Ingredient

BHT Antioxidant

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
BHT is added to foods to prevent fats and oils from becoming rancid, which …

What it is

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant. It is made from petroleum-based chemicals through a multi-step chemical process.

Why it's used

BHT is added to foods to prevent fats and oils from becoming rancid, which helps preserve the food's flavor and quality. It is commonly found in cereals, snack foods, baked goods, and processed meats.

Health notes

BHT is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. Both JECFA and EFSA have evaluated BHT. Research on BHT's health effects has produced mixed results, with some studies suggesting potential benefits and others raising concerns about possible adverse effects at very high doses, which are not typical of dietary intake. More research is needed to fully understand its long-term impact.

Allergen info

BHT is not derived from any of the 9 major allergens and is gluten-free.

Products containing BHT Antioxidant

Compare 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.