Birmingham, UK: Microplastics have become a growing global concern, with traces found in oceans, animals, and even human blood and organs. Recently, a new study highlighted that one of the biggest sources of exposure may come from what we drink daily—particularly hot beverages.
A research team at the University of Birmingham tested 155 popular soft drinks, including hot and cold varieties, to assess average human exposure to microplastics through everyday beverages. The study, the first of its kind, revealed that hot tea and hot coffee contained the highest concentrations of microplastics.
By contrast, iced tea and iced coffee were found to have significantly lower amounts, suggesting that high temperatures and preparation processes may contribute to increased microplastic content in hot drinks.
The team examined 31 types of drinks from leading UK brands, sourced from supermarkets and coffee shops in 2024. These included juices, energy drinks, carbonated beverages, and both hot and cold teas and coffees. Samples were filtered and analysed using microscope imaging. Cold drinks were tested immediately, while hot beverages were cooled for 30 minutes before analysis.
The findings raise fresh concerns about how everyday dietary habits may be accelerating human exposure to microplastics, adding urgency to calls for stricter regulation and research into safer alternatives.