If your daily tea ritual includes a store-bought tea bag, you may want to take a closer look, literally. Recent studies have revealed that many traditional tea bags release billions of microplastic particles into your cup when steeped in hot water. As conversations around health, sustainability, and smart living gain traction, more tea drinkers are making the switch to loose leaf tea and for good reason.
Let’s break down what’s actually going on inside your teacup and why going bagless with loose leaf tea is better for you, your body, and the planet.
What Are Microplastics and Why Are They in Your Tea?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, while nanoplastics, a subset of microplastics, are smaller than 1 micrometer and are often invisible to the naked eye, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. While they’re commonly associated with plastic bottles or packaging, they’ve recently been detected in an unlikely place: your favorite tea bags.
According to a study published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers found that plastic-based tea bags can release over 11.6 billion microplastic particles and 3.1 billion nanoplastics into a single cup when steeped in hot water. That’s more plastic than what’s found in a bottle of water and it’s being consumed in what should be one of the most calming, restorative parts of your day.
The Problem With Plastic-Based Tea Bags
Not all tea bags are created equal. While some are made from paper, many premium or pyramid-style tea bags are crafted from nylon or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a form of plastic designed to hold shape in hot water. These materials may seem harmless, but when exposed to boiling temperatures, they can shed microplastics directly into your drink.
What this means for you:
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You could be unknowingly sipping plastic particles.
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Microplastics have been linked to hormonal disruption, inflammation, and other long-term health concerns. (Source: NIH)
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These bags aren’t biodegradable, which also adds to environmental waste.
Why Loose Leaf Tea is the Healthier Choice
Loose leaf tea skips the bags and the plastic entirely. With no hidden materials or packaging in your cup, loose leaf gives you pure, full-bodied flavor without the added risk.
Healthier for You:
Loose leaf tea isn’t just plastic-free, it’s often fresher, more nutrient-dense, and higher quality. You get the whole leaf, not the broken-down fannings and dust that fill many commercial bags.
Better for the Environment:
No microplastics. No wasteful packaging. When brewed responsibly, loose leaf tea can be composted, making it a win-win for your body and the planet.
Fuller Flavor & Aroma:
Without a bag restricting its infusion, loose leaf tea has room to bloom. That means better taste, better smell, and a better tea experience all around.
How Bruetta Makes Loose Leaf Tea Easier Than Ever
We get it, loose leaf sounds great in theory, but nobody wants to mess with steeping baskets, dripping strainers, or a kitchen full of accessories. That’s where Bruetta comes in.
Our patent-approved tumbler features a built-in filter that allows you to brew loose leaf tea (or coffee, or infused water) directly in your cup. No tea bags. No extra gear. No plastic waste. Just scoop your favorite Bruetta loose leaf blend, pour in hot water, and sip.
Bruetta makes it simple to:
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Enjoy plastic-free tea on the go
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Ditch single-use bags for a more sustainable lifestyle
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Brew cleaner, fresher tea anytime, anywhere
The Takeaway: A Better Brew Starts With Better Choices
The microplastic problem in tea bags is real but the solution is simple. By switching to loose leaf tea and using an all-in-one tumbler like Bruetta’s, you’re not only investing in your health, but also making a cleaner, more conscious choice for the environment.
Ready to upgrade your tea ritual?
Shop our collection of loose leaf teas and experience the plastic-free power of the Bruetta tumbler. Your body, and the planet, will thank you.