Are Tervis Tumblers Safe To Drink From

You know that oversized plastic cup you see everywhere? The one that has been passively aggressively protecting your drink like a tiny bodyguard? Yes, we are talking about the Tervis Tumbler, and today we're diving into whether this beloved piece of drinkware is actually safe for your health.

What Exactly Is a Tervis Tumbler?

For the uninitiated, Tervis Tumblers are insulated cups made from shatterproof plastic that keep your beverages at the right temperature for hours. Think of them as the thermos of millennials and the cup that shows off your personality because apparently, your drink choice needs a whole personality now.

They come in every possible design imaginable, from flamingos to famous sports teams, because who doesn't want to drink coffee through a picture of a flamingo wearing sunglasses?

The company has been around since 1966, which means they've been making these things longer than most of us have been alive and negotiating with our bosses about TPS reports.

Let's Talk About What They're Made Of

The double-walled construction of a Tervis Tumbler is what does all the magic, trapping air between two layers of plastic like a cozy little consolation for your beverage. Most tumblers are made from triple-layered durable plastic, specifically polypropylene and BPA-free materials, which sounds like a salon product but is actually a pretty solid choice for drinkware.

Now here is where it gets interesting because if you do not read this part, you might toss your Tervis in despair like a toddler throwing food from a high chair.

Tervis | About 10oz Classic Tumblers | Tervis

Tervis Tumblers have been bpa-free for years, which is great news unless your neighbor keeps asking what BPA stands for during dinner parties.

Are They Actually Safe? The Real Story

The short answer is yes, and the long answer is also yes but with a few caveats because apparently, nothing can ever be simple in life. Tervis Tumblers are made from food-grade plastic that has been tested and cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is about as official as it gets short of the president personally inspecting your cup.

They do not contain BPA, BPS, or phthalates, the three cocktails you absolutely never want in your drink unless you enjoy headaches and existential dread.

The plastic used in these tumblers is also non-reactive, meaning it will not leach harmful chemicals into your drinks like some sort of sneaky villain from a cheap horror movie.

Tervis | About 16oz Classic Tumblers | Tervis

But Wait, There Is a Catch

Tervis Tumblers are microwave-safe because their internal and external walls maintain equal temperatures, preventing hot spots that would make your tumbler explode like a dramatic soap opera cliffhanger. However, they are not dishwasher-safe in every case, and that is where things get a little spicy.

High heat and harsh detergents from dishwashers can eventually break down the plastic bonds over time, making your beloved cup look like it has been through some things. If you want these babies to last, hand washing is the move, which is probably the advice your grandmother has been giving you your whole life anyway.

What About Scuffs and Scratches?

If your Tervis Tumbler is starting to look like it has survived a rock concert, those scratches and scuffs are mostly cosmetic and do not affect safety immediately. However, deeply damaged tumblers with cracks could start becoming unhygienic because bacteria love living in tiny crevices like squatters in a vacant building.

A general rule is if your tumbler looks like it has seen something terrible, it might be time to retire it before your stomach files a complaint.

Amazon.com | Tervis Traveler Margaritaville Gotta Go Palm Triple Walled

The Ice Cube Test from 1966

Fun fact: Tervis conducts a quality test called the Ice Cube Test where they actually freeze water in the tumblers and observe the results. Yup, they literally freeze their cups and wait to see what happens, which sounds like something a bored child would do in July.

This test has been part of their process since 1966, proving that some things really do not change, except maybe the price of snacks at the grocery store.

Should You Ditch Your Tervis?

Absolutely not, unless you have been microwaving it every day for three years and it now smells faintly of burnt plastic and regret. Tervis Tumblers are safe, durable, and environmentally friendlier than single-use plastic cups, which are essentially the villains of the drinkware world.

So go ahead, fill that bad boy up with whatever makes your heart flutter, and remember: a safe tumbler is a happy tumbler, and a happy tumbler is one less thing for your therapist to talk about.