Food Preservatives Are Linked to Type 2 Diabetes
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/6/2026
The preservatives in your packaged food are linked to type 2 diabetes. A large French study tracked people's diets and found the connection.
What the Study Found
A 2026 study from the NutriNet-Santé cohort found associations between preservative food additives and type 2 diabetes incidence. People who consumed more foods with preservatives had higher rates of diabetes over time.
Preservatives are in bread, deli meats, sauces, drinks, baked goods, and virtually every packaged food. Common ones include sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, nitrites, and BHA/BHT.
What You Can Do
Cook from fresh ingredients. Read ingredient labels. Choose foods with short ingredient lists. Skip processed meats and packaged snacks. Your pancreas will thank you.
Check out our non-toxic kitchen alternatives for preservative-free living.
Also see glass food containers for safer alternatives.Source: NutriNet-Santé Preservatives and Diabetes Study (2026).