Silky pyramid (mesh) tea bags swap to Steel tea infuser

Some silky mesh tea bags are plastic, such as nylon or PET, and in lab tests hot water made them shed tiny particles. A steel infuser has nothing to shed.

Silky pyramid (mesh) tea bags, the old item this swap replaces

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Written by Ken · Checked Oct 2026 · Sources below

Myth What about the viral claim? Do tea bags have plastic in them? Some do. How to tell

Why make the swap

Why switch to steel tea infuser
An 18/8 stainless steel infuser. Inert and reusable.
What's the concern with silky pyramid (mesh) tea bags
In lab tests, tea bags made of nylon, PET and polypropylene released micro- and nanoplastic particles into hot water. What that means for health isn’t known yet.
General information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing or have a health condition.
Good to know before you buy
You’ll need loose-leaf tea; a teaspoon per cup is a common place to start. Plain paper bags are an option too, but some use plastic in the paper or seal, and packs rarely say.
Sources (3)
Health and safety facts on this page come from these sources. What a pick is made of comes from its maker's listing or website, as stated on the date we checked.

Questions people ask

Do tea bags have plastic in them?

Some tea bags do have plastic in them: nylon, PET and polypropylene bags shed particles into hot water in lab tests. A steel infuser and loose-leaf tea skip the bag. How to tell: Do tea bags have plastic in them?

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