What is BHT and Why is it Used in Food?
Butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT, is a man-made chemical and antioxidant that is a common food additive. Its primary function in the food industry is to act as a preservative, preventing the oxidation of fats and oils. When fats and oils are exposed to oxygen, they can become rancid, resulting in unpleasant tastes, odors, and altered textures. By neutralizing free radicals that cause this oxidation, BHT helps food products stay fresh, palatable, and visually appealing for a longer period. It is also known for its heat stability, which makes it suitable for use in processed foods that undergo baking or frying. In addition to being added directly to foods, BHT can also be incorporated into food packaging, where it vaporizes and transfers to the food during storage. This practice means it might not always be listed on the ingredients label, as it can be classified as an incidental additive.
A Comprehensive List of Foods Containing BHT
BHT is most commonly found in highly processed, packaged foods, particularly those with a high fat content. Some of the most popular food categories to check include:
- Breakfast Cereals: Many dry breakfast cereals and rolled oats contain BHT to prevent the oils from going rancid. Some brands have removed it, but it's important to check the label for verification.
- Snack Foods: A wide array of snack products, such as potato chips, puffed snacks, and crackers, often utilize BHT to maintain freshness and prevent off-flavors.
- Chewing Gum: The gum base in many commercial chewing gums contains BHT to extend its shelf life. A Danish consumer council test found BHT in numerous gum products, though some manufacturers are phasing it out.
- Processed Meats: Sausage, hot dogs, meat patties, and other preserved or processed meat products often contain BHT to protect the fats from oxidation.
- Fats and Oils: Vegetable oils, lard, and shortening are frequently preserved with BHT to prevent them from becoming rancid over time.
- Frozen Convenience Foods: Many frozen meals and prepared foods, especially those with fats and oils, use BHT as a preservative.
- Baked Goods: Packaged baked goods and desserts, such as cookies and cakes, may contain BHT to help extend their freshness.
- Dehydrated Products: This includes products like potato flakes and dried fruits where BHT helps prevent spoilage.
- Other Products: BHT can also be found in other items like active dry yeast and flavored products.
Comparison of Food Types and BHT Content
To better understand where BHT is commonly found, consider this comparison between different food categories.
| Food Category | Typical Use of BHT | Example Products | Potential for Labeling | Reason for Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast Cereals | Added directly to the food. | Cap'n Crunch, Rolled Oats | High. Often listed as "BHT added to packaging" or as an ingredient. | Prevents fat rancidity in dry, grain-based products. |
| Chewing Gum | Integrated into the gum base. | Many common gum brands | Varies. Sometimes listed, but can also be incidental. | Extends shelf life and preserves flavor. |
| Processed Meats | Added to meat or fat mixture. | Hot dogs, sausages, meat patties | High. Typically listed in the ingredients. | Protects fat content from oxidative spoilage. |
| Snack Foods | Sprayed onto the finished product or in packaging. | Potato chips, crackers | Varies. Can be added to the product or migrate from packaging. | Maintains freshness and prevents off-flavors from fat oxidation. |
| Cooking Oils | Blended into the oil itself. | Vegetable oil, shortening, lard | High. Usually clearly listed on the ingredients. | Stabilizes fats and prevents rancidity over long periods. |
Avoiding BHT in Your Diet
For consumers looking to avoid BHT, a few key strategies are effective. The most straightforward approach is to prioritize fresh, whole foods that are minimally processed. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean, unprocessed meats, which are typically found around the perimeter of a grocery store. For packaged goods, reading the ingredient label is essential. Look for BHT or its E-number E321 in the ingredient list. However, since BHT can sometimes be an incidental additive from packaging, label-checking alone isn't foolproof. Consumers should also opt for products explicitly labeled as BHT-free or free of artificial preservatives. Choosing organic food products is another reliable method, as USDA organic standards generally prohibit the use of synthetic additives like BHT.
The Role of Packaging in BHT Transfer
One of the more complex aspects of BHT's presence in food is its use in packaging materials. BHT is fat-soluble and can be added to the plastic or cardboard liners of a product's packaging. Over time, this BHT can vaporize and migrate from the packaging into the food product itself, particularly in fatty or oily foods. Because this process makes BHT an "incidental" food additive, regulatory bodies do not always require it to be listed on the ingredients panel. This hidden pathway for exposure means that even products without BHT explicitly listed may still contain small amounts. This highlights the importance of choosing fresh, unpackaged foods when possible to minimize exposure. For packaged products, seeking brands known for using alternative, natural antioxidants or those that specifically state they are free of BHT can provide greater assurance.
Conclusion
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant primarily used to extend the shelf life of processed foods by preventing fats and oils from oxidizing. It is prevalent in numerous popular food categories, including cereals, snack foods, cooking oils, and processed meats. Its presence can be explicitly stated on ingredient lists or transferred incidentally from food packaging, posing a challenge for consumers. To minimize intake, focusing on whole, unprocessed foods and carefully checking labels for ingredients or packaging claims is the most effective strategy. While regulatory bodies like the FDA consider BHT safe in limited amounts, growing consumer awareness is driving some manufacturers to seek alternative preservatives.
Foods with and without BHT
- Cereals with BHT: Many traditional breakfast cereals, particularly those with a high sugar or fat content, have historically used BHT as a preservative.
- Cereals without BHT: Increasingly, many cereal brands, including some from major manufacturers, have removed BHT in response to consumer demand, opting for alternative preservatives.
- Snack Foods: Most conventional potato chips, cheese crackers, and other packaged snack items are likely to contain BHT.
- Cooking Oils: Some vegetable oils and shortenings still contain BHT, though many brands now advertise themselves as preservative-free.
- Fresh Produce: All fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables naturally do not contain BHT, making them a safe choice.
- Organic Products: Organic-certified packaged foods are not permitted to use synthetic preservatives like BHT.
What are BHT's side effects?
While the FDA considers BHT safe in small doses, some animal studies suggest potential links to cancer and endocrine disruption at higher levels. High doses in animals have also caused liver enlargement and behavioral changes. More human research is needed to determine long-term effects conclusively.
How can I find out if a food contains BHT from its packaging?
Check the ingredients list for "BHT" or the E-number "E321". Be aware that if BHT is added to the food packaging and not the food itself, it may not be listed on the label.
Is BHT banned in any countries?
Yes, BHT is banned or heavily restricted as a food additive in some countries, particularly in Japan and parts of Europe, due to health concerns.
Are BHT and BHA the same thing?
No, BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) are different synthetic antioxidants, although they are often used together in food preservation.
Do all breakfast cereals contain BHT?
No. While many cereals historically contained BHT, some major manufacturers have voluntarily removed it in response to consumer concerns. Checking the ingredient label is necessary to confirm.
Are there natural alternatives to BHT?
Yes. Many food manufacturers are moving towards natural antioxidants like tocopherols (Vitamin E), rosemary extract, and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as alternatives to synthetic preservatives like BHT.
Should I avoid all processed foods to eliminate BHT from my diet?
Choosing fresh, whole, and minimally processed foods is the most effective way to avoid BHT and many other additives. However, careful label reading and choosing products specifically marked as preservative-free can also help.
