Can I Fail a Drug Test By Eating Certain Foods?

| September 21, 2026
Everyone wants to pass their drug test. Their job and livelihood depend on it! So while many people will be very careful to avoid drugs that might show up in their system weeks or months later, you should also be mindful of what you eat before your drug test. Believe it or not, ingesting the following foods before your drug test could lead to a false positive result.

Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds contain trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Hemp seeds are used in many packaged products and might sneak into your diet unintentionally. Hemp oil and milk are used in many alternative diet foods, and hemp seeds are often found in granola. The amount of hemp in foods is not enough to make you high, but the compound can build up in your body if consumed regularly or in high amounts, causing .

Breads and Pastries

Almost all breads and pastries are made with yeast. As the yeast works through the dough, it naturally produces a small amount of alcohol. While it’s not enough to make you drunk, if you were to have dough stuck in your teeth while performing a Breathalyzer test, it could come up as a false positive.

Flavorings

Vanilla and other flavorings, commonly added to dozens of foods and beverages, have 35% alcohol content.  Flavored coffee syrups and pastry icings could trigger a false positive if consumed right before a Breathalyzer test. The effects of alcohol from flavoring should only last for about 15 minutes. Swishing with water before testing can help achieve accurate results.

Medications and Supplements

Several medications and supplements could cause a false positive drug test, such as:
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) cough suppressants such as DayQuil contain dextromethorphan, which can cause a false positive for phencyclidine (PCP).
  • Decongestants such as Sudafed contain a compound called pseudoephedrine and resemble illegal amphetamines.
  • Ibuprofen and other NSAIDS have been linked to false positives for THC.
  • Hemp seed oil—also known as riboflavin—is sometimes used to produce B12 supplements and can be linked to positive THC results.
Don’t lose your job over a false positive drug test! If you have a surprising false positive on your drug test, these foods might be the reason. You can request a new drug test from your employer. At Nationwide Drug Testing Service, our staff is not only understanding and considerate, but knowledgeable as well. From the moment you contact us, you can expect to deal with a professional, well-trained Representative who will be with you throughout the entire process. Nationwide Drug Testing Services is one of the largest accredited drug testing networks in the U.S. We offer testing in every state Nationwide, for affordable, Same-Day-Appointment Drug Testing and Fast, Accurate results. Call us today at 877.497.1002 or Order a Test Online!