BHT is No Longer an Ingredient in Cinnamon Toast Crunch
As of 2015, General Mills no longer uses the synthetic preservative butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT, in its Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. This change was a significant move for the company, which announced its decision to phase out the ingredient in response to growing consumer interest in products with simpler, more recognizable ingredient lists. While the FDA has long approved BHT as a safe food additive, public skepticism and advocacy campaigns influenced General Mills to reformulate its popular cereals.
The Historical Use of BHT in Cereal
Before the 2015 change, many popular cereals, including Cinnamon Toast Crunch, used BHT as a way to extend shelf life and maintain freshness. As an antioxidant, BHT plays a critical role in preventing fats and oils from oxidizing and becoming rancid. In a cereal like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, which contains fats from canola or sunflower oil, this is particularly important for preserving flavor and preventing staleness. The ingredient was often listed on the packaging as 'BHT added to preserve freshness'.
Why General Mills Removed BHT
General Mills emphasized that their decision was not based on safety concerns but rather on consumer preferences. The company noted that BHT is an FDA-approved ingredient and has been used safely for decades. However, the rise of the 'clean label' movement, where consumers seek products with fewer artificial ingredients, was a major driver. Advocacy groups and bloggers raised awareness about BHT, and the fact that similar cereals were sold without the additive in Europe further fueled public demand for change in the US.
Natural Alternatives to BHT
To replace BHT, General Mills turned to natural antioxidants that can serve the same purpose. The new formulations for Cinnamon Toast Crunch utilize alternatives like:
- Rosemary Extract: Derived from the rosemary plant, this extract contains compounds with antioxidant properties that prevent fat oxidation.
- Mixed Tocopherols: Often simply labeled as Vitamin E, these compounds are natural antioxidants widely used in the food industry.
These plant-based alternatives allow the cereal to maintain its freshness and flavor profile without the use of a synthetic preservative, aligning with current consumer expectations. It is worth noting that some older versions or regional variants might still contain BHT, so reading the ingredient list remains the most reliable method for verification.
BHT Controversy: Regulations and Concerns
The use of BHT in food is a contentious topic with a history of debate. While the FDA has consistently deemed it safe for consumption within certain limits, other bodies and consumer groups have raised questions about its potential health effects.
- Regulatory Classification: In the U.S., BHT is classified as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). However, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has noted potential carcinogenicity based on animal studies, although these studies often use high doses.
- Public Perception: Consumer activism has played a major role in how food companies approach additives like BHT. The 'food babe' campaign in 2015, for instance, put pressure on cereal manufacturers like General Mills and Kellogg's to remove the ingredient.
- Regional Differences: The divergence in regulations between countries, where BHT might be permitted in some but not in others (like Europe), highlighted the additive as potentially unnecessary and prompted a reevaluation by companies.
Old vs. New Cinnamon Toast Crunch: Ingredient Comparison
| Feature | Old Formulation (Pre-2015) | New Formulation (Post-2015) |
|---|---|---|
| Preservative | Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) | Rosemary Extract, Mixed Tocopherols |
| Flavor | Same beloved cinnamon flavor | Same beloved cinnamon flavor |
| Appearance | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Consumer Appeal | Less desirable to clean-label consumers | More aligned with current consumer preferences |
| FDA Status | FDA-approved | Uses natural, FDA-approved preservatives |
Conclusion: Your Cereal Is BHT-Free
If you are wondering 'Does Cinnamon Toast Crunch have BHT in it?', the definitive answer is no. Since 2015, General Mills has reformulated the cereal to remove the synthetic preservative and replace it with natural alternatives like rosemary extract. This change was a direct result of evolving consumer preferences and a demand for cleaner, more transparent ingredient lists. While BHT was deemed safe by the FDA, the company listened to its customers and adjusted its recipe accordingly. For those mindful of food additives, enjoying a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch today means consuming a product free from this particular synthetic ingredient.
What are mixed tocopherols?
Mixed tocopherols are a natural form of Vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant. In food products, they serve the same purpose as synthetic antioxidants like BHT: preventing fats and oils from oxidizing and going rancid, which helps maintain freshness without artificial preservatives.
