Let's be honest—there's nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm cup of chai on a foggy morning. But lately, you might have heard some concerning news about what could be brewing in your cup beyond just tea leaves and spices.
If you've been scrolling through health news or chatting with friends who are deep into wellness trends, you've probably stumbled across headlines about microplastics in tea bags. And yeah, it's a little unsettling when you realize your daily ritual might be serving up more than you bargained for.
So let's break this down together—what's actually happening, why it matters, and what you can do about it (spoiler: you don't have to give up your chai habit).
The Microplastic Problem: What Research Actually Shows
Here's where things get real. A groundbreaking study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that steeping a single plastic tea bag at typical brewing temperature releases approximately 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics into one cup of tea. That's not a typo—billions of particles.
These microplastics primarily come from tea bags made with nylon and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which are used in many premium pyramid-style tea bags. More recent research from 2024 confirmed that various tea bag materials continue to release significant quantities of micro and nanoplastics during steeping.
Even more concerning? It's not just those fancy pyramid bags. Many traditional tea bags that look like they're made from paper actually contain polypropylene—a plastic used to heat-seal the bags shut. Studies have shown that polypropylene tea bags can release about 1.2 billion small plastic pieces per milliliter of tea.
Why Should You Care About Microplastics?
Fair question. After all, we're exposed to microplastics from lots of sources these days—it's pretty much everywhere in our modern world.
But here's the thing: research indicates that microplastics from tea bags can enter human intestinal cells. While scientists are still studying the long-term health effects, there's growing concern about what repeated exposure might mean for our bodies over time. When you're drinking multiple cups of tea a day (like many chai lovers do), those exposures add up.
Plus, if you care about what goes into your body—choosing organic ingredients, avoiding processed foods, reading labels—then it makes sense to think about what your tea bag is made from too.
The Plot Twist: Not All "Plastic-Free" Claims Are Created Equal
Now, this is where things get a bit tricky, and we want to be completely transparent with you.
You've probably seen brands marketing their tea bags as "plastic-free" or "biodegradable." Many of these are made from materials like polypropylene-sealed paper bags or even some plant-based alternatives. The challenge? Traditional plastic-based materials continue to be problematic for microplastic release.
Some brands have switched to paper bags sealed with organic cotton or completely compostable materials made from abaca pulp. These are genuinely plastic-free options, though they sometimes come with trade-offs in how well they brew the tea or how durable they are during shipping and handling.
Enter PLA: A Different Kind of Sachet Material
This is where our story gets personal, because it's exactly why we chose PLA (Polylactic Acid) for Malwa Chai sachets.
PLA is derived from plant materials like corn starch or sugarcane—not petroleum. It's been certified as safe for food use by the FDA and is commercially compostable under the right conditions. Think of it as a plant-based polymer rather than a traditional plastic.
Here's what makes PLA different: it's not derived from fossil fuels, and importantly, it doesn't contain the harmful plasticizers found in petroleum-based plastics. When we were developing our chai kits, we wanted to honor our family recipe while being thoughtful about every single component—including what holds the spices and tea.
The sachets needed to be strong enough to keep our fresh-ground spices contained, transparent enough so you could see the quality ingredients inside, and safe for steeping in hot water. PLA checked all those boxes while aligning with our values.
Being Real About the Landscape
We believe in transparency, so let's address the nuance here. PLA is technically a bioplastic, which means some sources categorize it differently than petroleum-based plastics. The research on whether PLA releases particles during brewing is still evolving, and we're watching it closely.
What we can tell you is that PLA doesn't leach the harmful chemicals associated with petroleum-based plastics. It's made from renewable resources, and when properly composted in commercial facilities, it breaks down far more readily than traditional plastics.
Is it perfect? We're not going to claim it's the absolute final solution to all environmental concerns. But based on current available materials and extensive research, we believe it's the best choice for delivering authentic, flavorful chai while prioritizing your health and safety.
Simple Ways to Reduce Microplastic Exposure from Tea
Whether you're a Malwa Chai fan or you brew your tea another way, here are some practical steps you can take:
Choose your tea bags wisely. Look for brands that are transparent about their materials. Avoid nylon, PET, and polypropylene-sealed bags when possible. Seek out options made from PLA, organic cotton, or completely plastic-free materials like paper or abaca pulp.
Consider loose leaf tea. Using a stainless steel tea infuser with loose leaf tea is a time-tested, truly plastic-free option. The trade-off? It can be messier and requires more cleanup—which is exactly the problem we were trying to solve when we created our modular sachet system.
Look for certifications. FDA-approved, food-safe materials and compostability certifications can give you peace of mind.
Don't stress too much. Yes, we're talking about reducing exposure, but also remember that a mindful, enjoyable tea ritual has real benefits for your wellbeing too. It's about making informed choices, not perfect ones.
Why We Care About This (And Think You Should Too)
When we started Malwa Chai, our goal was simple: make it possible for anyone to brew authentic, flavorful chai at home without the mess, without the hassle, and without compromising on quality or safety.
That meant sourcing organic spices, perfecting the grind, getting the tea blend just right—and yes, choosing sachets that we'd feel good about using for our own families.
The microplastics conversation is bigger than just tea bags. It's about being conscious consumers, supporting companies that are transparent about their choices, and demanding better from the products we bring into our homes.
Your Cup, Your Choice
At the end of the day, your morning chai ritual should be something that brings you joy, not anxiety.
We created Malwa Chai because we believe you shouldn't have to choose between convenience and quality, between authentic flavor and smart choices, between tradition and thoughtfulness. You can have all of it—spices and tea in separate sachets, brewed the right way, with materials we feel good about.
If you've been worried about what's in your tea bags, we hear you. We've done the research, asked the hard questions, and made choices we're proud to share with you.
Because at the end of the day, chai is about more than just a drink. It's about taking a moment for yourself, connecting with tradition, and savoring something real and comforting in your cup.
And that's something worth protecting.
Ready to experience chai made with care—from the spices to the sachets? Explore our Malwa Chai Kits and taste the difference.
Sources & References
- Hernandez, L.M., et al. (2019). "Plastic Teabags Release Billions of Microparticles and Nanoparticles into Tea." Environmental Science & Technology. American Chemical Society.
- Recent 2024 studies on microplastic and nanoplastic release from various tea bag materials, published in peer-reviewed journals including research on polypropylene, nylon-6, and cellulose-based materials.
- Research on PLA materials in food contact applications and FDA food safety certifications.
Disclaimer: While we strive for accuracy, research on microplastics is rapidly evolving. We recommend staying informed about new studies and making choices that feel right for your family.
