It’s a chilly morning, you’re running late for work, and you grab a steaming hot coffee in a plastic cup from your favourite café. Sounds familiar, right? We’ve all been there. But have you ever stopped to wonder if you can put hot coffee in a plastic cup?

It might seem like a silly question, but the truth is, it’s not as straightforward as you might think. Any holding cup is not safe to use, there is always a hidden danger of potential risks lying beneath those cheap quality, plastic surfaces.

When you grab a steaming hot cup of coffee or any hot drinks in plastic cups and enjoy it by taking a small sip a process called leaching starts occurring there. Just like you sweat, it’s like plastic starts to sweat and releases tiny particles of chemicals in your favorite coffee instead of perspiration. Not exactly the kind of extra flavor you want in your morning pick-me-up, right?

Wait, not all plastics are created equal. Some are good enough to resist heat and are durable, too. But even with the safest option there is a chance to release these chemicals into your beverages due to repeated use or extreme hot liquids.

How To Avoid Microplastic In The Kitchen

The problem with these plastic cups is not only their weird taste, but they can create some pretty serious effects on health. So, what are these mysterious chemicals that could be sneaking into your coffee? One of the biggest concerns is BPA or Bisphenol A. The harmful effect of drinking hot coffee in a plastic cup are:

• Hormone Imbalance: chemicals like BPA can mimic estrogen in the body and cause issues like fertility problems, menstrual cycle abnormalities, early puberty, and even certain types of cancers [sources].
• Metabolic Problems: Studies also show exposure to some of these plastic chemicals is linked with obesity, metabolic disorders, and diabetes.
• Other health issues: Researchers also prove that plastic chemicals lead to heart problems, immune system dysfunction, and even neurological issues.

Microplastics are another common concern from these plastic cups and definitely it’s not something that you want to be adding to your diet intentionally. These tiny plastic particles can leach from plastic when exposed to heat into your favorite beverages. Research is still being done to identify the long-term effect of microplastic consumption on health.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “- Are Plastic Coffee cups Safe?” Honestly, it’s probably best to minimize your exposure. So, while purchasing a coffee next time, you must be aware of what kind of coffee cups you should avoid. 

• Polystyrene (PS): commonly known as Styrofoam, is lightweight and cheap in price but leach styrene in your coffee especially when exposed to heat. 
• Polypropylene (PP): is generally considered safe plastic for coffee or hot drinks than Styrofoam due to their heat-resistant quality but still likely to leach chemicals. 
• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): You encounter it most often because the water disposable bottle that you purchase is made up of PET. it’s not designed to carry hot beverages.

Related Post: Where Do Microplastics Come From?

But If you’re a coffee lover and daily coffee drinker, consider the following reusable alternatives to plastic cups for coffee or any hot beverages that are BPA-free. They’re not only safer sipping options but also better for the environment.

But what about those days when you’re grabbing coffee on the go? Don’t worry, you can still avoid plastic. You can bring your coffee mug to the shop (many offer discounts for doing so!). If you end up with a disposable plastic coffee cup, skip the plastic lid and stirrer. Every little bit helps!

Ultimately, it’s all about making informed choices. By understanding the potential risks of hot coffee in plastic cups and exploring safer alternatives, you can enjoy your daily caffeine fix without compromising your health or the environment.