What should I eat on metformin?

Focus on low-GI carbohydrates, B12-rich foods like fish, meat, eggs and dairy, and fibre-rich meals to reduce side effects and prevent nutrient deficiencies whilst supporting blood sugar control.

What foods should I avoid while taking metformin?

Limit high-GI refined carbohydrates like white bread and sugary drinks, which work against metformin's blood-sugar-lowering effects, and moderate alcohol carefully as excessive drinking increases the risk of lactic acidosis.

Can I eat cakes and biscuits while taking metformin?

Fast-release carbs like cakes and biscuits spike glucose and work against what metformin is trying to do — check with your pharmacist about how they fit your treatment plan.

Free tool

Can I eat this with Metformin?

Metformin itself is food-friendly — the issues are alcohol (lactic acidosis risk in excess) and long-term B12 absorption.

Also sold as Axpinet, Bolamyn SR, Diagemet XL, Glucient SR, Glucophage SR, Glucorex SR, Glyformin, Jesacrin, Meijumet, Metabet SR, Metsol, Metuxtan SR and 3 more. Brand names from the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices.

Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 47 foods and drinks for Metformin (0 to avoid, 45 to take care with) — or tap one below.

Quick answers

What should I eat on metformin?: Focus on low-GI carbohydrates, B12-rich foods like fish, meat, eggs and dairy, and fibre-rich meals to reduce side effects and prevent nutrient deficiencies whilst supporting blood sugar control.
What foods should I avoid while taking metformin?: Limit high-GI refined carbohydrates like white bread and sugary drinks, which work against metformin's blood-sugar-lowering effects, and moderate alcohol carefully as excessive drinking increases the risk of lactic acidosis.
Can I eat cakes and biscuits while taking metformin?: Fast-release carbs like cakes and biscuits spike glucose and work against what metformin is trying to do — check with your pharmacist about how they fit your treatment plan.

Grounded in the checker below and the full guide. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.

1 · What do you take?

Metforminalso glucophage, sukkarto, Axpinet

Metformin itself is food-friendly — the issues are alcohol (lactic acidosis risk in excess) and long-term B12 absorption.

Take with or after food to protect your stomach. Keep alcohol well within guidelines and never binge — the serious (rare) risk is lactic acidosis. On metformin for years? Ask for a B12 check.

Read our full Metformin guide →

2 · What do you want to eat or drink?

Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.

Take care with Metformin· 45

Fine with Metformin· 2

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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.

Food groups that matter with Metformin

Every medicine each one affects, on one page.