In addition to our food and water, microplastics can be found in some of the kitchen items we use the most to cook and store our food. Although further research is needed to confirm the impact on our health, studies have linked microplastics to a weakened immune system and certain types of cancer.
While I’ve been aware of microplastics and their potential health effects for some time, I have avoided inspecting my own kitchen for microplastics, fearing what I might find. However, I recently faced the music and found the following microplastic culprits hiding in my own kitchen cabinets and drawers. This is what I plan to replace them with.
1. Plastic food storage containers
The dreaded black plastic spatula I should have replaced ages ago.
Like plastic containers, your plastic kitchen utensils can also release microplastic particles into your food, as reported by a June 2024 systematic review.
I use wooden cutting boards, metal cutlery, a silicone spatula solely for mixing room-temperature ingredients and wood and metal cooking utensils, so I thought I was in the clear with plastic utensils — until I spotted one thing: a black plastic spatula. I know I should have gotten rid of it by now, but it’s the perfect width for flipping pancakes and fried eggs. Writing this article is the wake-up call I need.
The swap for a plastic spatula
I’m planning to replace my black plastic spatula with either a metal or wooden one. I already have several wood spatulas, but none are wide enough, so I might opt for a stainless steel fish spatula, such as the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Fish Turner ($18) or the Victorinox 40415 Turner Slotted Wood ($54).
3. My non-stick air fryer
I was disappointed to learn that my beloved tea bags could contain plastic.
I found dozens of tea bags in my designated tea jar and the kitchen cabinet where I store extra boxes, but I was shocked to learn they didn’t just contain my favorite teas.
A February 2025 review found that tea bags are the greatest contributors of microplastic particles to hot tea when the bag and string are steeped, as more than 1 billion microplastics and nanoplastics can be released into the liquid. It also doesn’t matter whether the tea bags contain plastic that’s used to heat-seal the bags or are biodegradable, as the latter can still be created with plastic.
Upon examining all my tea bags, I found that most of them claim to be compostable, which means they’re made from plant-based materials and don’t contain plastic. However, I do have some tea bags that lack this label, which means they may contain microplastics.
If you’re wondering about the difference between compostable and biodegradable, not-for-profit environmental company Oceanwatch Australia says compostable products are made with organic elements that can break down over time in the right environment, like in a compost bin, while biodegradable products can be made of either plant-based materials or petroleum-based plastic (which could leave behind microplastics).
The swap for tea bags that may contain microplastics
Instead of relying on non-compostable tea bags for a hot beverage, I can choose loose-leaf tea instead. I already have stainless steel tea infusers that I can use for steeping. To ensure that nothing leaches into the water I use to brew my tea, I can use a glass electric kettle, such as CNET’s favorite OXO Adjustable Temperature Kettle ($120).
My final thoughts
While there’s no need to panic and hurriedly replace every single item that’s plastic in your kitchen, as more studies are required to confirm health effects, there’s no harm in slowly swapping out plastic kitchen items for those that are silicone, wood, metal or glass, especially if you’re heating, refrigerating, dishwashing or freezing them. After all, a glass item a day could keep the microplastics away.
