Ingredient

Tertiary Butylhydroquinone

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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

Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is a synthetic antioxidant. It is made through a chemical reaction involving hydroquinone and isobutylene.

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 vegetable oils, animal fats, baked goods, and processed snacks.

Health notes

TBHQ is approved by the FDA as a food additive and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in small amounts. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated TBHQ and established acceptable daily intake levels. Some studies in animals have suggested potential health concerns at very high doses, but research on humans at typical consumption levels has not shown adverse effects.

Allergen info

TBHQ is not derived from any of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA, nor does it contain gluten.

Products containing Tertiary Butylhydroquinone

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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.