preservative

BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)

Score

draft — not yet signed off by a reviewer

BHA's close relative, with a less alarming toxicology record but the same 'why is this here' problem.

BHT has been re-evaluated repeatedly and current authorities set an acceptable daily intake rather than restricting it. We score it below neutral rather than badly: it is a synthetic antioxidant with natural alternatives, and its presence usually marks a long-shelf-life processed product.

synthetic antioxidant

Also appears on labels as

butylated hydroxytoluene · e321

What this is based on

GrubFacts research
GrubFacts ingredient scoring methodology
GrubFacts · 2026