Ingredient

BHT To Preserve 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 extend shelf life by preventing oxidation. It is …

What it is

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant. It is made from petroleum-based chemicals. BHT is used to prevent fats and oils in foods from becoming rancid, which can cause off-flavors and odors.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add BHT to foods to extend shelf life by preventing oxidation. It is commonly found in cereals, shortenings, and processed snacks where fats and oils are present. BHT helps maintain the freshness and flavor of these products.

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. Some studies have raised questions about its long-term effects, but the evidence is mixed, and major health organizations have not established a definitive link between BHT at typical dietary levels and adverse health outcomes. Research is ongoing.

Allergen info

BHT is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing BHT To Preserve Freshness

Compare products →
Post Consumer Brands, LLC Sweetened Corn Puff Cereal With Real Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Cereal 433kcal 6.7Protein 11.7Fat 76.7Carbs Post Consumer Brands, LLC Sweetened Corn Puff Cereal With Real Peanut Butter Cereal 433kcal 6.7Protein 11.7Fat 76.7Carbs Post Consumer Brands, LLC Sweetened Multigrain Cereal, Sweetened Multigrain Cereal Cereal 406kcal 6.2Protein 3.1Fat 87.5Carbs Post Consumer Brands, LLC Colossal Crunch, Peanut Butter Cereal 433kcal 6.7Protein 11.7Fat 76.7Carbs Post Consumer Brands, LLC Sweetened Corn Puff Cereal, Real Peanut Butter And Cocoa Cereal 433kcal 6.7Protein 13.3Fat 76.7Carbs Post Consumer Brands, LLC Sweetened Corn Puff Cereal With Real Peanut Butter And Cocoa, Sweetened Corn Puff Cereal With Real Peanut Butter And Cocoa Cereal 433kcal 6.7Protein 13.3Fat 76.7Carbs Post Consumer Brands, LLC Sweetened Multigrain Cereal, Sweetened Multigrain Cereal Cereal 406kcal 6.2Protein 3.1Fat 87.5Carbs Post Consumer Brands, LLC Peanut Butter Cups Cereal 433kcal 6.7Protein 13.3Fat 76.7Carbs The Kellogg Company Fruit & Yogurt Flavored Crunchy Rice & Wheat Flakes With Oat & Fruit Clusters And Yogurt-Coated Clusters Cereal, Fruit & Yogurt Cereal 375kcal 6.2Protein 3.1Fat 84.4Carbs Post Consumer Brands, LLC O's Cereal Cereal 400kcal 3.3Protein 5Fat 83.3Carbs Oreo Cereal, Oreo Post Consumer Brands, LLC Oreo Cereal, Oreo Cereal 400kcal 3.3Protein 5Fat 83.3Carbs Post Consumer Brands, LLC Sweetened Corn Puff Cereal With Real Peanut Butter And Cocoa Cereal 433kcal 6.7Protein 13.3Fat 76.7Carbs

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.