How to Avoid Toxins in Tea
Written by:
Maia James
10/07/2019

A couple of years ago there was a flurry of headlines about micro-plastic contamination in high-end tea bags. I’m a big tea drinker (on my third cup of Jasmine Green from Pique as we speak!), so this is something I wanted to research when I read it.
What Are the Sources of Toxins in Tea?
Unfortunately, there a bunch of ways that toxins end up in your morning cup of tea. What follows are the ones I am most worried about.
- Paper tea bags can be a problem because of a chemical called epichlorohydrin, which is used to keep the bags from breaking. Epichlorohydrin will leach when exposed to hot water, and is a potential carcinogen and reproductive toxin. (Many paper coffee filters will also be treated with this chemical, by the way, which is why we recommend stainless steel filters.)
- Those silky fancier tea bags (called satchets) pose a different risk, which is what we are hearing about now in the news. These bags are made of either rayon, thermoplastic, polypropylene, or, most commonly, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET is considered a safe plastic, with a high melting point. However, PET’s “glass transition” temperature (the temperature at which the material starts to break down) is less than 170 degrees–and boiling water is 212 degrees. So it’s really not surprising at all that the plastic in these bags leaches into the tea!
- Tea bags that are made of polylactic acid, which is derived from corn starch, should also be avoided. Polylactic acid is still a plastic of sorts that lacks any safety studies.
- There is also the issue of toxins in the tea itself, with reports showing unsafe pesticide levels in tea that’s imported from China. Heavy metals from contaminated soil (including lead, aluminum, arsenic, and cadmium) may be present in both organic and conventional teas. Although the lead levels are below the action level for public drinking water, steeping tea for less time will not allow the transfer of heavy metals and is thus a good safety precaution.

How to Avoid Toxins in Tea
Tea has many health benefits. Drinking tea may reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease, due to tea’s high antioxidant content. (Related post: 8 Super Foods We Eat Every Day.)
If you’re a tea-drinker like I am, I recommend either drinking Pique or buying organic, loose leaf teas that do not come from China, brewed in stainless steel. You’ll see my two of my favorite brewers, below, and here are some Good Stuff teas, both bagged and loose:
- Art of Tea is my favorite loose tea.
- Gaia also makes safe tea, as there are no plastics used in their tea bags. Only chlorine-free bleached paper pulps are used for the production of the filter paper, and cotton yarn is used to secure the tab.
- Numi Organic Tea is also toxin-free, as it comes in compostable hemp tea bags that are oxygen-bleached.
- Choice Organic Teas come in 100% unbleached abaca fibers and are free of plastics. They are sealed with either a staple or cotton string.
- Traditional Medicinals teas are also stored in toxin-free, compostable bags made from hemp and wood pulp. They are whitened using oxygen and peroxide and sealed with staples and cotton string.
- Five Mountains makes delicious teas with international organic certifications, biodiverse and sustainable growing methods, and compostable packaging.
- Golden Moon Tea is another healthful and delicious brand of loose leaf tea.
- Davidson’s Organic Tea is another nice loose leaf tea option.
- Earth Mama teas are in 100% USDA Certified Organic–including the paper tea bags, which are not processed with chlorine, dioxins, and/or epichlorohydrin, and have been analyzed and approved by Food Chain for Non-GMO Project Verified status.
- Pique tea is my favorite tea. The convenience is unrivaled–you just empty the packets into hot or cold water. Pique cold-extracts their teas to preserve the maximum polynutrients and you can truly taste the difference. The tea is also screened for a range of toxins and pesticides. Use code GIMME5 for 5% off your first order at Pique.
More Ways to Avoid Toxins in Tea
Stay sane,


Maia, Founder & CEO
P.S. This is the cup I transfer my home-brewed green tea into when I leave the house. It is made of only glass and silicone, so it doesn’t leach any chemicals into my brew:).

Note: This article contains affiliate links or sponsored content, which means that if you make a purchase, we may earn a commission. We only recommend products that meet our strict standards for non-toxicity and that we use (or want to use!) ourselves. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that make Good Stuff!
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Also, how does stainless compare as an option?
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Wondering if removing the tea from the tea bag before steeping will help any?? Also, love the glass cup but it appears the silcone/rubber? stopper would be in contact with your warm liquid. Isn’t that a hazard? TIA
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If I remove the tea from bag before steeping will that help
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Maia, is decaf tea processed in the same way as decaf coffee? Are there safe decaf tea options?
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Unfortunately this barely scratches the surface & doesn’t address mycotoxin.
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how about Planet organic Australian Brand
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Do you have any recommendations on electric tea pots? Glass, stainless, ceramic… what is the best material to look for? Do you have any recommended brands?
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Hi Mia
I was reading your post about organic tea bags and was wondering if you knew if Yogi tea bags we’re okay? -
Hello, What are your thoughts on Yogi organic and trader joes teas?
Any other new brands that you have come across recently that are the safest?
Thank you!
Mona -
what is best to use to infuse the loose leaf tea?
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Do you know anything about Yogi tea?
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Hi! Donyou know if David’s tea is a safe choice? Thanks!
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I’m curious to hear your thoughts on Rishi tea sachets? That is our favorite brand of tea and according to their website, they seem to be safe.
“We here at Rishi feel this is an important question and are proud to report Rishi tea bags are made from a plant-based material called polylactic acid (or PLA for short). PLA is an inert, DNA and GMO free material that is produced by breaking down starches found in plant sources. Through this process, no plant DNA is left behind, making these hypoallergenic and allergen free. PLA is NOT derived from petroleum, it is not a plastic and will not leak harmful plasticizers into your brew. “
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Curious about Yogi organic and trader Joe’s teas….?
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So disappointed to see that even my favourite organic, cornstarch-derived bags are considered a type of plastic. But glad I know now.
Thanks again, Maia!-
Look out for those who use organic farmed but the processor processes chemically.
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Thanks Maia!! I’ve been looking for a great article like this one. Do you have any idea about Whole Foods Organic paper tea bags? I can’t seem to find any info on whether or not they contain epichlorohydrin. Thanks again!
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I haven’t heard back yet on those!
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