Are there any cereals without BHT?

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group, while the FDA has long categorized BHA and BHT as "generally recognized as safe," concerns have led many consumers to seek cleaner ingredient lists. The good news is, yes, there are many cereals without BHT, as numerous brands respond to consumer demand for products free of controversial synthetic preservatives.

Quick Summary

Many cereal brands have removed the synthetic preservative butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) from their products and packaging. Consumers can find BHT-free alternatives by checking the ingredients list for natural preservatives like Vitamin E or tocopherols, or by choosing organic and specific brand-name cereals.

Key Points

Many Cereals are BHT-Free: Numerous brands, both conventional and organic, have removed or never used BHT in their cereals in response to consumer demand for cleaner ingredients.
Check the Label: To be certain, look for the term "butylated hydroxytoluene" (BHT) on the ingredients list and packaging. If a product contains BHT, it must be listed.
Look for Natural Alternatives: Manufacturers are replacing BHT with natural antioxidants like mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E), rosemary extract, and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).
Organic Certification is a Good Indicator: Organic cereals are generally a safe bet, as USDA organic standards restrict the use of many synthetic preservatives.
Major Brands Have Changed: Companies like General Mills have already removed BHT from popular cereals such as Cheerios and Chex, using alternatives like Vitamin E instead.
BHT Can Be in the Packaging: Some BHT can migrate into food from the packaging liner, but many companies have addressed this by using BHT-free packaging.

Understanding BHT and Why It's Found in Cereal

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant primarily used to extend the shelf life of processed foods by preventing fats and oils from going rancid. For decades, it has been a common additive in many breakfast cereals, often added directly to the cereal or impregnated into the packaging liner. The additive’s effectiveness is why it became a staple in the industry, ensuring products stayed fresh and palatable for longer periods.

However, in recent years, BHT has come under scrutiny due to potential health concerns raised in animal studies, including links to liver damage and endocrine disruption at high doses. While regulatory bodies like the FDA classify it as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) at low levels, these findings and increasing consumer demand for "clean label" ingredients have spurred many food manufacturers to seek safer alternatives.

Leading Cereal Brands Going BHT-Free

Several major cereal producers have publicly announced their commitment to removing BHT from their products. General Mills, for instance, phased out BHT from many of its popular cereals years ago. Kellogg’s has also been actively testing and transitioning to natural alternatives in response to consumer feedback. For shoppers, this means that even some conventional, mainstream cereal brands offer BHT-free options.

List of BHT-Free Cereals (Brands and Examples)

Cascadian Farm: This organic brand's line of cereals, like Purely O's and Cinnamon Crunch, are made without BHT.
General Mills (Select Cereals): Cheerios (Original, Honey Nut), Lucky Charms, Kix, and Chex are produced without BHT.
Post: Many of Post’s cereals, including Grape-Nuts, Shredded Wheat, and Great Grains, are free of BHT.
Nature's Path: As an organic brand, Nature's Path is a reliable choice for finding BHT-free cereals, including their Heritage Flakes and SmartBran.
Barbara's Bakery: Brands like Puffins are a popular choice for BHT-free options.
Ezekiel 4:9: Sprouted grain cereals from this brand, known for their whole-food ingredients, are free of synthetic preservatives.
Three Wishes: This grain-free, better-for-you cereal brand uses plant-based ingredients and no BHT.
Purely Elizabeth: Known for granola, this brand uses tocopherols (Vitamin E) as a natural preservative.

How to Check for BHT and Its Alternatives

Reading the ingredients list on a cereal box is the most reliable method for confirming a product's contents. If a cereal contains BHT, it will be listed as butylated hydroxytoluene. However, as BHT can also be present in the packaging, companies removing it often advertise this on the box. To find alternatives, look for natural antioxidants used as substitutes.

Alternatives to BHT

Many manufacturers now use natural or nature-identical alternatives to maintain freshness, including:

Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E): A common and effective natural antioxidant used to replace synthetic preservatives like BHT.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): This antioxidant helps prevent spoilage and is often used in combination with other ingredients.
Rosemary Extract: Derived from the rosemary herb, this is another natural antioxidant used in many "clean label" products.
Citric Acid: A natural acid used for preservation and flavor.

The Shift to Natural Preservation Methods

The move away from synthetic preservatives like BHT is driven by both consumer preference and advancing food science. Companies are increasingly adopting technologies and natural ingredients that can achieve a similar shelf life without relying on controversial chemicals. The availability of effective natural antioxidants and improved packaging methods has made it easier for brands to offer cleaner products while maintaining quality.

Comparison of Cereal Types


Cereal Type	Common BHT Presence	Primary Ingredients	Preservation Method	Health Considerations
Conventional Flavored Cereals	High, especially in older formulations.	Refined grains, sugars, artificial flavors, and colors.	BHT in cereal or packaging, often with other synthetic additives.	Often high in sugar; may contain BHT and other additives.
Mainstream Whole Grain Cereals	Declining, many brands have removed it.	Whole grain oats, wheat.	Increasingly use mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E) or other natural preservatives.	Better source of whole grains, fiber. Check labels for sugar.
Organic Cereals	Extremely rare, due to certification standards.	Organic whole grains, fruits, natural sweeteners.	Vitamin E (tocopherols), citric acid, or other natural antioxidants.	Generally free of synthetic additives, often higher fiber.
Muesli & Granola	Rare, depends on the brand.	Rolled oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit.	Often relies on natural fats and sugars for preservation, or tocopherols.	High fiber and protein, but watch for high added sugar in some granolas.

Conclusion

For consumers seeking to avoid butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), the market offers numerous readily available options. Major brands are increasingly reformulating products and using alternative preservatives like Vitamin E to address consumer demand for cleaner food. By consciously checking labels and opting for organic or naturally focused brands, it is easy to find a delicious and preservative-free breakfast cereal. This shift represents a broader trend in the food industry toward transparent and wholesome ingredients.

Additional Resource

For further information on food additives and chemical safety, the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) provides valuable insights: CSPI Food Additive Safety Ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of recent years, General Mills has removed BHT from many of its popular cereals. Specific examples include Original Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Kix, Chex, and Fiber One.

While some older Kellogg's formulations may have contained BHT, the company has been moving toward BHT-free alternatives for certain products. However, some of their US cereals have been noted to still contain it, unlike their European versions. Checking the label is the most reliable way to know for sure.

Several organic brands are reliably BHT-free, including Nature's Path, Cascadian Farm, and Barbara's Bakery. Specific cereals include Nature's Path Organic Heritage Flakes, Cascadian Farm Purely O's, and Barbara's Original Puffins.

No, BHT is used as a synthetic antioxidant in a wide range of products beyond cereals, including other packaged snacks, cooking oils, cosmetics, and packaging materials to prevent spoilage.

While the FDA considers BHT safe at low, regulated levels, some animal studies at high doses have raised concerns about potential links to cancer, liver damage, and endocrine disruption. This has motivated some consumers and manufacturers to avoid it.

BHT is a volatile chemical that can be impregnated into the packaging liner. From there, it slowly vaporizes into the food, acting as a preservative and extending freshness during storage. When used this way, it may not be legally required to be listed as an ingredient.

Mixed tocopherols are a form of Vitamin E, which is a powerful natural antioxidant. It is a common and safer alternative to synthetic preservatives like BHT for preventing food from oxidizing and going rancid.