Which Cereals Do Not Have BHT? A Guide to Healthier Choices

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2015 report, General Mills announced its commitment to removing the synthetic antioxidant BHT from its cereals in response to consumer preferences. This transparency prompted many to wonder, Which cereals do not have BHT and what makes them a better choice for a nutrition diet? This guide details the many preservative-free options available on the market.

Quick Summary

This guide lists numerous breakfast cereals that are free of the synthetic preservative BHT, highlighting popular brands and naturally derived alternatives used for freshness. It provides information to help consumers identify healthier cereal options and read food labels effectively.

Key Points

BHT is a Synthetic Antioxidant: BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a synthetic preservative used in many cereals and their packaging to prevent rancidity.
Major Brands are BHT-Free: Brands like General Mills have removed BHT from popular cereals such as Cheerios and Chex, using natural antioxidants instead.
Organic Brands are a Safe Bet: Most organic and health-focused brands like Nature's Path, Cascadian Farm, and Ezekiel 4:9 offer cereals that are naturally free of BHT.
Mixed Tocopherols are a Common Alternative: Many companies replace BHT with natural preservatives, most commonly mixed tocopherols, a form of Vitamin E.
Read Labels Carefully: To ensure a cereal is BHT-free, check the ingredients list. Be aware that sometimes BHT is only in the packaging and not listed as an ingredient.
Choose Whole Grain, Low-Sugar Options: Cereals that are BHT-free often align with broader healthy eating principles, featuring whole grains, more fiber, and less added sugar.
Explore Alternatives to Packaged Cereals: For complete control, opt for whole-food breakfasts like oatmeal, homemade granola, or yogurt with fruit and nuts.

Understanding BHT and Its Role in Food

BHT, or butylated hydroxytoluene, is a synthetic antioxidant widely used in the food industry as a preservative. Its primary function is to prevent fats and oils from becoming rancid due to oxidation, thereby extending a product's shelf life. BHT is often found in processed foods that contain fats, including breakfast cereals, crackers, chewing gum, and snacks. While it is approved for use by the FDA in controlled amounts, its widespread use and potential health implications, particularly from animal studies, have led many consumers to seek out BHT-free alternatives. Concerns also arise from the fact that BHT can be added to the packaging material, from which it can vaporize and transfer to the food, and may not be listed as a direct ingredient.

Leading Brands Providing BHT-Free Cereals

As consumer demand for cleaner labels has grown, many cereal manufacturers have responded by removing BHT from their products. One of the most notable examples is General Mills, which publicly announced its shift away from BHT for many of its most popular cereals. The company uses alternative preservatives like mixed tocopherols, a form of vitamin E, to maintain product freshness.

General Mills Cereals Without BHT

Original Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios
Chex Cereals (Rice, Corn, and Wheat)
Lucky Charms
Kix
Fiber One Original Bran

Health-Conscious and Organic Brands

Organic and health-focused brands are excellent places to look for BHT-free cereals, as they often prioritize natural ingredients and preservatives.

Nature's Path Organic: Offers a wide range of cereals that use natural alternatives for freshness, including Heritage Flakes, Smart Bran, and Flax Plus Raisin Bran.
Cascadian Farm Organic: Provides several BHT-free options, such as Organic Purely O's and Organic Raisin Bran.
Bob's Red Mill: Many of its products, including various Muesli and hot cereal options, are naturally preservative-free.
Ezekiel 4:9: This brand's sprouted grain cereals are made with wholesome ingredients and contain no synthetic preservatives.
Grape-Nuts: A classic choice, Grape-Nuts is noted for having no additives or synthetic preservatives.
Purely Elizabeth: Their Ancient Grain Granola is a BHT-free option featuring organic, natural ingredients.
Barbara's: Products like Original Puffins and Shredded Wheat offer crunchy, naturally flavored cereal without synthetic additives.
Three Wishes: This grain-free cereal brand is specifically formulated without preservatives.

Comparison of BHT-Free Cereal Options


Brand	Product	Key Preservative Alternatives	Key Features
General Mills	Original Cheerios	Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)	Simple, whole grain oat cereal, fortified
Nature's Path	Heritage Flakes	Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)	Organic, non-GMO, features whole grain wheat
Cascadian Farm	Organic Purely O's	Vitamin E	Organic, low sugar, combines oats and barley
Bob's Red Mill	Gluten Free Muesli	Naturally Dried Fruits/Seeds	Gluten-free, customizable, high in fiber and nuts
Ezekiel 4:9	Sprouted Grain Cereal	Rosemary Extract	Made from sprouted grains, high protein and fiber
Grape-Nuts	Original	N/A (no additives)	Very high in fiber and protein, no added sugar
Purely Elizabeth	Ancient Grain Granola	Rosemary Extract	Made with organic, ancient grains, low sugar content

Why Choose Cereals with Natural Preservatives?

Opting for cereals with natural preservatives goes beyond just avoiding BHT; it's often a gateway to a cleaner, more nutritious diet. Cereal brands that take the step to remove synthetic additives often use less-processed, higher-quality ingredients overall. Natural alternatives like tocopherols (Vitamin E) and rosemary extract provide antioxidant benefits without the concerns associated with artificial compounds. Additionally, these products tend to be lower in added sugars and higher in fiber, promoting better digestive health and providing more sustained energy throughout the morning. This focus on quality ingredients supports a more holistic and health-conscious approach to breakfast.

Reading Cereal Labels Effectively

Becoming a savvy consumer starts with understanding how to read a food label. Here's what to look for when shopping for BHT-free cereals:

Check the ingredients list: Look for BHT or butylated hydroxytoluene in the ingredients. Remember, for some products, BHT might not be listed if it's only in the packaging.
Search for natural alternatives: Look for natural preservatives that replace BHT. These often include tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), or rosemary extract.
Prioritize whole grains: The first ingredient should ideally be a whole grain, such as whole wheat, whole oat flour, or whole corn.
Consider fiber and sugar content: The healthiest cereals are typically high in fiber and low in added sugar. A simple, unsweetened option is often the best foundation.

Expanding Your Healthy Breakfast Options

For those looking to venture beyond store-bought cereal, numerous BHT-free breakfast options can be easily prepared at home. These whole-food alternatives offer complete control over ingredients and nutrition.

Classic Oatmeal: Prepare a bowl of plain rolled oats or steel-cut oats, and sweeten naturally with fruit, honey, or maple syrup. Adding nuts and seeds boosts fiber and protein.
DIY Granola: Making your own granola allows you to control the sugar and fat content. Combine oats, nuts, seeds, and spices, then bake until crunchy. Use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Yogurt with Toppings: Pair Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and a handful of nuts or seeds for a quick and protein-rich breakfast.
Sprouted Grain Toast: Look for sprouted grain bread with simple ingredients and top it with avocado, eggs, or nut butter.

Conclusion: Making Smarter Cereal Choices

While BHT remains an approved food additive, the market is shifting towards cleaner, more natural ingredients. Consumers can easily find and choose from a wide variety of delicious and nutritious cereals that do not have BHT, thanks to brands that have proactively responded to demand. The key is to be an informed shopper by reading labels and prioritizing products that use natural alternatives for freshness. By focusing on whole grains, checking sugar content, and exploring new brands, you can enjoy a healthier, BHT-free start to your day.

Center for Science in the Public Interest: Healthy cereals for kids with no food dyes

Frequently Asked Questions

BHT stands for butylated hydroxytoluene, a synthetic antioxidant added to many processed foods, including breakfast cereals and their packaging, to prevent fats and oils from spoiling and extending shelf life.

Yes, General Mills announced in 2015 that it was removing BHT from Cheerios and other cereals sold in the U.S., replacing it with mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E) for freshness.

Currently, cereals from General Mills that do not have BHT include Cheerios (Original and Honey Nut), Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, Kix, Lucky Charms, and Fiber One.

Some Kellogg's cereals sold in the U.S. have historically contained BHT. However, the company has faced public pressure to remove it, and versions of their products sold in other countries often do not contain BHT. Always check the specific product label.

Many organic brands do not use BHT. Good options include Nature's Path Heritage Flakes and Purely O's, Cascadian Farm Purely O's, Ezekiel 4:9 sprouted cereals, and Grape-Nuts.

The FDA has approved BHT for use in food within controlled amounts, but some consumers prefer to avoid it based on animal studies and a general preference for fewer synthetic additives. In higher doses, some animal studies suggest potential concerns.

Look for "BHT" or "butylated hydroxytoluene" in the ingredients list on the packaging. If it's not listed, the cereal is likely BHT-free, but it's not a guarantee if it was only used in the packaging material.

Common natural preservatives include mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), and extracts from rosemary or thyme.