What is BHT? Understanding the Controversy
Butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT, is a synthetic antioxidant used in many processed foods, including certain cereals, to prevent fats and oils from going rancid and extending shelf life. For many years, both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have approved BHT for use in food within controlled amounts. However, this approval has not stopped a growing number of consumers from questioning its long-term health effects. The controversy primarily stems from animal studies showing mixed results concerning its safety.
Why consumers are avoiding BHT
Concerns about BHT have prompted consumer advocacy groups and health-conscious shoppers to call for its removal from food products. Some animal studies have linked high doses of BHT to potential health risks, including liver, thyroid, and kidney issues, as well as endocrine disruption. While these findings are based on animal tests, they have led many consumers to prefer products with cleaner ingredient lists that use natural preservatives instead. This consumer demand has driven a significant shift in the food industry, with many companies proactively removing BHT to appeal to a health-conscious market.
Major cereal brands that do not contain BHT
Fortunately, finding a breakfast cereal that does not contain BHT is easier than ever. Many major manufacturers and all-natural brands have reformulated their products using alternative, more consumer-friendly preservatives like vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) and rosemary extract.
Here is a list of popular cereals and brands that have removed BHT from their U.S. formulations, according to company statements and health food guides:
- General Mills: A wide range of cereals from General Mills no longer contain BHT. Examples include:
- Cheerios (Original and many flavored varieties)
- Honey Nut Cheerios
- Lucky Charms
- Trix
- Kix
- Chex Cereals (Corn and Wheat)
- Reese's Puffs
- Kellogg's: Following consumer feedback, Kellogg's removed BHT from certain products sold in the U.S. and from many cereals available in Europe. BHT-free options in the U.S. include:
- Special K Original
- Special K Red Berries
- Raisin Bran Original
- Crispix
- Organic and Natural Brands: As a general rule, organic brands avoid synthetic preservatives like BHT. Brands such as the following are reliable BHT-free choices:
- Nature's Path Organic
- Cascadian Farm Organic
- Barbara's Bakery
- Bob's Red Mill
- Trader Joe's Organic O's
- Whole Foods 365 products
How to check if your cereal is BHT-free
Although many companies have made changes, the most reliable method for ensuring your cereal does not contain BHT is to check the ingredient label before purchasing. Even within a single brand, different product lines or variations might have different formulations. BHT will be listed explicitly if it is used, often found near the end of the ingredient list. The presence of natural alternatives like mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), or rosemary extract can be a good sign that the cereal uses a different preservation method.
Comparison of Cereals with and without BHT
This table illustrates the difference in preservatives between a typical BHT-containing cereal and a modern BHT-free alternative.
| Feature | Conventional Cereal (May contain BHT) | BHT-Free Cereal (Natural Preservatives) |
|---|---|---|
| Preservative | Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) or Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA). | Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), or Rosemary Extract. |
| Purpose | Prevents fats and oils from becoming rancid to extend shelf life. | Prevents oxidation and maintains freshness using naturally derived substances. |
| Sourcing | Synthetic chemical preservative. | Natural antioxidants derived from plants. |
| Ingredient Labeling | Explicitly lists "BHT" or "BHA" in the ingredients. | Lists specific natural compounds like "mixed tocopherols" or "rosemary extract". |
| Consumer Appeal | Less desirable to health-conscious consumers due to concerns over synthetic additives. | More appealing to those seeking "clean label" or organic products. |
The shift to natural alternatives
The move away from synthetic antioxidants like BHT is part of a larger industry trend towards "clean label" products, where consumers expect to recognize and understand all ingredients. Food scientists have developed effective natural preservatives that can match or exceed the performance of their synthetic counterparts. Mixed tocopherols, a form of vitamin E, are highly effective and widely used to preserve fats and oils in products, including cereals. Other plant-based extracts, like rosemary, are also proving to be powerful antioxidants. This shift means consumers can now find fresher, more naturally preserved cereals without sacrificing quality or taste.
Conclusion: Making informed breakfast choices
For consumers concerned about synthetic food additives, discovering which cereal does not contain BHT is a straightforward process that simply requires a moment to read the ingredient list. With many major manufacturers, such as General Mills, proactively removing BHT, and with a growing market for organic and natural cereals, finding a cleaner breakfast option is easier than ever. The best approach is always to check the packaging, look for natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols, and support brands committed to transparent and simple ingredient lists. Making this small change is a simple step toward a cleaner eating lifestyle.
