A groundbreaking new UK study has revealed that microplastics are present in virtually every type of beverage we consume daily – from coffee and tea to juice, fizzy drinks, and bottled water – underscoring the urgent need for solutions. Researchers from the University of Birmingham tested 155 popular beverages sold across the UK and found synthetic microplastic particles in every single one.
The findings show that hot tea contained the highest levels, averaging 60 particles per litre – more than double the levels in soft drinks. Coffee was also heavily affected, with hot coffee averaging 43 particles per litre and iced coffee 37. Even fruit juices and energy drinks contained measurable amounts of microplastics.
The researchers warn that, based on typical beverage consumption, women in the UK may ingest around 1.7 microplastic particles per kilo of body weight per day, while men are close behind at 1.6. Heat was identified as a key factor, with hotter drinks consistently leaching more plastics into beverages.
“This is the first time anyone has looked at total beverage intake rather than just water,” said co-author Professor Stuart Harrad. “It’s a step towards understanding the real scale of everyday exposure.”
“Microplastic and toxic chemical contamination of our drinking water and everyday beverages is one of the most alarming health challenges of our time,” said Bengt Rittri, Bluewater founder and CEO. “People should not have to worry that every sip of tea, coffee, or juice is delivering tiny plastic particles or PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ into their bodies.”