Ingredient

Added To Help Protect Flavor

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
BHA is added to foods to prevent fats and oils from becoming rancid, which …

What it is

BHA is a synthetic antioxidant. It is made through a chemical reaction involving p-methoxyphenol and isobutylene. It is a white or yellowish crystalline solid.

Why it's used

BHA is added to foods to prevent fats and oils from becoming rancid, which helps protect flavor and maintain quality. It is commonly found in foods that contain fat, such as cereals, potato chips, baked goods, and shortening.

Health notes

BHA is approved by the FDA as a food additive. It is also generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as an antioxidant. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated BHA and established an acceptable daily intake. Some studies in animals have raised concerns about potential health effects at very high doses, but regulatory bodies consider it safe at typical dietary levels.

Allergen info

BHA is a synthetic chemical and is not derived from any of the major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Added To Help Protect Flavor

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Kraft Heinz Foods Company Macaroni & Cheese Microwaveable Dinner, Macaroni & Cheese Pasta Dinners High in sodium — 23% DV per serving 375kcal 12.5Protein 4.5Fat 69.6Carbs Kraft Heinz Foods Company Macaroni & Cheese Microwaveable Dinner Pasta Dinners High in sodium — 23% DV per serving 375kcal 12.5Protein 4.5Fat 69.6Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. All Vegetable Shortening Butter & Spread 917kcal 0Protein 100Fat 0Carbs Flour Tortillas Exquisita Tortillas Inc. Flour Tortillas Mexican Dinner Mixes 324kcal 8.1Protein 10.8Fat 48.6Carbs Giant Eagle, Inc. Italian-Style Chopped Salad, Italian-Style Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 40% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 134kcal 5.4Protein 10.7Fat 4.7Carbs Deflect-O Corporation Italian Potato Bread, Ham, Salami, Provolone, Banana Peppers, Romaine Lettuce, And Secret Sauce Sandwich, Italian Prepared Subs & Sandwiches High in saturated fat — 75% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 35% DV per serving 269kcal 13.8Protein 14.1Fat 21.7Carbs Tyson Foods, Inc. Sausage Egg & Cheese Biscuit Sandwiches, Sausage & Egg Cheese Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 42% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 33% DV per serving 308kcal 10.8Protein 18.5Fat 23.9Carbs Safeway, Inc. Italian Style Chopped Salad Chopped Vegetable Blend, Fontina Cheese, Black Olives, Smoked Turkey Breast, Genoa Salami, And Pepperoncini With A Champagne Vinaigrette, Italian Style Deli Salads High in sodium — 39% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 141kcal 5.4Protein 10.7Fat 4.7Carbs Deflect-O Corporation Jumbo Bacon & Sausage Breakfast Burrito, Jumbo Bacon & Sausage Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 80% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 90% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 73% DV per serving 262kcal 12.0Protein 15.5Fat 18.6Carbs Spicy Chicken Biscuit, Spicy Chicken Deflect-O Corporation Spicy Chicken Biscuit, Spicy Chicken Prepared Subs & Sandwiches High in sodium — 93% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 90% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 250kcal —Protein 13.2Fat 22.7Carbs Ready Pac Produce, Inc. Italian Style Chopped Salad Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 36% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 134kcal 4.7Protein 10.7Fat 4.7Carbs Bake Crafters Food Company Pizza, Whole Grain, Turkey Pepperoni, Round, 16", 8 cut Savoury Bakery Products High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 214kcal 12.6Protein 6.9Fat 25.2Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.