Can phthalates, bisphenols, and PFAS migrate from beverage cups into your drinks?

What's actually in it

Disposable beverage cups made from polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) are used for coffee, soda, smoothies, and juice. These cups contain chemical additives that help with flexibility, clarity, and printability. When liquid sits in the cup, especially hot liquid, chemicals migrate from the cup walls into your drink.

What the research says

A 2026 study in J Environ Sci Health B tested polyethylene and polystyrene beverage cups for chemical migration. The researchers found that phthalates, bisphenols, photoinitiators, and PFAS all migrated from the cups into the liquid. Hot beverages increased migration for most chemicals.

You're exposed to multiple chemicals at once from a single cup. Phthalates disrupt hormones. Bisphenols mimic estrogen. PFAS accumulate in your body. Photoinitiators (from printed inks on the cup) may also have biological effects.

Use a reusable glass, ceramic, or stainless steel cup for daily beverages. If you use disposable cups, avoid letting hot drinks sit in them for more than a few minutes.