Ingredient · E320 (BHA), E321 (BHT)

BHA And BHT

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
These additives are used to prevent fats and oils in food from becoming rancid, …

What it is

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) are synthetic chemical compounds. They are man-made antioxidants produced through chemical synthesis.

Why it's used

These additives are used to prevent fats and oils in food from becoming rancid, which can spoil the flavor and smell. They are commonly found in products containing fats, such as cereals, snack foods, baked goods, and some processed meats, to extend their shelf life.

Health notes

BHA and BHT are approved by the FDA for use as food additives. JECFA has evaluated both BHA and BHT and set acceptable daily intakes. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified BHA as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2B), while BHT is classified as 'not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans' (Group 3). Scientific evidence regarding potential health effects at typical dietary intake levels is mixed, with some studies suggesting concerns at higher doses, particularly for BHA, while others indicate safety.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Products containing BHA And BHT

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FRESH FINDS Fresh Finds, Bouillon Cubes, Beef Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 125kcal 0Protein 0Fat 25Carbs FRESH FINDS Fresh Finds, Chicken Flavor Bouillon Cubes Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers 125kcal 0Protein 0Fat 25Carbs LENA'S Imo's Provel Cheese Thin Crust Pizza Pizza High in sodium — 39% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 252kcal 10.4Protein 13.3Fat 23.7Carbs SOUTHERN RECIPE Pork Rinds Other Snacks High in sodium — 26% DV per serving 560kcal 56Protein 32Fat 4Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Beef Flavored Rice & Vermicelli Mix With Beef Broth & Herbs Rice Medley, Beef Flavored Rice Dishes High in sodium — 43% DV per serving 343kcal 10Protein 1.4Fat 72.9Carbs Finlay Extracts & Ingredients USA, Inc. Roundy's, Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Sandwiches Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 39% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 42% DV per serving 292kcal 9.2Protein 20Fat 19.2Carbs Basic American Foods, Inc. Mashed Potatoes, Creamy Ranch Vegetable and Lentil Mixes 370kcal 7.4Protein 7.4Fat 70.4Carbs Roma Pizza Shell Co Imo's Salad Dressing And Marinade, Authentic Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 467kcal 0Protein 43.3Fat 16.7Carbs Turkey Pepperoni, Turkey Bridgford Foods Corporation Turkey Pepperoni, Turkey Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 30% DV per serving 267kcal 30Protein 13.3Fat 3.3Carbs Derivados De Frutas, S.A. Non-Carbonated Pasteurized Beverage With Vitamin C, Tangerine Other Drinks 40kcal 0Protein 0Fat 10Carbs Derivados De Frutas, S.A. Non-Carbonated Pasteurized Beverage, Pineapple Other Drinks 40kcal 0Protein 0Fat 10Carbs Bickel's Snack Foods, Inc. Potato Chips, Honey, Bar-B-Q Chips, Pretzels & Snacks 536kcal 3.6Protein 32.1Fat 57.1Carbs
Salt (88 products) Sugar (75 products) Water (63 products) Wheat Flour (45 products) Citric Acid (43 products) Dextrose (42 products) Ascorbic Acid (34 products) Butter (32 products) Modified Corn Starch (32 products) Maltodextrin (31 products)

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.