A method for producing a toner is provided. The method comprises the steps of (1) dispersing a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of polymerization of 1,500 to 2,500 and a degree of saponification of 75 to 98% in an aqueous medium to prepare an aqueous dispersion of the polyvinyl alcohol, (2) preparing a mixture of monomers, (3) mixing the aqueous dispersion with the monomer mixture, and (4) polymerizing the monomers.