Does honey contain microplastics from the environment?
Honey can contain microplastics from environmental and handling sources. One 2026 study found particles in 93% of tested honey samples, but honey was not a major daily source.
Why honey can carry plastic particles
Honey comes from bees, flowers, air, water, tools, and jars. Tiny plastic particles can enter during foraging, processing, storage, or packaging. A glass jar does not remove particles already in honey, but it helps you avoid extra plastic contact during storage at home.
What the research says
A 2026 study in NPJ Science of Food tested 15 honey samples from Turkiye. Researchers found microplastics in 93% of samples. Special honey had higher average particle counts than industrial honey in this study.
The estimated intake was 0.16 to 0.38 particles per day. The authors wrote that honey is not a major dietary microplastic source, but it can show how plastic pollution moves through the environment.
What to do at home
Choose honey in glass when you can. Store pantry foods in glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wood instead of soft plastic. Keep the bigger picture in mind too: microplastic exposure comes from many sources, not honey alone.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Honey as a bioindicator of microplastic pollution: insights from industrial and special honey types. | NPJ Sci Food | 2026 |
What to use instead
Browse glass storage jars for pantry staples. Glass storage will not remove microplastics already present, but it avoids extra soft-plastic contact at home.
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