Is bottled soda risky because of microplastics in the bottle?
Yes. Bottled drinks have measurable microplastic loads, with health risk that adds up.
What's actually in it
Bottled drinks come in PET or HDPE plastic. Acidic and carbonated drinks like soda and sparkling water are rougher on plastic walls than plain still water. Heat during shipping and storage adds more particles. By the time you crack open a bottle, microplastic is already in the drink.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Sci Total Environ tested store-bought bottled drinks for microplastic and modeled the health risk. Daily drinkers cross worry thresholds for combined chemical and particle exposure faster than people who drink mostly tap water. Soda, sparkling water, and juice all came out higher than plain bottled water.
Cans aren't perfect either, but a clean glass or stainless bottle from your tap solves the problem. If you want soda, a home carbonator with a glass bottle skips the issue. For takeout, ask for a glass or accept the can over the plastic bottle.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Unbottling the risk: Microplastic release and health hazards from bottled drinks | Sci Total Environ | 2026 |
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