Ingredient

TBHQ And BHT

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
These compounds are added to foods to prevent fats and oils from going rancid, …

What it is

TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants. They are typically made through chemical reactions involving hydroquinone and other compounds.

Why it's used

These compounds are added to foods to prevent fats and oils from going rancid, which helps extend shelf life. They are commonly found in processed foods with higher fat content, such as cereals, baked goods, and snack mixes.

Health notes

TBHQ and BHT are approved food additives in the US. Regulatory bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated these substances. While generally recognized as safe at low levels, some studies have raised questions about potential health effects at very high doses, though evidence is mixed and often based on animal studies at levels far exceeding typical human consumption.

Allergen info

TBHQ and BHT are synthetic chemicals and are not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. They do not contain gluten.

Products containing TBHQ And BHT

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General Mills, Inc. Chex Mix, Muddy Buddies, Peanut Butter & Chocolate, Peanut Butter & Chocolate Other Snacks 464kcal 7.1Protein 16.1Fat 71.4Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Butter Instant Mashed Potatoes, Butter Vegetable and Lentil Mixes 357kcal 7.1Protein 5.4Fat 75Carbs CVS Pharmacy, Inc. Japanese-Style Peanuts, Original Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 462kcal 19.2Protein 26.9Fat 34.6Carbs Dieffenbach's, Kettle Chips Dieffenbach's Potato Chips Dieffenbach's, Kettle Chips Chips, Pretzels & Snacks 536kcal 7.1Protein 32.1Fat 53.6Carbs Stater Bros. Markets Inc. Butter Instant Mashed Potatoes, Butter Vegetable and Lentil Mixes 357kcal 7.1Protein 5.4Fat 75Carbs Creamy Butter Mashed Potatoes, Creamy Butter Nash Finch Company Creamy Butter Mashed Potatoes, Creamy Butter Vegetable and Lentil Mixes 348kcal 8.7Protein 2.2Fat 78.3Carbs Safeway, Inc. Buttery Flavored Mashed Potatoes, Buttery Vegetable and Lentil Mixes 357kcal 7.1Protein 5.4Fat 75Carbs Food Town Stores Inc. Instant Mashed Potatoes, Butter Entrees, Sides & Small Meals 357kcal 7.1Protein 5.4Fat 75Carbs Hannaford Bros. Co. Instant Mashed Potatoes, Butter Entrees, Sides & Small Meals 357kcal 7.1Protein 5.4Fat 75Carbs Cinnamon Toasters Cereal, Cinnamon Post Consumer Brands, LLC Cinnamon Toasters Cereal, Cinnamon Cereal High in added sugars — 26% DV per serving 429kcal 4.8Protein 11.9Fat 76.2Carbs Cinnamon Toasters Cereal, Cinnamon Toasters Post Consumer Brands, LLC Cinnamon Toasters Cereal, Cinnamon Toasters Cereal High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 429kcal 4.8Protein 11.9Fat 76.2Carbs S'Mores Cereal, S'Mores Post Consumer Brands, LLC S'Mores Cereal, S'Mores Cereal High in added sugars — 34% DV per serving 400kcal 2.5Protein 8.8Fat 80Carbs
Salt (19 products) Sugar (14 products) Maltodextrin (13 products) Soy Lecithin (13 products) Dextrose (13 products) Fructose (13 products) Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (12 products) Source Of Iron (12 products) Niacin (12 products) Vitamins And Minerals: Ferric Orthophosphate (12 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.