What's really in your cup of tea? 5 things you should know!

From hidden plastics in tea bags to gut-friendly plant compounds, your daily cuppa has more going on than you might think!

There’s nothing quite like a good cup of tea, is there?

Whether it’s that first morning brew, an afternoon pick-me-up or a soothing herbal tea before bed, putting the kettle on is practically a British tradition.

But have you ever wondered what’s actually going into your cup?

Scientists have uncovered some fascinating findings about our everyday brew. Some are worth celebrating, while others might make you rethink how you make your tea.

From microplastics in tea bags to the surprising relationship between tea and your gut microbiome, let’s take a closer look!

1. Your tea bag could be releasing billions of plastic particles!

Here’s something that might surprise you!

In 2019, scientists discovered that a single plastic tea bag could release approximately 11.6 billion microplastic particles and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles when steeped in water at 95°C.¹ That’s an astonishing number of tiny particles in one cup of tea!

These particles are incredibly small, and some are much smaller than the width of a human hair.

Not all tea bags are made from plastic, but certain varieties contain polypropylene, nylon or PET. Even some silky, pyramid-shaped tea bags are made from plastic polymers.

And what about biodegradable tea bags? Some contain plant-derived PLA, which is still a type of plastic.

Although scientists are still investigating the long-term health effects of microplastic exposure, one thing is clear: plastic-containing tea bags can release tiny plastic particles into your drink.

The takeaway: If you want to reduce unnecessary plastic exposure, consider switching to loose-leaf tea and a reusable stainless-steel infuser. It’s a simple swap that lets you enjoy your favourite brew without relying on a potentially plastic-containing tea bag!

2. Is loose-leaf tea actually better than tea bags?

Before tea bags became a kitchen staple, brewing loose tea leaves was simply how tea was made.

And perhaps it’s a tradition worth bringing back!

Loose-leaf tea and tea bags can both contain beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols, which are associated with several potential health benefits.

The amount extracted depends on the tea variety, its quality and how it’s brewed, rather than whether the leaves come from a bag.

So, loose-leaf tea isn’t necessarily more nutritious.

But it does have a practical advantage: you can avoid the disposable tea bag altogether, reducing packaging waste and eliminating the bag as a potential source of plastic particles. You also have greater control over the quantity of tea you use and can experiment with different blends to find your perfect brew.

The takeaway: You don’t need expensive loose-leaf tea to enjoy the benefits. A simple stainless-steel infuser and your favourite tea leaves are a great place to start.

3. Good old British tea could be doing you good!

Now for some encouraging news!

Your everyday cup of English Breakfast tea may offer more than a comforting start to the morning.

Traditional British tea is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis and is naturally rich in polyphenols, particularly theaflavins and thearubigins, which researchers have been investigating for their potential heart and metabolic health benefits.

And the research is rather impressive!

A large study involving nearly 500,000 UK adults found that drinking two or more cups of tea daily was associated with a 9–13% lower risk of death over the study period compared with non-tea drinkers.²

The researchers also observed associations with lower cardiovascular mortality.³

Of course, this doesn’t mean drinking tea guarantees a longer life, but it’s encouraging evidence for those who enjoy their daily cuppa!

And here’s some good news for milk lovers: the associations were observed whether or not people added milk to their tea.

But why stop at black tea?

Herbal teas offer another lovely way to enjoy a wider variety of plant compounds. Different herbs, roots and flowers contain their own unique mixtures of polyphenols and other naturally occurring substances.

That’s something we love about our Chuckling Goat Loose-Leaf Herbal Teas. Hand-blended on our farm using real herbs, roots and flowers, our naturally caffeine-free blends include everything from refreshing peppermint and rosemary, to soothing chamomile and lavender.

The takeaway: Keep enjoying your traditional British cuppa! Black tea has well-studied health benefits, while herbal infusions are a wonderful way to introduce more botanical variety into your day.

4. Black, green or herbal: Which tea should you choose?

With so many teas lining supermarket shelves, it’s easy to wonder whether one is actually better for you than another.

The good news? Different teas offer different benefits, and there’s no single winner!

Black tea – Your everyday antioxidant boost!

Rich in theaflavins and other polyphenols, black tea has promising evidence linking regular consumption with cardiovascular health.⁴ Plus, its natural caffeine content can give you a welcome morning boost!

Green tea – A different kind of polyphenol powerhouse!

Made from the same plant as black tea but processed differently, green tea is particularly rich in catechins, including EGCG, which researchers have studied for their antioxidant properties and potential benefits for heart health and blood sugar control.⁵

Peppermint tea – A refreshing after-dinner favourite!

Naturally caffeine-free, peppermint is a lovely option after meals. Peppermint oil has shown benefits for IBS symptoms in clinical studies,⁶ although ordinary peppermint tea hasn’t been studied as extensively.

Ginger tea – A warming brew for your tummy!

Ginger contains natural compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which have been studied for their digestive benefits. Research suggests that ginger may help support healthy digestion by encouraging food to move through the stomach and easing symptoms such as nausea and digestive discomfort ⁷

Chamomile tea – Your evening wind-down!

Naturally caffeine-free, chamomile is a lovely way to unwind before bed. And there’s some encouraging science behind it! A 2024 scientific review found improvements in sleep quality among people using chamomile preparations, particularly fewer night-time awakenings.⁸

The takeaway: Rather than searching for the ‘healthiest’ tea, enjoy a variety! Black and green teas provide well-studied polyphenols, while herbal infusions bring different botanical compounds and flavours to your cup.

5. Your gut microbes may enjoy your cup of tea too!

Here’s something particularly fascinating!

We often talk about feeding our beneficial gut bacteria with fibre, but there’s another group of plant compounds worth paying attention to: polyphenols!

And tea is naturally rich in them.

Not all the polyphenols you consume are absorbed in the small intestine. Some travel further along the digestive tract, where they encounter the trillions of microorganisms living in your gut.

Certain gut bacteria can break these compounds down into smaller metabolites, which may then be absorbed and influence different processes in the body.

And interestingly, research suggests this relationship works both ways!

Tea polyphenols may also influence which microorganisms thrive in your gut and how they function.⁹

Scientists are still investigating exactly how these relationships work and what they mean for human health. Much of the evidence is still emerging, but it’s an exciting area of nutritional research.

And it highlights something important: our gut microbes don’t exist in isolation. They’re constantly interacting with the foods and drinks we consume.

The takeaway: Supporting a healthy gut microbiome isn’t just about eating more fibre. Polyphenol-rich foods and drinks, including tea, berries, cocoa and colourful vegetables, can also contribute to a varied, plant-rich diet.

A few simple tweaks for a healthier cuppa!

The good news is that enjoying tea doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are a few simple things worth considering:

Choose loose-leaf tea when you can. A reusable stainless-steel infuser avoids plastic-containing tea bags and reduces packaging waste.
Enjoy a variety of teas. Black, green and herbal varieties bring different plant compounds and flavours to your day.
Think about timing. Did you know that drinking tea with meals can reduce how much iron your body absorbs from plant foods? If you have low iron levels, try enjoying your cuppa between meals, ideally waiting at least an hour after eating.¹⁰
Watch your afternoon caffeine. Black and green tea naturally contain caffeine. If sleep is an issue, switch to a caffeine-free option later in the day.
Keep it simple. You don’t need expensive blends or complicated brewing rituals to enjoy a good cup of tea!

The bottom line: Keep the tea, rethink the bag!

There’s plenty to celebrate about our humble cup of tea.

From its naturally occurring polyphenols to its potential interactions with our gut microbiome, tea offers more than just warmth and comfort.

But the research also reminds us that how we prepare our food and drink matters, too.

If there’s one simple change worth making, it’s this: consider swapping plastic-containing tea bags for loose-leaf tea and a reusable infuser.

It’s an easy way to reduce one avoidable source of microplastic exposure, without giving up your favourite brew.

And as for whether you should choose traditional British tea, green tea or a soothing herbal infusion?

Enjoy the variety! Different teas bring different plant compounds to the table, and there’s no need to chase a single ‘superior’ brew.

Sometimes, looking after our health really can begin with something as simple as putting the kettle on.

Fancy exploring the world of herbal teas?

Discover our range of Chuckling Goat Loose-Leaf Herbal Teas, hand-blended on our farm using real herbs, roots and flowers. Read more about the range here.

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.