Is TBHQ in Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups contain TBHQ, a food additive used to preserve fats and oils. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG). While the FDA considers TBHQ safe in small amounts, this raises concerns for many health-conscious consumers.

Quick Summary

This article examines if Reese's Peanut Butter Cups contain TBHQ, a common preservative. A review of the ingredient list confirms its presence. The purpose, regulatory status, and potential health implications are discussed. Alternatives to TBHQ are also explored.

Key Points

Contains TBHQ: Yes, classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups list TBHQ among their ingredients.
Serves as an Antioxidant: TBHQ prevents the fats and oils in the peanut butter from oxidizing and becoming rancid.
FDA Approved: The FDA considers TBHQ to be Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) at low concentration levels.
Controversy Exists: Some watchdog groups and studies raise concerns about TBHQ's long-term health effects, including impacts on the immune system.
Alternatives Available: Consumers can find TBHQ-free peanut butter cups from other brands or opt for Reese's own organic versions.

Yes, TBHQ is present in Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups do contain TBHQ. The ingredient list includes tertiary butylhydroquinone, along with citric acid, which is used to "maintain freshness". It acts as an antioxidant in the peanut butter filling, preventing fats and oils from oxidizing and becoming rancid.

The purpose of TBHQ in processed foods

TBHQ, a synthetic antioxidant, is widely used in the food industry to extend the shelf life of products with fats and oils. The fats would break down without it, causing the candy to lose flavor and develop an unpleasant taste and odor. This preservation is essential for maintaining product quality and consistency for mass-produced candies like Reese's.

What are the health and safety concerns surrounding TBHQ?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified TBHQ as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) within specific concentration limits. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) is set at a low level. A single serving of Reese's is unlikely to approach that limit. The cumulative effect of consuming multiple processed foods containing this additive has raised concerns for some health advocates.

Contradictory Animal Studies: Some animal studies have produced conflicting results regarding TBHQ's effects. Some research shows potential for carcinogenic effects at high doses, and other studies suggest potential anti-cancer properties.
Immune System Concerns: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has highlighted studies suggesting that TBHQ may harm the immune system, potentially impacting the body's defense against infections like influenza.
Potential for Allergic Reactions: Some reports indicate that TBHQ may worsen symptoms of hypersensitivity and food allergies.
Neurological Effects: High doses of TBHQ have been linked to potential neurological symptoms, including vision disturbances and convulsions, in animal studies.

Alternatives to Reese's Peanut Butter Cups with TBHQ

Alternatives are available for those who prefer to avoid TBHQ and other synthetic additives. Some manufacturers offer organic or "clean label" versions of popular treats that utilize natural preservatives or production methods.

Reese's Organic vs. Classic: The classic Reese's contains TBHQ, while the brand's organic version does not, demonstrating that alternatives exist for preservation.
Other Brands: Other companies, like Justin's, produce peanut butter cups using organic ingredients and without synthetic additives, though they may still be high in sugar.
DIY Homemade: Making your own peanut butter cups at home is the most surefire way to control ingredients, using natural peanut butter and your preferred chocolate.

Comparison of Classic vs. Organic Peanut Butter Cups


Feature	Classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cup	Organic Peanut Butter Cups (e.g., Justin's)
Contains TBHQ?	Yes	No
Preservatives	TBHQ and Citric Acid	Often use natural antioxidants like sea salt or sunflower lecithin
Ingredients	A mix of conventional and bioengineered ingredients	Organic ingredients, certified Non-GMO
Cost	Generally more affordable	Typically higher price point
Shelf Life	Extended due to synthetic preservatives	Shorter, closer to natural product standards

Making an informed choice about your snacks

Knowing the ingredients in your food empowers consumers to make choices aligned with dietary preferences and health goals. For casual consumers, the trace amounts of TBHQ in a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup are unlikely to pose a significant health risk, according to regulatory bodies. Consumers with food sensitivities, allergies, or a preference for organic and minimally processed foods may choose alternatives that don't contain synthetic preservatives. The availability of both classic and organic versions of candies like Reese's allows consumers to vote with their wallets and choose the option that best suits their lifestyle.

Conclusion

Classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups contain TBHQ, a synthetic preservative used to maintain freshness and extend shelf life. While approved by the FDA in small concentrations, concerns about potential health effects have been raised by watchdog groups and some scientific studies. Consumers can find TBHQ-free alternatives from brands like Justin's or opt for Reese's own organic product, which is made without synthetic additives. Ultimately, the decision to consume products with TBHQ depends on individual comfort levels with processed food ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

TBHQ is added to Reese's Peanut Butter Cups as a synthetic antioxidant to prevent the oils and fats in the peanut butter from spoiling or going rancid, which helps maintain the product's flavor and extend its shelf life.

Not all Reese's products contain TBHQ. For example, the brand's organic version of the peanut butter cup does not list this synthetic preservative in its ingredients.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified TBHQ as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) when consumed in small, regulated amounts. Some health groups and studies have raised concerns about its potential health effects at higher or long-term intake levels.

Yes, there are several brands that produce peanut butter cups without TBHQ. Options include organic versions of Reese's and products from other companies, such as Justin's, which use natural ingredients and preservatives.

To avoid TBHQ, check the ingredient lists of processed foods. Choose organic or "clean label" alternatives that do not contain the preservative. Making homemade versions of snacks is another way to ensure control over ingredients.

Some studies have suggested that TBHQ may negatively impact the function of certain immune cells. Further research is needed, but this has been a point of concern for health advocates.

The evidence regarding TBHQ's link to cancer is contradictory and primarily based on animal studies with very high doses. Regulatory bodies like the FDA have not concluded it is a human carcinogen at approved levels, but the topic remains under discussion.