradable tea bag, sealed with plant cellulose (PLA).
• Numi Organic Tea: Uses bags made from biodegradable, unbleached Manila hemp fiber and a compostable wrapper, entirely free of plastic.
• Pukka Herbs: Their tea bags do not contain any form of plastic and are made from a special blend of natural cellulose fibers.
• The Republic of Tea: Confirmed to be plastic-free, using Soilon (PLA) as a sealant instead of petroleum-based glues.
• Stash Tea: All tea bags contain zero plastic in the bag or the sealant.
• Teapigs: Known for their pioneering approach, their 'tea temples' are made from a biodegradable corn starch mesh, not nylon or other plastics.
• Traditional Medicinals: Uses toxin-free, compostable bags made from hemp and wood pulp, which are entirely plastic-free.
• Yogi Tea: Utilizes paper tea bags that are free of polypropylene and other plastics.
• Earth Mama Organics: Their organic tea bags are made from 100% USDA Certified Organic paper, are not processed with chlorine, and are Non-GMO Project Verified.

Brands to Approach with Caution or Avoid

Many mainstream tea brands still use polypropylene as a sealant in their otherwise paper-based tea bags. While these may not contain detectable PFAS in some tests, the presence of plastic remains a concern for microplastic contamination.

• Lipton: Uses a range of materials, including paper bags with a small percentage of plastic and some pyramid bags made from PET (a type of plastic). They advise consumers concerned about plastic to use their loose-leaf tea.
• Celestial Seasonings: Their tea bags contain polypropylene fibers to help them seal, making them non-compostable in home composts.
• Twinings: Individually wrapped tea bags are plastic-free, but standard supermarket boxes often have an inner plastic-foil wrapper, and the bags themselves may use plastic sealant.

Comparison Table: Materials and PFAS Status

Brand	Tea Bag Material	Plastic-Free?	PFAS Free?	Home Compostable?
Clipper	Plant cellulose (PLA)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Numi Organic	Manila hemp fiber	Yes	Yes	Yes
Pukka Herbs	Natural cellulose fibers	Yes	Yes	Yes
Stash Tea	Paper, no plastic sealant	Yes	Yes	Yes
Teapigs	Corn starch mesh (PLA)	Yes	Yes	Industrially compostable
Lipton	Paper with polypropylene/PET	No	Unlikely (contains plastic)	No
Celestial Seasonings	Paper with polypropylene fibers	No	Unlikely (contains plastic)	No
Twinings (Standard)	Paper with polypropylene sealant	No	Unlikely (contains plastic)	No

How to Ensure Your Tea is Safe

To be absolutely certain you are avoiding PFAS and microplastics, consider these options:

1. Choose Loose-Leaf Tea

This is the most reliable method. By brewing with a stainless steel infuser or a cotton muslin reusable bag, you have complete control over the brewing materials. The used leaves can go straight into your compost bin.

2. Check the Packaging for Certifications and Materials

Look for explicit claims like "plastic-free," "100% biodegradable," or "industrially compostable." Some brands use PLA, which is a plant-based plastic alternative. While better than petro-plastics, it requires industrial composting conditions to break down fully.

3. Perform a Simple Home Test

If you're unsure about a specific brand, you can perform a simple test at home. After steeping a tea bag, remove the leaves and try to tear the bag. If it feels and tears like normal paper, it is likely plastic-free. If the edges are crimped and have a slightly shiny, synthetic look and feel, or if it stretches when you pull it, it likely contains plastic.

Conclusion

Making the switch to PFAS free tea bags is a simple but meaningful step toward reducing your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and microplastics. By choosing brands that utilize natural, plant-based, and biodegradable materials, you can enjoy your daily cup of tea with peace of mind. Always verify the latest information from manufacturers, as many companies are actively transitioning their materials to more sustainable options.

Citations

Title	URL
Teabags and Processed Meats May Be Key Dietary Sources of PFAS	https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/1al7jr5/teabags_and_processed_meats_may_be_key_dietary/
Do I Need to Worry About Microplastics in Tea Bags?	https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/14/well/eat/health-effects-of-microplastics-in-tea-bags.html
Top Plastic Free Tea Bag Companies & How to Compare Them (2025)	https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-plastic-free-tea-bag-companies-how-compare-them-lfrjc/
What material is used to make tea bags?	https://www.nwfabric.com/applications/what-material-is-used-to-make-tea-bags/
How To Avoid Toxins in Tea: 2024 Healthy Tea Guide	https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/blogs/guides-and-product-reviews/how-to-avoid-toxins-in-tea-2024-healthy-tea-guide/

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are PFAS and why are they a concern in tea bags?

PFAS are man-made "forever chemicals" that resist heat and water. In tea bags, the concern is that plastic components (like polypropylene sealant) may contain or leach these chemicals, which are linked to potential health issues over time.

How can I tell if my current tea bags contain plastic or PFAS?

Check the packaging for 'plastic-free' or '100% compostable' labels. At home, after steeping, try tearing the wet bag; if it has a shiny, synthetic edge that resists tearing, it contains plastic.

Are all paper tea bags automatically PFAS free?

No. Many paper tea bags use a small amount of polypropylene, a type of plastic, as a heat-sealant to keep them together. These are not completely plastic-free or necessarily PFAS free.

Are pyramid-shaped tea bags better or worse regarding PFAS?

Most pyramid-shaped bags are made of nylon or a plant-based plastic (PLA) mesh. Nylon is a non-biodegradable plastic, while PLA is a better, biodegradable option, but both are plastics. Look for specific brand confirmation of plant-based materials.

Which specific brands are certified PFAS free?

Brands like Clipper Teas, Numi Organic Tea, Pukka Herbs, The Republic of Tea, and Stash Tea explicitly state they use plant-based, plastic-free materials like Manila hemp or plant cellulose for their tea bags.

Can I compost plastic tea bags?

Tea bags containing polypropylene are not fully home compostable. Some plant-based plastic (PLA) bags are industrially compostable but may not break down in a home compost bin.

Is loose-leaf tea the only way to avoid PFAS entirely?

Loose-leaf tea brewed in non-plastic equipment, like a stainless steel infuser, is the safest and most reliable way to ensure you avoid all potential microplastics and PFAS from packaging.