Butylated Hydroxytoluene Powder (BHT)

BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene) is a synthetic antioxidant added to foods to prevent fats and oils from spoiling, turning rancid, or changing color, taste, and aroma.

Primary Uses in Food

• Preventing Oxidation: It binds to oxygen molecules instead of allowing oxygen to spoil the fats in processed foods.
• Extending Shelf Life: It helps packaged and high-fat foods stay fresh much longer on store shelves.

Common Foods Containing BHT

• Breakfast Cereals and Cereal Bars: Added to preserve the grains and oils.
• Snack Foods: Found in potato chips, cheese puffs, crackers, and flavored snack mixes.
• Baked Goods and Mixes: Used in cookies, pastries, and dry baking mixes.
• Chewing Gum: Used to maintain flavor and freshness.
• Processed and Cured Meats: Prevents fats in meats from oxidizing.
• Oils and Shortenings: Stabilizes vegetable oils and emulsion shortenings.