Can BPA show up in canned and bottled drinks?
Use caution with canned drinks and frequent plastic-bottled drinks. A 2026 Molecules study found BPA above the limit of quantification in about 30% of tested beverages, with iced teas and canned beverages showing the highest detection frequencies.
What is actually in it
BPA is a bisphenol used in some food-contact materials. It can show up in beverages through packaging, liners, and other food-chain contact points.
Cans, plastic bottles, and long storage can matter more than a drink poured into glass right before use.
What the research says
A 2026 Molecules study tested commercial beverages, including iced teas, fruit juices, water, and carbonated drinks. BPA was above the limit of quantification in about 30% of samples, with concentrations from 0.15 to 0.94 ng per mL.
Iced teas and canned beverages had the highest detection frequencies. Water and glass-bottled drinks had the lowest detection frequencies.
This study does not prove every canned or bottled drink is unsafe. It supports choosing lower-contact drink packaging for daily habits.
What to do at home
Use glass or stainless steel cups for daily drinks. Choose glass-bottled or filtered tap water when practical.
For young children, follow pediatric guidance on drinks first: water and milk are usually the core drinks, with juice limited. That advice is separate from BPA concerns.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Analysis of Bisphenol A in Commercial Beverages. | Molecules | 2026 |