Do paper takeout bowls release chemicals into hot soup?
caution
What's in the bowl
Paper takeout bowls and soup containers aren't pure paper. They need a waterproof coating to hold liquids without falling apart. That coating is usually a thin layer of plastic (polyethylene) or a "bio-based" polymer. Some use PFAS chemicals for grease resistance. When you pour hot soup into these containers, the heat breaks down the coating and releases chemicals into your food.
The hotter the liquid and the longer it sits in the container, the more chemicals migrate into your meal.
What the research says
A 2026 study tested bio-based and biodegradable food packaging for chemical migration. The researchers found that these "eco-friendly" containers still released biologically active chemicals into food. Some of the substances detected had hormonal effects, meaning they could interfere with your endocrine system even at low doses.
The study found that paper-based containers performed no better than conventional plastic in terms of chemical safety. The coatings needed to make paper waterproof introduce their own set of chemicals, and hot liquids accelerate their release.
How to reduce exposure
Transfer hot soup and other liquids from paper takeout containers into glass or ceramic bowls as soon as you get home. Don't let hot food sit in takeout packaging. If you bring soup from home, use a stainless steel thermos instead of a coated paper cup.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluating the chemical safety of bio-based and biodegradable food packaging materials through non-targeted LC-HRMS analysis and in vitro bioassays. | Anal Bioanal Chem | 2026 |
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