Ingredient

TBHQ Preservative

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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 produced industrially from hydroquinone.

Why it's used

TBHQ is added to foods to prevent fats and oils from going rancid, which helps extend shelf life. It is commonly found in products with high fat content, such as baked goods, snack cakes, cookies, and some processed meats.

Health notes

TBHQ is approved by the FDA as a food additive. It is also generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used within specified limits. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated TBHQ. Some studies in animals have raised questions about potential health effects at very high doses, but regulatory bodies have determined it is safe at the levels typically found in food.

Allergen info

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

Products containing TBHQ Preservative

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SPANISH TOWN CARIBBEAN FOODS Coconut Bulla, Coconut Breads & Buns 211kcal 5.6Protein 3.2Fat 47.2Carbs Gartner Studios, Inc. Premium Biscuit Mix, Bacon Cheddar Cake, Cookie & Cupcake Mixes 393kcal 10.7Protein 10.7Fat 60.7Carbs Family Dollar Stores Inc. Family Gourmet, Graham Crackers, Honey, Honey Cookies & Biscuits 433kcal 6.7Protein 10Fat 80Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Creme Cake, Vanilla Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 405kcal 3.8Protein 20.2Fat 54.4Carbs Shirley's Cookie Company Whoopie Pies, Chocolate Mint Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 434kcal 3.5Protein 22.1Fat 57.5Carbs Finest Food Distributing Co. Jamaican Choice, Spice Bun, Fruit, Fruit Breads & Buns 316kcal 5.3Protein 3.5Fat 64.9Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Angel Food Cake With Strawberry Icing Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 302kcal 5.7Protein 2.8Fat 64.2Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Pastel Flavored Buttermints, Pastel Chewing Gum & Mints 429kcal 0Protein 0Fat 100Carbs The Kroger Co. Cinnamon Roll, Cherry Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 361kcal 6.6Protein 8.2Fat 65.6Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Thank You Buttermints, Buttermints Chewing Gum & Mints High in added sugars — 20% DV per serving 364kcal 0Protein 0Fat 90.9Carbs Roll, Pepperoni & Cheese Barney's Bakery Inc. Roll, Pepperoni & Cheese Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 49% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 308kcal 12.2Protein 14.7Fat 32.7Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Rich Sour Cream Flavored Cake With A Golden Crust, Sour Cream Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in added sugars — 46% DV per serving 408kcal 4.0Protein 21.1Fat 54.0Carbs
Sugar (55 products) Salt (55 products) Water (54 products) Soybean Oil (51 products) Citric Acid Preservative (51 products) Wheat Flour (49 products) Soy Lecithin (48 products) Baking Soda (47 products) Dextrose (45 products) Corn Starch (44 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.