What Products Have BHA and BHT? A Complete Consumer Guide

November 2, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 80% of processed foods contain chemical additives to extend their shelf life. Among the most common are BHA and BHT, synthetic antioxidants used across the food and cosmetic industries. Understanding what products have BHA and BHT is crucial for consumers seeking to make informed choices.

Quick Summary

BHA and BHT are synthetic antioxidants primarily used to prevent fats and oils from spoiling. These common preservatives are found in processed foods, cosmetics, and various other household and commercial products.

Key Points

Antioxidant Function: BHA and BHT are synthetic antioxidants used to prevent fats and oils from spoiling due to oxidation, thereby extending product shelf life.
Prevalent in Processed Foods: They are commonly found in processed foods like breakfast cereals, snack chips, chewing gum, and frozen meals.
Used in Cosmetics: Many personal care products, including lipsticks, moisturizers, eyeshadows, and sunscreens, contain these preservatives.
Can Migrate from Packaging: In some cases, these additives are in the product packaging and can migrate into the food without being listed on the ingredient label.
Label Reading is Essential: Consumers should look for "butylated hydroxyanisole" and "butylated hydroxytoluene" on ingredient lists to identify their presence.
Health Concerns Vary: While deemed safe by the FDA at low levels, BHA is classified as a possible carcinogen by IARC, and high doses of both have been linked to potential health issues in animal studies.
Consider Whole Foods: Reducing intake of ultra-processed foods is an effective way to minimize exposure to these and other synthetic additives.

Understanding BHA and BHT

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are synthetic phenolic antioxidants. They function by preventing oxidative rancidity, which degrades fats and oils when exposed to oxygen. By neutralizing free radicals, they help maintain the product's freshness, flavor, color, and odor, effectively extending its shelf life. These properties make them cost-effective preservatives for a wide range of goods.

Products in the Pantry: BHA and BHT in Foods

BHA and BHT are frequently added to processed foods with significant fat or oil content, either directly during manufacturing or within the packaging.

Common food products containing BHA/BHT include:

Cereals: Many breakfast cereals use BHT or BHA.
Snack Foods: Chips, crackers, and nuts often contain these antioxidants.
Chewing Gum: Used to preserve flavor and color.
Shortening and Lard: Rely on BHA/BHT to prevent rancidity.
Processed Meats: Often preserved with these additives.
Baked Goods: Packaged items with fats or oils use these preservatives.
Dehydrated Products: Such as potato flakes can contain BHA.
Beverages: Some may use BHA as a defoaming agent.

In the Medicine Cabinet: BHA and BHT in Cosmetics

In cosmetics and personal care items, BHA and BHT stabilize fat and oil-based ingredients, preventing degradation due to oxidation. This helps maintain the product's quality, texture, and fragrance.

Common cosmetic products with BHA/BHT:

Lip Products: Lipsticks, lip balms, and lip glosses.
Moisturizers and Creams: Especially those with oils and fats.
Makeup: Including eyeshadows and foundations.
Hair Products: Certain shampoos, conditioners, and styling products.
Sunscreens: To stabilize oil-soluble components.
Fragrances: Sometimes used to maintain the scent's integrity.

Beyond the Home: Other BHA and BHT Products

Their applications also extend to other areas.

Animal Feed: Used to prevent spoilage of fat content in pet and livestock feed.
Food Packaging: Can be added to packaging and migrate into food.
Pharmaceuticals: May be included in some medicines and supplements.

Comparison of BHA and BHT


Feature	Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)	Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Primary Use	Prevents fats from becoming rancid.	Prevents oxidative rancidity, preserves odor, color, and flavor.
Appearance	White or yellowish waxy solid.	White crystalline powder.
Solubility	Oil-soluble.	Oil-soluble.
Stability	Good protection against oxidation.	More effective oxidation effect on certain foods.
Carcinogenicity	Possible human carcinogen (IARC).	Not classified as a potential human carcinogen (IARC).
Regulatory Status	FDA approved (regulated levels); banned in EU cosmetics for fragrance.	FDA approved (regulated levels); usage limits in EU cosmetics.

Navigating Labels and Consumer Choice

To limit exposure, consumers should read labels carefully, looking for 'butylated hydroxyanisole' and 'butylated hydroxytoluene'. Reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods and opting for fresh, whole foods can also lower intake. Be aware that these additives can transfer from packaging without being listed. If uncertain, contact the manufacturer.

Conclusion

BHA and BHT are common synthetic antioxidants used to preserve fats and oils in numerous products, from foods to cosmetics, thus extending shelf life. While regulatory bodies like the FDA consider them safe at low levels, their long-term health effects are debated, and regulations vary globally. Informed consumers can make choices by carefully examining product labels. Resources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) offer further information on ingredient safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

BHA and BHT are added to products primarily to act as synthetic antioxidants. They prevent fats and oils from spoiling (turning rancid) when exposed to oxygen, which helps to extend the product's shelf life.

Yes, this is a possibility. Sometimes, BHT, in particular, is added to the product's packaging, and small amounts can migrate into the food over time without legally needing to be included on the ingredient list.

The FDA classifies BHA and BHT as 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) at regulated levels. However, some studies have raised concerns, particularly linking high doses to potential health risks in animal studies. For example, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies BHA as a possible human carcinogen.

Specific food examples with BHA include butter, packaged baked goods, snack foods like chips and nuts, dehydrated potatoes, and some beers.

BHT is commonly found in cosmetics that contain fats and oils, including lipsticks, moisturizers, eye shadows, sunscreens, and fragrances.

The most direct way to avoid products with BHA and BHT is to carefully read ingredient labels. Additionally, focusing on fresh, whole foods and reducing consumption of ultra-processed items can help minimize exposure.

While both are synthetic antioxidants, they have slightly different chemical structures. BHT is noted for having a better oxidation effect on certain foods and is widely used in cosmetics, whereas BHA is also used in cosmetics but is classified as a possible carcinogen by IARC.