CLAIM: 

Eating bread, especially white bread, and packaged juices (which contain adulterated mixtures and chemicals) causes cancer. 

FACT: 

There is no direct evidence that eating white bread or drinking packaged juices causes cancer. While they are not “poison,” experts suggest that regular consumption may increase the risk of cancer indirectly by contributing to nutritional deficiencies, obesity, diabetes, and chronic inflammation. Moderation and a balanced diet are recommended.

In a viral Instagram reel that has amassed over 9.1 million views, Dr Tarang Krishna appears in a podcast with journalist Shubhankar Mishra and claims that bread consumption can cause cancer.

In the reel, Dr Tarang Krishna, a homeopathy practitioner, says, “Eating bread causes cancer. People do not know that if you eat double roti or bread, white bread is poison for you. You should not eat it.” He is also seen criticising packaged juices in the reel.

Does eating bread, especially white bread, cause cancer?

There appears to be some conflicting evidence when it comes to whether bread can cause cancer or not.

“Results of the systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that bread consumption is not associated with increased site-specific cancer risk, whereas high whole-grain/nonwhite bread consumption is associated with lower total cancer mortality and colorectal cancer risk,” according to a 2024 review.  

On the other hand, an earlier 2023 study published in Nutrients analysed data from over 118,000 participants to examine the relationship between diet and colorectal cancer risk. The study concluded that, “dietary intake of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and fibre was associated with reduced CRC risk, whilst white bread intake was associated with increased CRC risk, regardless of genetic background. Our study provides evidence and suggestions for dietary prevention of CRC.”  

The study, however, also clearly mentioned that “more and larger cohort studies are needed in the future to validate our results and explore more associations between dietary components and CRC risk.” 

Dr Gaurav Jaswal, Director and Consultant Radiation Oncologist at TGH-Onco Life Cancer Center, Maharashtra, clarified that the claims made in the viral video are exaggerated. “There are no studies that directly substantiate the fact mentioned in that video. They may not be good for our health, but it’s not like poison. Poison is something you consume and immediately fall sick or die. White bread is not that,” he said. 

He explained that eating white bread occasionally is unlikely to cause harm. However, regular consumption without a balanced diet can contribute to nutritional deficiencies, comorbidities like diabetes, and increased inflammation in the body — factors that may raise cancer risk. 

Dr Jaswal emphasised that a direct causal link between white bread and cancer has not been scientifically established. “Smoking causes cancer, tobacco chewing causes cancer. But to say that eating white bread definitely causes cancer, we don’t have such evidence. Increased risk may be there if it becomes a staple part of the diet, but occasional consumption does not cause cancer,” he added.  

He also stressed that, “We would need some large-scale studies to substantiate whether white bread or refined carbs directly cause cancer. Right now, we cannot say that.” Dr Jaswal added that processed foods and refined carbohydrates in general are harmful, as they increase inflammation in the body — a known pathway to cancer. 

“Whole grain breads are better than refined ones. But many so-called brown breads available in the market today are essentially white bread with added colouring. We have to be very conscious of the food choices we are making,” he advised.  

Can packaged juices containing adulterated mixtures and chemicals cause cancer?

The World Cancer Research Fund notes that naturally occurring sugars in fruits, vegetables, and dairy are not harmful and can be consumed regularly for essential nutrients like fibre, vitamins, and minerals. However, it advises limiting foods and drinks high in added (“free”) sugars—such as sugary cereals, sweets, pastries, and fizzy drinks—as they lack nutrients and can harm health. 

“These foods and drinks don’t have the important nutrients your body needs, and they often contain a lot of calories, sugar, salt and fat. So, eating them too often or in large amounts can lead to weight gain and living with overweight or obesity can increase the risk of at least 13 types of cancer,” it adds.  

A 2023 review analysed 32 observational studies and meta-analyses published between 2000 and 2023, examining the link between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), natural fruit juices, and cancer incidence or mortality in adults. 

“In total, we can conclude that most beverages containing natural or added sugar might increase the risk of cancer, particularly sex hormone-related cancers,” it said. However, it also went on to add that “despite the evidence, limited data are available for the link between SSBs/natural fruit juices and some important cancers such as brain, lung, and renal cancers. Therefore, further studies are needed in this regard.” 

Also, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health research using data from 96,000 women found that drinking more than two sugary beverages a day more than doubled the risk of early-onset colorectal cancer compared to those who drank less than one a week. Each daily eight-ounce serving was linked to a 16% higher risk, and consumption during adolescence (ages 13–18) was associated with a 32% higher risk.

Dr Jaswal explained that packaged juices often contain added components beyond just fruit pulp. “If you take ₹200 worth of lychees and make juice at home, you get very little quantity. That means in packaged juices there are added components — mostly sugary syrups along with preservatives,” he said. 

He pointed out that preservatives have long carried a reputation for being carcinogenic. However, “If they are within permissible limits, it is said they may not lead to cancer. But again, we don’t have substantiated facts or large-scale studies to prove that,” he clarified. 

According to him, while preservatives themselves can be harmful, the bigger concern is the extremely high sugar content. “The sugar in these juices can lead to comorbidities like diabetes and a heightened inflammatory state in the body, which might eventually increase cancer risk,” he noted. 

At the same time, he cautioned against exaggeration. “To say you drink juice and get cancer tomorrow, or that juice is poison — I would be very apprehensive making such a clear-cut statement. Once in a while, juice is not going to cause harm,” he said. 

Also read: There isn’t much nutritional value to white bread