Microplastics in Your Food? Here’s What You Should Know (And How to Avoid Them)

Let’s talk about something tiny—but pretty terrifying: microplastics.

These are teeny plastic particles (think smaller than a sesame seed) that are showing up just about everywhere… our oceans, the air, our food—and yes, even inside our bodies. It sounds like a sci-fi story, but unfortunately this is very real.

Wait, we're eating plastic?

Sadly, yes! I recently came across a fascinating (and eye opening) episode of The Diary of a CEO podcast with Dr. William Li (the author of Eat to Beat Disease). 🎧 Listen to the full podcast here

During the interview, Dr. Li explained microplastics don’t just pollute our oceans—they're getting into us. Through plastic packaging, takeaway containers, water bottles, and even the tools we use to cook, these tiny particles find their way into our food and drink. Once inside the body, they don’t simply pass through. Microplastics can accumulate in our systems, disrupting hormones, contributing to inflammation, and impacting gut health—issues deeply connected to long-term disease and immune function. He also touched on the importance of choosing clean, whole foods and minimising plastic exposure wherever possible to protect our internal health.

Where they’ve actually found microplastics (brace yourself)

Science has confirmed that these tiny invaders aren’t just theory. They’ve been discovered in some pretty shocking places, including the brain, the placenta and shockingly for me as a mother - breastmilk!

It’s overwhelming, we know! But thankfully there are steps you can take to minimise exposure to microplastics to protect ourselves—and the planet.

So, what can you do about it?

Here are some simple swaps to reduce your exposure to microplastics without flipping your whole life upside down:

1. Choose natural skincare

   Ditch scrubs with microbeads or plastic-based ingredients. Brands like UpCircle use coffee grounds and fruit stones—gentle on your skin and the planet.

2. Say no to plastic packaging

   Wherever possible, go for glass, metal, or refillable options.

3. Don’t cook or store hot food in plastic

   Heat + plastic = chemical leaching. Use glass containers, stainless steel tins, or beeswax wraps instead.

4. Avoid bottled water

   Studies show it can contain more microplastics than tap water. Grab a filter and use a reusable bottle.

5. Watch what you wear

   Synthetic clothes (like polyester) shed microplastic fibres every time you wash them. Look for organic cotton, bamboo, or hemp—and wash less often.

6. Switch to Plastic-Free Cleaning That Works

   Most traditional cleaning sprays come in single-use plastic bottles and are full of harsh chemicals—some even leave behind microplastic residues. Instead, go for something cleaner and greener like OceanSaver.

7. Eat fresh, local, unpackaged food

   It’s not just better for your health—it usually means less plastic exposure. Shop local, hit the farmers’ markets, and bring your own bags.

   
   

You're not alone in this

We get it—it’s a lot. But taking small steps (like swapping your skincare, changing how you store leftovers, or refilling your pantry staples) really does make a difference. You're protecting your body, your family, and the planet. And that’s something to feel good about.

🎥 Want a quick look at how plastic sneaks into our everyday lives? Head over to our Instagram account to see how easy it is to start making swaps.