Doctor Claims A Single Tea Bag Contains DNA From Up To 400 Insects

There’s something special about sitting down a drinking a hot cup of tea. With winter weather ravishing much of the country, warm beverages like tea just hit differently.

While many people around the U.S. and the world enjoy a cup of tea on occasion, there may be more to our tea than we once thought.

For instance, you may expect to be getting different herbs and perhaps some spices when you drink tea. Some tea bags even include sugar or some additives for freshness. But would you ever expect to be drinking insects?

According to science commentator and honorary doctor Karl, a typical, single tea bag contains DNA from up to 400 insects!

Dr. Karl shared the news on TikTok, where he boasts nearly half a million followers.

He said in the video, “As you can tell, I absolutely love tea. And did you know that when you analyze a typical tea bag, you can find the DNA 400 different types of insects.”

He went on to explain that the insect residue is known as “environmental DNA and can be left by something as simple as when an insect bites a tea leaf.”

Since sharing the video, many people were shocked and horrified, while others were pleased to know their tea may have a little more protein than once thought.

You can watch the video for yourself below:

@drkarl As typical tea bag of green tea contains the DNA of some 400 different insects #drkarlkruszelnicki #drkarl #science #medicine #tea #DNA #eDNA ♬ original sound – Dr Karl

According to his website, Dr. Karl has multiple degrees, including in Physics and Maths, Biomedical Engineering, and Medicine and Surgery. While he isn’t technically a doctor since he never completed a doctorate degree, the University of the Sunshine Coast announced in 2016 that Karl would be the first to receive an “Honorary Doctorate” from the university.