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The Safest Cups for Hot Drinks

May 12, 2025

Most people don’t think twice about pouring hot coffee into a to-go cup, heating tea in a travel mug, or sipping from a plastic lid. But here’s the problem: When heat meets plastic—or even certain “paper” cups—it can trigger the release of microplastics, endocrine disruptors, and other chemicals you don’t want in your system.

That kind of exposure might seem small, but it can add up over time. Research now shows that microplastics and other environmental pollutants (like BPA and phthalates) may affect everything from hormone balance to brain health. And hot beverages are one of the easiest ways these compounds can make their way into your body—not because the drinks themselves are harmful, but because of what they’re served in.

You’ve probably heard the advice: Don’t drink hot liquids out of plastic, especially when you’re on the go. But what should you use instead?

That’s the question my team at Hyman Health is a little obsessed with. Because guess what? It’s not an easy one to answer.

So in this article, we’re sharing our favorite go-to tumblers that make it easier to enjoy your hot drinks—without the extra plastics or questionable coatings.

What to Look for in a Hot Drink Container

When it comes to drinking hot liquids, you want materials that can handle heat without leaching chemicals into your drink. That’s why metal (like stainless steel), ceramic, and glass are considered the best options. They’re stable, durable, and don’t break down under heat the way plastic can.

So when you’re scanning a label or looking at a product, here’s the short list of what to aim for:

Stainless steel, glass, or ceramic as the primary material
Minimal to no plastic parts that touch your liquid
Any silicone parts should be food-grade and used sparingly (like a lid or sleeve)

A note on silicone: Food-grade silicone is generally considered safe, especially in small amounts like lids or seals. It’s heat-resistant, doesn’t contain BPA, and doesn’t seem to leach harmful chemicals under normal use. That said, some people choose to avoid it when it’s used as a lining for cookware, since higher temps and longer exposures (like baking) could potentially degrade the material over time. But in something like a cup lid or gasket, most experts consider it a low-risk material.

Better Options for Hot Drinks

These are some of our favorite products for sipping safely. (We don’t make a dime from these recommendations, by the way.) They’re all meant to help you enjoy your coffee without stressing over chemicals or microplastics.

And to be clear, no product is ever going to be perfect. Look hard enough, and you can probably find a problem. That’s just the reality of living in the 21st century. This isn’t about chasing purity—it’s about reducing your exposure in simple, realistic ways that fit your life.

Joco Glass Coffee Cup (12 oz)
This minimalist glass cup is a favorite for sipping hot drinks at home or on the go. It’s made from non-porous borosilicate glass with a thermal silicone sleeve and lid—so there’s no plastic touching your drink. It’s BPA-, lead-, and cadmium-free, fits in most cupholders, and just feels good in your hand. Learn more.

Klean Kanteen TKProCoffee Insulated Thermos (25 oz)
If you’re looking for all-day heat retention without a trace of plastic, this thermos nails it. It’s made entirely from stainless steel, with a pour-through cap and an insulated lid that doubles as a cup. There’s a bit of food-grade silicone in the seal, but no plastic ever comes in contact with your beverage. Learn more. (By the way, the link takes you to Amazon because the manufacturer doesn’t sell this product directly anymore. See what we mean about it not being easy to find these kinds of products?)

Carter Move Mug (12 or 16 oz)
This very cool travel mug combines thoughtful design with safe materials. Its double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel body, lined with a ceramic coating, ensures your drink stays hot for up to 12 hours or cold for up to 24 hours. The ceramic interior prevents any metallic taste, preserving the purity of your beverage. The BPA-free plastic lid doesn’t come into contact with your liquid. Learn more.

What about Coffee Shop Cups?

Most takeaway cups from places like Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts look like they’re made of paper—but they’re actually lined with plastic to keep them from leaking. When hot liquid hits that plastic lining, it can start to break down and leach chemicals into your drink. The lid is also plastic—often a type that’s not great with heat.

The solution: If you frequently get coffee to go, consider bringing your own reusable tumbler. In fact, you may even get a discount. Starbucks, for instance, gives customers a 10-cent discount (or 25 bonus stars) to use their personal cups for in-store, drive-thru, and mobile orders. (That’s just one example—many coffee shops will fill a reusable cup if you bring one.)

And remember: If you have to order a coffee to go and you don't have your reusable tumbler with you, it's not the end of the world. After all, it's not the one-off times that matter; it's the cumulative exposure over a lifetime.

So, look to limit your exposure when you can, but for those situations you can’t, don’t let it get in the way of enjoying your favorite coffee.

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