Is it safe to use plastic measuring cups for hot liquids?
No. Plastic measuring cups are not safe for hot liquids because they leach harmful chemicals like phthalates and bisphenols directly into your food.
What's actually in it
Plastic measuring cups are often made from materials like polyethylene or polystyrene. These plastics are not stable when they meet heat. They contain a cocktail of additives that are designed to make the plastic flexible or durable.
These additives include phthalates (chemicals used to soften plastic), bisphenols (chemicals that disrupt hormones), and perfluorinated compounds. When you pour hot liquid into these cups, these chemicals don't just stay in the plastic. They leach directly into your food or drink.
What the research says
Peer-reviewed research confirms that these materials are not safe for high-heat use. A 2026 study in J Environ Sci Health B found that phthalates, bisphenols, and perfluorinated compounds migrate from polyethylene and polystyrene cups into liquids. This means you are likely consuming these chemicals every time you use plastic tools with hot ingredients.
Furthermore, the breakdown of these materials can release microplastics into your kitchen. A 2026 study in Food Chem Toxicol highlights the presence of these particles in common cup materials. Heat accelerates this process, making plastic measuring cups a constant source of contamination in your kitchen.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Migration of phthalates, bisphenols, photoinitiators, and perfluorinated compounds in polyethylene and polystyrene based beverage cups. | J Environ Sci Health B | 2026 |
| Monitoring of microplastics, ions and heavy metals in disposable paper cups from Turkiye marketplaces. | Food Chem Toxicol | 2026 |
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