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Does McDonald's use Toxic Preservatives?

Our latest 2025 audit of McDonald's analyzed 130 menu items. We found that 28 items (22%) contain high-risk preservatives.

22% Contain Toxins
102 Safe Options

Specific Ingredients Found:

Sodium nitrite, Sodium benzoate

Want the list of 102 safe items?

We've identified exactly which menu items at McDonald's are Preservative Free. Download PRūF to see the full list.

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More questions about McDonald's

Does McDonald's use Seed Oils? Does McDonald's use Artificial Dyes? Does McDonald's use Bioengineered Ingredients? Does McDonald's use Erythritol?

View the full McDonald's ingredient audit

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Methodology & sources

We analyzed 130 menu items and matched ingredient statements against PRūF’s additive taxonomy. Counts reflect distinct menu items containing any flagged ingredient in this category. Data is sourced from publicly available McDonald's ingredient disclosures as of 2025-12-28.

People Also Ask

Our 2025 audit of McDonald's found that 28 menu items (22%) contain high-risk preservatives. Specific ingredients identified include: Sodium nitrite, Sodium benzoate.
Yes, there are 102 items on the menu that are considered are Preservative Free. You can use the PRūF app to see the full list of safe options and filter the menu in real-time.

Audit based on McDonald's public ingredient data as of 2025-12-28.