Am I eating plastic? 4 kitchen items that can fill my food with microplastics

It is no longer rare to find microplastics inside the human body. In fact, Americans are estimated to consume between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles per year. This can come from the water we drink, the food we eat and even the kitchen items we use to prepare and store our meals. Although more research is needed, studies have linked microplastics to health problems such as cell damage, a weakened immune system, and certain types of cancer.

Although I have been aware of microplastics for years, I have neglected to examine my own kitchen to identify plastic storage containers and utensils that could be contributing to my own microplastic consumption. Finally, I took a look in my kitchen cabinets and here’s what I found, along with the microplastic-free swaps I plan to make.

1. Plastic Food Storage Containers

When I went through my storage container cabinet, I found several plastic containers. Some I use just for storing dry goods, while others are for leftovers in the fridge and reheating in the microwave. These claim to be refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave safe, but they all show signs of wear and tear and definitely need to be replaced.

A September 2024 study found that of the 14,000 chemicals known to come into contact with food and present in food packaging, 3,601 – or about 25% – have been detected in humans. Specifically, 235 FCCs in food contact materials have been found in humans, including plastic compounds.

There are also particular concerns about the use of microwaves and plastic containers. A June 2023 study concluded that heating a plastic container in the microwave resulted in the highest release of microplastics and nanoplastics in food, compared to refrigeration, room temperature storage, and other uses. However, refrigeration and room temperature storage can still release up to billions of microplastics and nanoplastics into their contents over a six-month period. Nanoplastics are even smaller than microplastics, measuring less than 1 micron, making them potentially more harmful to the human body.

This is of particular concern with plastic takeout containers that do not state that they are heat resistant, and even when they do, that claim maybe it’s just marketing jargon. This year it was reported that Rubbermaid is sued for claiming its plastic containers are microwave and freezer safe when, allegedly, they still leach microplastics into food. A Rubbermaid representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

An August 2024 study determined that even during freezing and thawing, microplastics can be released from the interior surface of food containers. Another problem is that when plastic is frozen, pieces can break away from the container and contaminate your food.

Although BPA-free containers, which do not contain the industrial chemical bisphenol A, may be better because you avoid potential health effects (although, again, more study is needed), glass containers are your best choice.

The exchange for plastic food containers

I plan to replace my current plastic containers with those made of glass. I have already exchanged a few with the new one Tupperware Collection Here you go — oven, microwave, freezer, dishwasher and broiler safe (with lid removed) — which the brand kindly sent me to try. However, I also want to stock up on smaller containers.

2. A black plastic spatula

Like plastic containers, your plastic kitchen utensils can also release microplastic particles into your food, as reported in a June 2024 systematic review.

I use wooden cutting boards, metal cutlery, a silicone spatula just for mixing room temperature ingredients, and both wood and metal cooking utensils, so I thought I was safe with plastic utensils – until I spotted one thing: a black plastic spatula. I know I should have gotten rid of it by now, but it’s the perfect width for flipping pancakes and fried eggs. Writing this article is the wake-up call I need.

Exchange for a plastic spatula

I plan to replace my black plastic spatula with a metal or wooden spatula. I already have several wooden spatulas, but none are wide enough, so I could opt for a stainless steel fish spatula, like the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Fish Turner ($18) or Victorinox 40415 Split wood turner ($54).

3. My non-stick air fryer

I have the Philips 3000 series air fryer and after studying its composition, I was surprised to find that the parts of the Philips air fryer are mostly coated with non-stick PTFE, a type of plastic.

Philips specifies that this is a common coating that complies with current legislation on materials in contact with food. However, a June 2024 study found that PTFE-coated cookware, like my air fryer, can still release microplastics and nanoplastics if the coating is scratched by hard, sharp utensils or used at higher temperatures.

Exchanging for a plasticized air fryer

CNET’s choice for best air fryer overall is the Crispy Ninjawhich is made of glass and free of PFAS and PTFE, thanks to its crisper plate that uses a nano-ceramic coating and not plastic. I will add this to my holiday wish list.

4. Tea bags

I found dozens of tea bags in my designated tea pot and in the kitchen cabinet where I store extra boxes, but I was shocked to learn that they didn’t just contain my favorite teas.

A February 2025 study found that tea bags are the largest contributors of microplastic particles to hot tea when the bag and string are steeped, as more than a billion microplastics and nanoplastics can be released into the liquid. It also doesn’t matter whether the tea bags contain plastic used to heat seal the bags or are biodegradable, as the latter can still be created with plastic.

When looking at all my tea bags, I discovered that most of them claim to be compostable, meaning they are made from plant-based materials and contain no plastic. However, I have some tea bags that do not have this label, which means they may contain microplastics.

If you’re wondering about the difference between compostable and biodegradable, environmental non-profit Oceanwatch Australia says compostable products are made with organic elements that can break down over time in the right environment, such as in a compost binwhile biodegradable products can be made from plant-based materials or petroleum-based plastic (which could leave behind microplastics).

Replace tea bags that may contain microplastics

Instead of relying on non-compostable tea bags for a hot beverage, I can choose loose leaf tea instead. I already have stainless steel tea infusers which I can use for soaking. To make sure nothing leaks into the water I use to make my tea, I can use a glass electric kettleas CNET’s favorite OXO Adjustable Temperature Kettle ($120).

My final thoughts

While there is no need to panic and hastily replace every plastic item in your kitchen, as more studies are needed to confirm the health effects, there is no harm in slowly replacing plastic kitchen items with those made of silicone, wood, metal, or glass, especially if you are heating, refrigerating, washing dishes, or freezing them. After all, one glass item a day could keep microplastics away.