Do Wheat Thins Still Contain BHT? An Update for Conscious Snackers

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

As of 2025, many Wheat Thins products manufactured for the American market explicitly state on the ingredient label that BHT is "Added to Packaging Material to Preserve Freshness". This practice differs from versions sold in other countries, like Canada, where the controversial preservative is not used at all. The presence of BHT, or Butylated Hydroxytoluene, in the packaging has long been a subject of concern for health-conscious consumers who question the safety and necessity of this chemical additive.

Quick Summary

This article examines the current status of BHT in American Wheat Thins packaging, delving into why the additive is still used despite being banned in other regions. We explore the health controversies surrounding BHT, discuss how it leaches from packaging, and offer comparisons to alternative snack options, providing clear information for those concerned about food additives.

Key Points

BHT is in the Packaging: American Wheat Thins still use BHT, which is added to the bag liner and leaches into the crackers over time.
International Bans Exist: The use of BHT in food is prohibited or heavily restricted in many countries, including Canada and most of Europe.
Health Concerns are Debated: While FDA-approved in the US, some health studies and watchdog groups raise concerns about BHT's potential health impacts, including endocrine disruption and carcinogenic properties.
BHT-Free Alternatives are Available: Numerous cracker alternatives exist, often using natural preservatives or clean ingredients, such as those from Simple Mills and Mary's Gone Crackers.
Consumers Drive Change: Consumer awareness and demand for cleaner labels have historically influenced food manufacturers to remove controversial additives.

Is BHT in Wheat Thins or Just the Packaging? The Leaching Effect

While not listed as a direct food ingredient, current ingredient labels for Wheat Thins in the US often state that "BHT Added to Packaging Material to Preserve Freshness". This means BHT is intentionally placed in the bag liner and can migrate into the crackers to prevent oils from going rancid, thus extending shelf life. This process, known as leaching, allows manufacturers to use the preservative's benefits without listing it on the food's ingredient panel.

The Controversy Surrounding BHT

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant used to prevent fats and oils from spoiling. In the US, it has held "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) status from the FDA since 1959. However, its safety is controversial due to animal studies, which have shown conflicting results regarding potential health effects, including possible links to cancer. Some research suggests BHT may act as an endocrine disruptor and a 2025 study hinted at effects on appetite regulation.

International Regulations

Unlike the US, many countries, including those in Europe, Japan, and the UK, have stricter regulations or have banned BHT in food products. This demonstrates that BHT is not essential for producing stable crackers, and companies like Mondelez often produce BHT-free versions for international markets.

Why Are Wheat Thins Still Using BHT?

The continued use of BHT in US Wheat Thins packaging can be attributed to several factors:

Cost and Efficacy: BHT is an inexpensive and effective way to extend shelf life.
Consumer Awareness: Many consumers may not be aware of BHT's presence, especially when only mentioned in relation to packaging.
Regulatory Status: The FDA's GRAS classification means there is no legal requirement for Mondelez to remove it in the US.

Wheat Thins vs. BHT-Free Alternatives: A Comparison

For those seeking BHT-free options, several cracker alternatives exist:


Feature	Wheat Thins (US)	Simple Mills Crackers	Mary's Gone Crackers	Hu Kitchen Crackers
Preservatives	BHT added to packaging	None (usually)	None (usually)	None (usually)
Ingredients	Whole grain wheat flour, canola oil, sugar, cornstarch, malt syrup, etc.	Almond flour, seed blend, tapioca, etc.	Brown rice, quinoa, flax seeds, sesame seeds, herbs, etc.	Almond flour, cassava flour, coconut flour, etc.
Taste Profile	Slightly sweet, salty, and nutty	Nutty, savory, and less sweet	Nutty, earthy, and crispy	Savory, crunchy, and hearty
Whole Grains	Yes, primary ingredient	Not a wheat-based cracker	Uses whole grains and seeds	Grain-free
Added Sugars	Contains sugar and malt syrup	Minimal or no added sugar	Minimal or no added sugar	None
Sodium	Relatively high	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate to high

Conclusion: Navigating the BHT Question

In the US, Wheat Thins products continue to have BHT added to their packaging, which then leaches into the crackers. This differs from many other countries where BHT is restricted or banned due to health concerns, highlighting variations in global food safety standards. While the debate around low-dose BHT exposure persists, the availability of BHT-free versions internationally and numerous alternative crackers in the market demonstrate that avoiding this additive is possible. Consumers concerned about synthetic additives should carefully check labels, including packaging disclaimers, and consider BHT-free options. The decision of whether the extended shelf life is worth the potential exposure to this controversial chemical ultimately rests with the individual consumer.

What are healthier cracker alternatives to Wheat Thins?

Simple Mills Crackers: Often made with nut and seed flours, providing a grain-free option.
Mary's Gone Crackers: Made from organic whole grains and seeds, a popular BHT-free choice.
Hu Kitchen Crackers: A grain-free blend of almond, cassava, and coconut flours.
365 Organic Wheat Square Crackers: Whole Foods' organic alternative.
Back to Nature Crispy Wheat Crackers: Non-GMO Project Verified with cane sugar.

Will Mondelez ever remove BHT from American Wheat Thins?

Consumer Influence: Consumer demand has historically led food companies, like General Mills with its cereals, to remove BHT.
Existing BHT-Free Production: Mondelez already produces BHT-free versions for markets like Canada, indicating a change is feasible.
Legal Pressures: Class-action lawsuits can also prompt changes in product formulation and labeling.

What is the difference between BHT and BHA?

Related Antioxidants: Both BHT and BHA are synthetic antioxidants preventing rancidity.
Differing Safety Classifications: While BHT is debated, BHA is classified by the National Toxicology Program as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen," a stronger classification.
Common Uses: BHA is found in various foods, while BHT is also used in packaging for products like Wheat Thins and cereals.

Does the packaging BHT truly affect the food?

Intended Migration: Yes, the BHT in the packaging is designed to migrate into the crackers to preserve them.
FDA Approval: The FDA has approved this method, recognizing its role in the preservation process.

Why is BHT allowed in the US but banned elsewhere?

Different Regulations: The US FDA's GRAS classification differs from the more precautionary approach taken by regulators in Europe and elsewhere, who consider conflicting animal studies and potential health risks.
Consumer Demand: Stronger consumer demand for cleaner labels in regions like Europe has also influenced the removal of controversial additives.

Are Wheat Thins still healthy without BHT?

Other Ingredients: Beyond BHT, Wheat Thins contain whole grain wheat flour and fiber but also include added sugars and relatively high sodium.
Compared to Alternatives: While potentially better than some highly processed snacks due to whole grains, alternatives with less sugar and sodium are often recommended by health experts.

How can I find out if a snack has BHT?

Check Labels Closely: Read the ingredients list and look for phrases like "BHT Added to Packaging Material to Preserve Freshness".
Consider Origin: Product formulations can vary by country.
Look for Preservative-Free Claims: Many brands now highlight the absence of artificial preservatives. Exploring organic and natural options is also useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, as of 2025, American Wheat Thins packaging explicitly states that BHT is "Added to Packaging Material to Preserve Freshness," indicating its presence via leaching.

BHT is added to the plastic liner of the bag to prevent the oil in the crackers from going rancid, effectively extending shelf life. It is not a direct ingredient in the food itself but is intended to migrate into the crackers.

BHT's safety is debated. While the US FDA has labeled it as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS), many health organizations and international regulators disagree, citing conflicting animal studies and potential health risks like endocrine disruption.

Yes, Wheat Thins sold in Canada do not contain BHT, which demonstrates that the additive is not necessary for the product's formulation. Similarly, BHT is banned in most European countries.

Potential issues associated with BHT exposure in animal studies include interference with endocrine function, links to certain cancers, and impacts on appetite-regulating signals in the brain.

To avoid BHT, you should carefully read all labels, including the fine print on the packaging material. Opt for organic or natural food brands that state they use no artificial preservatives, such as Simple Mills or Mary's Gone Crackers.

Yes. Following consumer pressure, General Mills removed BHT from its cereals in 2015, showing that industry-wide change in response to customer concerns is possible.