What Foods Should You Avoid While Taking Metformin?
Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.
While taking metformin, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and limit high-glycemic foods like white bread, sugary drinks, and processed snacks. Heavy or binge drinking can increase the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but serious complication associated with metformin. Ask your clinician what amount of alcohol, if any, is safe for you, especially if you have kidney or liver problems. High-sugar foods and drinks can raise blood glucose and make it harder to meet blood-sugar goals, even while taking metformin. Also minimize refined carbohydrates, candy, and fruit juices which rapidly raise blood glucose levels. Instead, choose balanced meals that include fiber-rich vegetables, protein, and less-refined carbohydrate sources. These choices may help reduce sharp rises in blood glucose, but individual responses vary.
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