Does milk contain microplastics from packaging and processing?
Yes. Microplastics were found in milk and dairy products, with sources including plastic packaging, processing equipment, and contaminated animal feed.
What's actually in it
Milk passes through plastic tubing, containers, and packaging during processing. Each contact point can shed microplastic fragments into the liquid. The cows themselves also ingest microplastics from feed stored in plastic bags and from contaminated water.
By the time milk reaches your glass, it's been in contact with plastic at multiple stages of production, transport, and storage.
What the research says
A 2026 review in J Hazard Mater compiled data from studies worldwide on microplastics in milk and dairy products. They assessed how much plastic is present and where it comes from.
Microplastics were detected in most milk samples tested globally. The counts varied by brand, packaging type, and processing method.
Milk in plastic bottles had more microplastics than milk in glass or cartons. Ultra-high-temperature (UHT) processed milk, which involves heating in plastic-lined containers, also showed higher levels.
Choosing milk in glass bottles or waxed cartons, when available, reduces microplastic exposure from this source.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Microplastic in milk and dairy products: Research quality, abundance, sources, and transfer mechanisms. | J Hazard Mater | 2026 |
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