Toxins in Tea
- Alayne
- Aug 11, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 21, 2025
The Organic Tea Advantage
Organic teas are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides (herbicides, fungicides, & insecticides) or fertilizer, toxins that precipitate neurological disease, reproductive harm, immunotoxicity, endocrine disruption, liver damage, and cancer. The same cannot be said for conventionally grown teas.
In This Post:
Conventional and Organic Tea Toxins
Heavy metals including arsenic, lead, aluminum, and cadmium are introduced to both organic and conventional teas via soil. Lead levels found in teas are lower than action levels for public drinking water but choosing loose-leaf teas, using filtered water, and steeping for a shorter time will mitigate the release into your tea.
Mycotoxins (toxic substances produced by fungi) can also be present in organic and conventionally grown teas. Dark teas, especially those that involve microbial fermentation like Pu-erh, Fu brick, and Liu Bao, carry a higher risk of mycotoxin contamination. To mitigate the risk of mycotoxin contamination, particularly with dark teas, it is crucial that growers, processors, and distributors execute hygienic processing, handling, and storage practices avoiding high-humidity and high-temperature conditions throughout the tea supply chain.
Mycotoxins Detected in Dark Teas
Aflatoxins
Poisonous toxins produced by particular molds that can contaminate crops. Linked to liver damage, immunosuppression, and cancer. Potential carcinogenicity and acute toxicity in humans and animals. Not exclusive to dark teas and has been detected in black and green teas, but the microbial fermentation process of dark teas makes it more susceptible.
Citrinins
Toxins produced by various fungal species that contaminate food. Frequently detected in dark tea. Primarily known for nephrotoxicity, the ability to damage the kidneys. Linked to reproductive toxicity and genotoxicity. Potential to cause liver, heart, central nervous system, and cell damage.
Fumonisins
Heat-stable toxins produced by particular fungi. Resistant to heat. Not destroyed by cooking. Studies have suggested links to esophageal cancer, liver and kidney damage, and an increased risk of congenital disabilities if exposed during pregnancy.
Ochratoxins
Toxins produced by certain molds that can contaminate foods like coffee, nuts, dried fruit, and tea. Ochratoxin A (OTA), in particular, is the most toxic and is heat-resistant. Known to be nephrotoxic (damaging to kidneys). Possible carcinogen. Linked to immunosuppression, cognitive issues, and neurodegenerative conditions.
Dark tea, I was pleased to discover, does not include black tea. Black teas are fully oxidized meaning they are allowed to dry and darken completely through air exposure, limiting the possibility of mycotoxins. Dark teas like Pu-erh, Liu Bao, and Lu An undergo fermentation. Pu-erh goes through a unique process which involves either aging or pile-fermentation, increasing the risk of mycotoxins. To the Pu-erh drinkers, it is especially important to find a brand that is open about their sourcing and testing. Naturally occurring polyphenols in tea are the silver lining. They are credited with inhibiting the growth of the fungi that produce mycotoxins. The dark cloud... tea isn't the most concerning source of exposure for us... it's contaminated grains, cereal, spices, and dried fruits. Bottom line is, be discerning about your brands and their testing standards, all around, not just for your cup of tea.
Finding Non-Toxic Tea
Choosing loose leaf and organic teas by brands who are transparent about their ingredients and testing practices will considerably reduce your exposure to harmful toxins. I found a small, woman-owned business, Open Door Tea, that offers an extensive variety of herbs and teas, many of which are organic. Sourced from a variety of small farms and trusted tea distributors across the world, their teas are hand selected and thoroughly vetted before being made available to us. Some of their teas are single origin sourced through vetted distributors while others are proprietary blends that can only be found at Open Door Tea. Ingredients and places of origin are generously listed on their site for each variety. Enter 'organic' in their search bar to filter all organic options. Organic is always a good choice.
Non-Toxic Alternative
Open Door Tea
Organic options are free of synthetic pesticides (herbicides, fungicides, & insecticides) and fertilizer
Use Wyld12 for 12% off all orders
Orders placed via Collaboration Links attribute commissions at no expense to you.
(many, not all, are organic)
Teas
Black, Green, Oolong, White, Pu-erh, Rooibos, Tulsi, Chai, Matcha, Reserve, Iced
Proprietary Wellness & Ayurvedic Blends
Sleep, Skin, Immunity, Slim Down, Healing, Balance, Digestion, Cleanse (Fresh Start), Anti-Inflammatory, Energize, Calm
Herbal
Spearmint, Peppermint, Lavender, Hibiscus, Orange Peel, Tulsi Leaves, Yerba Mate, Anise Seed, Turmeric, Chamomile Flowers, and more
Flavor Profiles
Vanilla, Peach, Banana Bread, Ginger Peach, White Pear, Coconut, Strawberry, Licorice, Lemon Ginger, Cranberry Orange, Cinnamon, Apple Spice, Pumpkin Spice, Chocolate, Lavender, Peppermint, Spearmint, Chestnut, Lemon Balm, Raspberry, Watermelon, Apricot Mango, and more
What About Teabags?
If you are excited about non-toxic tea, let's make it all make sense and use a non-toxic means of steeping too. You might not be ready to let go of the convenience of teabags, but most of those unassuming little packets are hiding a host of toxins. Handcrafting your own sachets with Open Door Tea's non-toxic teabags could be a great jump off point for you to brew healthier, safer, and tastier cups of loose-leaf tea. I chose to bypass the paper teabags and try the stainless steel infuser that fits right on my cup. I haven't used teabags since. Stop by my Toxins & Microplastics in Teabags post to gain a little more insight.
Comments