Ingredient

TBHQ & Citric Acid

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
TBHQ is used as a preservative to prevent oils and fats from going rancid. …

What is TBHQ & Citric Acid?

TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) is a synthetic antioxidant. Citric acid is a weak organic acid that occurs naturally in citrus fruits. It is often produced commercially by fermenting sugar with a specific mold.

Is TBHQ & Citric Acid vegan?

TBHQ & Citric Acid is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is TBHQ & Citric Acid gluten-free?

They are not sources of gluten.

Is TBHQ & Citric Acid a major allergen?

Neither TBHQ nor citric acid are derived from the major allergens.

What is TBHQ & Citric Acid used for?

TBHQ is used as a preservative to prevent oils and fats from going rancid.

Is TBHQ & Citric Acid safe?

TBHQ is FDA-approved as a food additive and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in small amounts.

Why it's used

TBHQ is used as a preservative to prevent oils and fats from going rancid. Citric acid is used to add a sour taste, as a preservative, and to enhance flavor. They are often used together in processed foods like baked goods, snack foods, and oils.

Health notes

TBHQ is FDA-approved as a food additive and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in small amounts. Some studies in animals have raised concerns, but regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated it and found it safe at typical intake levels. Citric acid is also GRAS and widely consumed. Evidence on potential health effects at typical intake levels is mixed, but generally considered safe.

Allergen info

Neither TBHQ nor citric acid are derived from the major allergens. They are not sources of gluten.

Foods that contain TBHQ & Citric Acid

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Old Fashioned Dark Roux, Old Fashioned Savoie's Sausage and Food Products, Inc. Old Fashioned Dark Roux, Old Fashioned Gravy Mix 533kcal 6.7Protein 30Fat 53.3Carbs Cajun Style Roux, Cajun Style Doguet's Rice Milling Co. Cajun Style Roux, Cajun Style Other Soups 533kcal 6.7Protein 30Fat 53.3Carbs Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Trees With Pieces Candy, Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter The Hershey Company Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Trees With Pieces Candy, Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Candy High in added sugars — 30% DV per serving 516kcal 12.9Protein 29.0Fat 58.1Carbs Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Miniature Cups, Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Ross Acquisition Inc. Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Miniature Cups, Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Candy High in added sugars — 26% DV per serving 500kcal 7.7Protein 26.9Fat 61.5Carbs Candy Willmar Cookie Company Inc. Candy Candy High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 400kcal 3.3Protein —Fat 80Carbs Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cups Thins, Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter The Hershey Company Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cups Thins, Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter Candy High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in added sugars — 30% DV per serving 515kcal 9.1Protein 36.4Fat 54.5Carbs Baking Cups & Pieces Candy The Hershey Company Baking Cups & Pieces Candy Candy 467kcal 6.7Protein 26.7Fat 60Carbs Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures, Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter The Hershey Company Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures, Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Candy High in added sugars — 26% DV per serving 500kcal 7.7Protein 26.9Fat 61.5Carbs Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Unwrapped Minis, Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter The Hershey Company Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Unwrapped Minis, Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving High in added sugars — 34% DV per serving 500kcal 9.4Protein 28.1Fat 59.4Carbs Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Eggs, Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter The Hershey Company Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Eggs, Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Candy High in added sugars — 30% DV per serving 500kcal 11.8Protein 29.4Fat 52.9Carbs Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Eggs, Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter The Hershey Company Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Eggs, Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Candy High in added sugars — 32% DV per serving 500kcal 11.8Protein 29.4Fat 55.9Carbs Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures, Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter The Hershey Company Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures, Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Candy High in added sugars — 26% DV per serving 500kcal 7.7Protein 26.9Fat 61.5Carbs
Preservative (28015 products) Potassium Sorbate (21407 products) Sodium Benzoate (13792 products) Sodium Nitrite (13550 products) Sodium Erythorbate (9349 products) Calcium Propionate (8459 products) Preservatives (8104 products) Sorbic Acid (7394 products)

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

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.