Do yogurt and butter contain microplastics from processing and packaging?

What's actually in it

Dairy products like yogurt, butter, cheese, and cream are processed in factories that use plastic tubing, tanks, and packaging. During production, storage, and transport, tiny plastic particles can break off equipment and contaminate the product. The final plastic tub or wrapper adds another layer of exposure.

The fat in dairy products is especially good at absorbing plastic particles and any chemicals attached to them. Higher-fat products may carry more contamination than lower-fat versions.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Curr Res Food Sci tested both commercially packaged and traditionally made dairy products for microplastic contamination. They found microplastics in all product types, including yogurt, butter, and ghee.

The commercial products packaged in plastic had higher microplastic counts than traditionally made products sold without plastic packaging. The most common particle types were polyethylene and polypropylene, the same plastics used in dairy tubs and lids.

The researchers calculated potential health risks from daily dairy consumption and found the numbers are worth paying attention to, especially for people who eat dairy at every meal. Glass-bottled or paper-packaged dairy products are likely to contain fewer plastic particles than those packed in plastic tubs.