<p>This study aims to investigate the bacterial adhesion effect of heat-curing acrylic resins modified with zirconia nanoparticles when interacting with vegan beverages using SEM and FTIR analyses. The bacterial adhesion of heat-cured acrylic resins from Imicryl and Procryla was investigated. The focus was on modified versions of Procryla containing 1 wt% and 3 wt% zirconia nanoparticles. A total of 192 specimens (<i>n</i> = 48 per group) were soaked in four different solutions: distilled water, mineral water, almond milk, and water kefir. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences (<i>P</i> &lt; .05) in bacterial adhesion among resin groups, beverage types, and immersion times. Specifically, the addition of 1% by weight zirconia to the specimens reduced bacterial adhesion in groups immersed in distilled water (<i>P</i> &lt; .001). Similarly, 3 wt% zirconia reduced adhesion in mineral water (<i>P</i> &lt; .001). However, in groups exposed to other beverages, including mineral water, almond milk, and water kefir, the incorporation of either 1 wt% or 3 wt% zirconia increased bacterial adhesion significantly (<i>P</i> &lt; .001). SEM images corroborated these findings, showing varying patterns of bacterial adhesion on the surfaces of different resin groups under different environmental conditions. The findings indicate the importance of resin composition and beverage type in dictating bacterial interactions on acrylic surfaces. Notably, the addition of zirconia nanoparticles, particularly in Procryla 1Z, demonstrated a significant reduction in bacterial adhesion, highlighting its potential to enhance the antimicrobial properties of acrylic materials.</p><p>Key points</p><p>• <i>Zirconia reduces bacterial adhesion in water.</i></p><p>• <i>Higher zirconia increases adhesion in vegan beverages.</i></p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>