10 Common Foods That Contain Microplastics and How to Avoid Them

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  Food and Wine on Wed, Jun 25th, 2025 by CNET

Seafood: Seafood, particularly shellfish like mussels, oysters, and shrimp, is a primary source of microplastics in the human diet. These organisms filter large volumes of water, inadvertently ingesting microplastics present in the ocean. The article suggests that consumers can reduce their intake of microplastics by choosing seafood from less polluted waters or opting for farmed seafood, which may have lower levels of contamination.

Salt: Sea salt, derived from seawater, is another common food item that can contain microplastics. The article notes that studies have detected microplastics in various brands of sea salt, with concentrations varying based on the source of the salt. To minimize exposure, the article recommends using rock salt or salt derived from underground sources, which are less likely to be contaminated with microplastics.

Bottled Water: The convenience of bottled water comes with the risk of microplastic contamination. The article explains that microplastics can leach from the plastic bottles into the water, especially when the bottles are exposed to heat or sunlight. To avoid this, the article advises consumers to opt for tap water or use reusable stainless steel or glass containers for drinking water.

Beer: Beer, particularly those brewed with water sourced from areas with high plastic pollution, can contain microplastics. The article suggests that consumers can reduce their exposure by choosing beers from breweries that use filtered water or by opting for beers brewed in regions with lower levels of plastic pollution.

Honey: Honey, a natural sweetener, has also been found to contain microplastics. The article explains that bees can pick up microplastics from the environment and transfer them to the honey they produce. To minimize exposure, the article recommends choosing honey from beekeepers who practice sustainable and environmentally friendly beekeeping methods.

Sugar: Sugar, especially those derived from sugarcane, can contain microplastics due to the use of plastic mulch in sugarcane cultivation. The article suggests that consumers can reduce their intake of microplastics by choosing organic sugar or sugar derived from sources that do not use plastic mulch.

Tea: Tea, particularly tea bags made from plastic materials, can release microplastics into the hot water during brewing. The article advises consumers to opt for loose-leaf tea or tea bags made from natural materials like cotton or silk to minimize their exposure to microplastics.

Milk: Milk, both dairy and plant-based, can contain microplastics due to the use of plastic equipment in the milking and processing stages. The article suggests that consumers can reduce their intake of microplastics by choosing milk from farms that use stainless steel equipment or by opting for milk packaged in glass or paper containers.

Vegetables: Vegetables, especially those grown in soil contaminated with microplastics, can absorb these particles through their roots. The article recommends that consumers choose organic vegetables or those grown in areas with lower levels of plastic pollution to minimize their exposure to microplastics.

Processed Foods: Processed foods, which often come in plastic packaging, can contain microplastics that leach from the packaging into the food. The article advises consumers to opt for fresh, whole foods or those packaged in glass or metal containers to reduce their intake of microplastics.