Ingredient

TBHQ Added For Freshness

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

What it is

TBHQ, or tert-Butylhydroquinone, is a synthetic antioxidant. It is made from hydroquinone and isobutylene.

Why it's used

TBHQ is added to foods to prevent fats and oils from going rancid, which helps keep products fresh. It is commonly found in processed foods with high fat content, such as cookies, crackers, and fried snacks.

Health notes

TBHQ is approved by the FDA as a food additive. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have also evaluated TBHQ. Some studies in animals have raised concerns about potential health effects at very high doses, but regulatory bodies have determined it is safe at the low levels typically found in food. Evidence is mixed regarding potential health effects at typical consumption levels.

Allergen info

TBHQ is not a major allergen and does not contain gluten.

Products containing TBHQ Added For Freshness

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Supervalu, Inc. Chocolate Fudge Sandwich Creme Cookies, Chocolate Fudge Cookies & Biscuits 462kcal 3.9Protein 19.2Fat 65.4Carbs Supervalu, Inc. Vanilla Sandwich Creme Cookies, Vanilla Cookies & Biscuits High in added sugars — 20% DV per serving 481kcal 3.7Protein 18.5Fat 74.1Carbs Iga, Inc. Vanilla Flavored Sandwich Creme Cookies, Vanilla Cookies & Biscuits High in added sugars — 20% DV per serving 481kcal 3.7Protein 18.5Fat 74.1Carbs Tops Markets, LLC Lemon Sandwich Creme Cookies, Lemon Cookies & Biscuits High in added sugars — 20% DV per serving 481kcal 3.7Protein 18.5Fat 74.1Carbs Supervalu, Inc. Lemon Sandwich Creme Cookies, Lemon Cookies & Biscuits High in added sugars — 20% DV per serving 481kcal 3.7Protein 18.5Fat 74.1Carbs Palmer Candy Company Peanut Butter A Sweet & Crunchy Mix Of Glazed Corn & Pretzels With Peanut Butter Treats Sprinkled In Snack Mix, Peanut Butter Other Snacks High in added sugars — 32% DV per serving 467kcal 3.3Protein 13.3Fat 80Carbs Target Stores Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Bites, Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies & Biscuits High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in added sugars — 22% DV per serving 441kcal 5.9Protein 20.6Fat 58.8Carbs Vanilla Sandwich Cremes, Vanilla Wakefern Food Corporation Vanilla Sandwich Cremes, Vanilla Cookies & Biscuits High in added sugars — 20% DV per serving 481kcal 3.7Protein 18.5Fat 74.1Carbs Meijer, Inc. Vanilla Sandwich Creme Cookies, Vanilla Cookies & Biscuits High in added sugars — 20% DV per serving 481kcal 3.7Protein 18.5Fat 74.1Carbs Vanilla Sandwich Cookies, Vanilla Paskesz Candy Company Vanilla Sandwich Cookies, Vanilla Crackers & Biscotti High in added sugars — 20% DV per serving 481kcal 3.7Protein 18.5Fat 74.1Carbs Palmer Candy Company Fall Harvest Peanut Butter Cookies, Fall Harvest Peanut Butter Cookies & Biscuits High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in added sugars — 26% DV per serving 500kcal 5.9Protein 23.5Fat 67.7Carbs

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.