Is it safe to use a plastic salt grinder every day?
Use caution. A 2026 study found plastic grinder heads released microplastic particles into salt during normal grinding.
What's actually in it
Many disposable and refillable salt grinders use plastic grinder heads. Grinding creates friction. That friction can shave tiny plastic particles into the salt.
Salt is used often, so even a small source can become a repeated food-contact exposure.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Science of the Total Environment tested commercial salt products with plastic grinder heads. The grinder heads were made from PET or polycarbonate.
The study found plastic grinder heads released 1,091 to 15,743 microplastic particles per 50 grams of salt, depending on the product. The released particles matched the grinder-head polymers.
What to do in the kitchen
Use a glass, wood, ceramic, or stainless steel grinder with a ceramic or metal grinding mechanism. For salt, a small ceramic bowl and stainless spoon also works.
If you already have a plastic grinder, do not refill it for years. Replace it with a lower-plastic option when it runs out.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Investigating microplastic release from plastic grinder heads during salt grinding. | Sci Total Environ | 2026 |