Ingredient

BHT Added To Maintain Freshness

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add BHT to foods to prevent fats and oils from becoming rancid, which …

What it is

BHT, or butylated hydroxytoluene, is a synthetic antioxidant. It is created through a chemical process involving p-cresol and isobutylene.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add BHT to foods to prevent fats and oils from becoming rancid, which helps maintain freshness and extends shelf life. It is commonly found in cereals, baked goods, snack foods, and processed meats.

Health notes

BHT is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated BHT. While some studies have raised questions about its long-term effects, reviews by health organizations have generally concluded that it is safe at typical consumption levels.

Allergen info

BHT is not derived from any of the 9 major allergens and does not contain gluten.

Products containing BHT Added To Maintain Freshness

Compare products →
Sort by: Sugar Protein Sodium Calories
Renaissance Food Group, LLC Chicken Caesar Salad Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 48% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 35% DV per serving 188kcal 11.7Protein 14.1Fat 5.4Carbs Allied Superstar, Inc. Blue Sky Treats, Matthew's Peanut Butter Bar, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Candy 444kcal 5.6Protein 8.3Fat 83.3Carbs Renaissance Food Group, LLC Salad, Chicken Cobb Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 64% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 66% DV per serving 154kcal 10.6Protein 9.8Fat 6.2Carbs Renaissance Food Group, LLC Chicken Cobb Salad With Grilled White Chicken & Bacon Pieces Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 55% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 63% DV per serving 152kcal 9.2Protein 10.0Fat 6.5Carbs Fruit Flavor Sweetened Rice Cereal, Fruit Post Consumer Brands, LLC Fruit Flavor Sweetened Rice Cereal, Fruit Cereal High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 389kcal 2.8Protein 4.2Fat 86.1Carbs Halloween Sweetened Rice Cereal Post Consumer Brands, LLC Halloween Sweetened Rice Cereal Cereal High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 389kcal 2.8Protein 4.2Fat 86.1Carbs Post Consumer Brands, LLC Winterfest Fruit Flavor Sweetened Rice Cereal, Winterfest Cereal High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 389kcal 2.8Protein 4.2Fat 86.1Carbs
Salt (7 products) Sugar (7 products) Ascorbic Acid (6 products) Reduced Iron (6 products) Riboflavin (6 products) Folic Acid (6 products) Blue 1 (5 products) Thiamine Mononitrate (5 products) Niacin (4 products) Cheese Cultures (3 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.