Can honey show microplastic pollution in the food supply?
Use honey normally, but treat it as a signal of wider microplastic pollution. A 2026 NPJ Science of Food study found microplastics in 93% of 15 honey samples from Turkiye, while estimated daily intake from honey stayed low.
What is actually in it
Honey comes from bees, plants, air, dust, equipment, and packaging. That makes it useful for tracking what is happening in the surrounding environment.
Microplastics in honey can come from more than one place. The jar or squeeze bottle may matter, but air, dust, water, and processing can also play a role.
What the research says
A 2026 NPJ Science of Food study tested 15 honey samples from Turkiye. Microplastics were found in 93% of samples. Estimated intake from honey was low, about 0.16 to 0.38 particles per day.
This means honey can be a useful pollution signal. It does not mean honey is a major microplastic exposure source for most people.
What to do at home
Buy honey from producers you trust. Store honey in clean glass when practical. Do not heat honey in plastic squeeze bottles.
For bigger exposure reduction, focus on higher-contact habits: hot food in plastic, disposable plastic bottles, and scratched plastic storage.
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 |