Can bisphenol analogs in tea and coffee leach from brewing equipment?
Yes. Multiple bisphenol compounds were detected in brewed tea and coffee, leaching from plastic brewing equipment, cups, and lids.
What's actually in it
Tea and coffee come into contact with plastic at multiple steps: brewing machines, filters, disposable cups, lids, and stirrers. Hot water is especially effective at pulling bisphenol compounds from plastic surfaces. The longer hot liquid sits in a plastic container, the more bisphenols dissolve into your drink.
Even home coffee makers with plastic reservoirs and tubing can contribute. The heat from brewing combined with the acidity of coffee creates ideal conditions for chemical migration.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Food Chem conducted a nationwide investigation of bisphenol analog contamination in brewed tea and coffee. The researchers detected multiple bisphenol compounds including BPA, BPS, BPF, and BPAF in samples across the country.
The levels varied depending on the brewing method and container type. Plastic brewing equipment and disposable cups contributed the most contamination. Tea brewed in plastic teapots and coffee from machines with plastic parts had higher bisphenol levels than drinks prepared with glass or ceramic equipment.
For daily tea and coffee drinkers, the cumulative bisphenol exposure from brewing equipment alone adds up. Using a glass or stainless steel French press, ceramic pour-over, or glass teapot eliminates this source. If you use disposable cups, transferring your drink to a ceramic mug right away reduces contact time.
The research at a glance
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