You reach for your cup and dip in the tea bag – but did you know that tea bags made of plastic can release microplastics into the water? And that there is an alternative with no bag at all?
The plastic problem in tea bags
According to a study by McGill University (Hernandez et al., Environmental Science & Technology, 2019), a plastic tea bag (nylon or PET) released around 11.6 billion microplastic and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles per cup when steeped in water at 95 °C. According to the researchers, the possible consequences for humans are not yet known. Not all tea bags are made of plastic, but paper bags too are often sealed with plastic fibres; Swiss composting experts recommend putting whole tea bags in the general waste.
What are TEABALLS?
TEABALLS are pressed pieces of tea and plant extracts – without a tea bag. The 16 TEABALLS varieties can be used hot and cold, while the 8 organic varieties can only be enjoyed hot. Three to five pressed pieces make one 300 ml drink. In total there are 24 varieties, 8 of them organic.
The comparison at a glance
| Criterion | Conventional tea bag | TEABALLS |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic | Sometimes present (plastic bags, sealing fibres) | No bag made of plastic fibres |
| Disposal | According to Kompostforum Schweiz, whole tea bags belong in the general waste | No tea bag waste |
| Taste | Depends on the product | Fruity, spicy or tart, depending on the variety |
| Usable cold | Mostly intended for hot water; cold-brew teas need a long steeping time | 16 TEABALLS varieties hot and cold (stir briefly); organic varieties hot only |
| Organic options | Available | 8 organic varieties (EU organic): Organic TEABALLS |
Variety and taste
TEABALLS come in fruity, spicy or tart flavours – depending on the variety. Choices include Organic Ginger, Cherry or Organic Chai Latte (the two organic varieties hot only). With the tasting box of 10 varieties you can find out what you like.
TEABALLS as flavoured water without added sugar
Stir briefly in cold water until the pressed pieces have dissolved – this gives you flavoured water without added sugar (the 16 TEABALLS varieties; sucralose is found in only four varieties: Energy, Mango, Blueberry & Coconut and Watermelon). One bottle of 150 pressed pieces makes 30–50 drinks, which is roughly CHF 0.18 to 0.30 per drink (varieties at CHF 8.90; for varieties at CHF 9.90 roughly CHF 0.20 to 0.33). 👉 Here is how to make flavoured water without added sugar
Frequently asked questions
Do tea bags contain plastic?
Some do: tea bags can be made of plastics such as nylon, PET, PLA or polypropylene, and paper bags too are often sealed with plastic fibres. In the 2019 McGill study, bags made of nylon and PET released micro- and nanoplastic particles when steeped in water at 95 °C.
What distinguishes TEABALLS from tea bags?
TEABALLS are pressed pieces of tea and plant extracts and need no tea bag. The 16 TEABALLS varieties can be used hot and cold, the 8 organic varieties hot only.
Do TEABALLS taste better than tea bags?
Taste is a matter of preference. TEABALLS come in 24 varieties (16 TEABALLS varieties and 8 organic varieties), from fruity to tart. The easiest way to find out is the tasting box with 10 varieties.
Are TEABALLS more expensive than tea bags?
One bottle of TEABALLS makes 30–50 drinks, which is roughly CHF 0.18 to 0.30 per drink (varieties at CHF 8.90). For a price comparison, simply work out the price per drink of the pack of tea bags you usually buy in the same way.
Can TEABALLS also be used for iced tea?
Yes, the 16 TEABALLS varieties also dissolve in cold water, for example for iced tea or flavoured water without added sugar. The 8 organic varieties can only be enjoyed hot.
