What Happens to Plastic in Coffee Pods?

Each morning, millions of Americans press a single button for a hot cup of coffee. As much as they enjoy the instant comfort, it may have hidden health costs.

Like many other kitchen products , the pods and cups used inside these coffee machines often contain plastic materials. Studies find these materials can shed microplastics, which are then released into the coffee—and emerging research suggests that long-term exposure to microplastics in general may compromise health. In 2024, researchers showed that patients with microplastics in their arteries had higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and early death.

“We already have evidence that many plastics and related microplastics contain hazardous chemicals that can cause harm,” says Justin Boucher, an environmental engineer and operati