Does cold soda in a foam cup pull styrene into the drink?
A little, yes. Cold drinks pull less styrene than hot ones, but acidic sodas with ice still pick up measurable amounts.
What's actually in it
Foam cups and clear deli cups are made from polystyrene. The plastic is built from a chemical block called styrene. Not every styrene block locks into the plastic. Some stays loose and can move from the cup into your drink. People assume only hot food pulls styrene out. Cold drinks pull less, but they still pull some.
What the research says
A 2026 review in Food Chem mapped styrene migration from food contact materials. Heat is the biggest driver, but acid and contact time matter too. Cola, lemonade, and other acidic sodas leach more than plain water. A 30-minute sit in a foam cup pulls more than a fast drink. Ice does not stop migration since the soda itself is still acidic and in contact with the plastic walls and the rim.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer calls styrene a probable human cancer agent. Use a glass at home. Bring a stainless tumbler to fast food spots that still hand out foam. Pour foam-cup drinks into a glass at the office and toss the cup quickly.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Styrene migration from food contact materials | Food Chem | 2026 |
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