Cereals That Do Not Contain BHT or BHA

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) is classified as a 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. While these preservatives are common in many breakfast cereals to extend shelf life, a growing number of brands are offering healthier alternatives free of BHA and BHT.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a breakdown of cereals that are free from the synthetic preservatives BHT and BHA, including brands that use alternative antioxidants and those that have removed the chemicals from their products. It lists specific examples and offers tips for identifying clean-label breakfast options.

Key Points

General Mills offers many BHT/BHA-free cereals: The company removed BHT from its U.S. cereals in 2015, making brands like Original Cheerios free of the additive.
Organic brands are often preservative-free: Nature's Path, Cascadian Farm, and Three Wishes are examples of brands that prioritize natural ingredients and avoid synthetic preservatives.
Always check the ingredient label: Reading the ingredient list is the most reliable way to confirm a cereal is free of BHT or BHA, even if the packaging makes 'natural' claims.
Plain oats are a safe bet: Unprocessed whole grain oats, like Quaker Old Fashioned Oats, are naturally free of BHT and offer a versatile, healthy breakfast option.
Preservatives are sometimes used differently internationally: Some brands, like Kellogg's, use BHT in their U.S. products but not in their European versions, indicating that it is not essential.
Natural antioxidants can be used instead: Many manufacturers use natural alternatives such as Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) to maintain freshness in place of BHT or BHA.

Understanding BHT and BHA in Your Cereal

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) are synthetic antioxidants that cereal manufacturers have historically used to prevent fats and oils from becoming rancid. Their presence extends the product's shelf life, making it a cost-effective choice for many food companies. However, over the past few decades, these additives have come under scrutiny due to potential health concerns, leading many consumers to seek out healthier, preservative-free alternatives. The good news is that with increased consumer demand and awareness, many brands are now removing these controversial ingredients from their products or using natural alternatives, such as mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E), rosemary extract, or vitamin C.

Major Brands Leading the Change

Several major cereal brands have committed to removing BHT and BHA from their products, either globally or specifically in the United States. In 2015, General Mills announced that it would be removing BHT from all of its cereals sold in the U.S.. This was not a safety-related change, but a response to consumer preferences for simpler, cleaner ingredient lists. As a result, many of their well-known products are now free from this additive. Kellogg's has also faced pressure regarding its use of BHT, especially since it sells the same cereals without the preservative in other countries. This difference highlights that using these preservatives is often a choice, not a necessity.

The Rise of Organic and Natural Brands

Beyond the mainstream brands, the organic and natural food industry has long been a source for BHT and BHA-free cereals. These companies often prioritize simple, whole-food ingredients and avoid synthetic additives entirely. Brands like Nature's Path, Cascadian Farm, and Annie's Homegrown are prime examples of this trend. Their focus on organic and less processed foods naturally results in products free from these controversial preservatives. However, even within this category, it's crucial to check labels, as not all 'natural' or 'healthy' options are created equal.

Reading the Label: What to Look For

When shopping for BHT and BHA-free cereals, the most reliable method is always to read the ingredient list. The preservatives are almost always listed explicitly. If you see 'BHA' or 'BHT' in the ingredients, the product contains them. If they are not listed, it is a strong indicator that the cereal is free of these additives. Many brands will also use terms like 'preservative-free' or 'no artificial preservatives' on the packaging, but checking the ingredient list provides the most definitive confirmation. Additionally, be aware of cereals that contain 'artificial flavor' or other complex chemical names, as these can sometimes indicate a less natural product, even if BHA/BHT is not listed.

BHT and BHA-Free Cereal Comparison Table


Cereal Brand	Product Example	BHT/BHA-Free Status	Antioxidant Used (if applicable)	Notable Features
General Mills	Original Cheerios	Free	Mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E)	Whole grain oats, heart-healthy
Nature's Path Organic	Flax Plus Raisin Bran	Free	None specified, naturally stable	Organic, Non-GMO, High fiber
Cascadian Farm Organic	Purely O's	Free	None specified, naturally stable	Organic, Non-GMO, Whole grain
Three Wishes	Fruity Flavored Grain Free Cereal	Free	None specified, uses simple ingredients	Grain-free, high protein, low sugar
Kashi	Cinnamon Harvest	Free	None specified	Organic, shredded wheat
Magic Spoon	Grain-free Cereal	Free	None specified	Grain-free, high protein, keto-friendly
Quaker Oats	Old Fashioned Oats	Free	N/A (whole, unprocessed grain)	100% whole grain, versatile for cooking

Finding BHT and BHA-Free Options

For consumers looking to avoid these preservatives, a few simple steps can streamline the shopping process. Firstly, focus on the organic and health-food sections of the grocery store, as these brands are more likely to have cleaner labels. Secondly, use mobile apps designed for food transparency, which allow you to scan a product's barcode and get immediate information on its ingredients and potential additives. Finally, stick to the basics. Unsweetened, whole-grain oats or shredded wheat cereals that are minimally processed are almost always a safe bet. Plain, unflavored cereals are less likely to contain a long list of additives, including preservatives, compared to their sugary, colorful counterparts.

Where to Shop for Preservative-Free Cereals

Most major grocery chains now carry a wider selection of organic and natural cereals than in the past. Stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Sprouts are reliable sources, as are health-focused online retailers. For those on a budget, even big-box stores like Target and Walmart have expanded their natural food sections. The key is to know which brands to look for and to always double-check the label, as formulations can sometimes change.

A Note on Cereal Types

While many popular, colorful, and highly processed cereals still contain BHT, simple grain options are consistently safer choices. Oatmeal, in particular, is a great BHT-free option, especially if you opt for plain, whole oats and add your own natural sweeteners and flavors. Muesli is another excellent alternative, consisting of a mix of rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Brands like Bob's Red Mill and Seven Sundays offer several muesli varieties without BHT or BHA.

Conclusion

Navigating the cereal aisle to find options free of BHT and BHA is becoming easier as consumer awareness increases and brands respond to demand for cleaner, simpler ingredients. By focusing on organic and natural brands, reading labels carefully, and opting for less-processed choices like plain oats and muesli, you can make informed decisions for a healthier breakfast. While research on the long-term effects of BHT and BHA continues, many find peace of mind in choosing foods with fewer synthetic additives.

For more in-depth information on food additives and healthy eating, check out the resources provided by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a leading organization in environmental and food health advocacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) and BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) are synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives in many processed foods, including cereals, to prevent the oils from spoiling and extending shelf life.

While the FDA considers these additives safe in approved amounts, some studies have raised concerns about their potential health impacts. BHA is classified as a possible human carcinogen by an agency of the World Health Organization, and both have been linked to endocrine disruption in some studies.

Yes, General Mills, the maker of Cheerios, removed BHT from its U.S. cereals in 2015. Most standard varieties of Cheerios, including Original and Honey Nut, are free of BHT.

Historically, yes. Reports indicate that Kellogg's has used BHT in some of its U.S. cereals but sold the same products without the additive in Europe, demonstrating that alternatives exist.

For alternative breakfast choices, look for simple options like plain oatmeal, plain muesli, or granola from brands that use whole, natural ingredients and avoid synthetic additives.

In most cases, organic cereals do not contain BHT or BHA, as organic standards prohibit most synthetic preservatives. Brands like Nature's Path and Cascadian Farm focus on natural ingredients.

The term 'natural' is not well-regulated and does not guarantee a product is free of synthetic preservatives like BHT or BHA. Always read the ingredient list to be certain.

Some manufacturers use natural antioxidants to maintain freshness, such as mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), or extracts from rosemary and thyme.