Preservatives · synthetic antioxidants

BHA & BHT-free foods: find these EU-restricted preservatives in your pantry

BHA is classified as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" by the US National Toxicology Program. The EU and Japan restrict it. The US still allows it in cereal, chips, gum, and snack bars. Scan any barcode to find it.

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BHA and BHT have been in US groceries since the 1950s, used to keep oils from going rancid and cereals shelf-stable for months. The EU and Japan restricted them decades ago after rodent studies linked them to tumors. The US National Toxicology Program now lists BHA as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."

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Most-scanned categories on this page are exactly where BHA/BHT hide: cereals, chips, gum, and snack bars.

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Every BHA/BHT result surfaces 3 BHA/BHT-free alternative brands with buy links.

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Related preservatives we flag alongside BHA & BHT

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)

Found in: Cereal, chips, gum, dried meat

Restricted in:

Restricted EU, Japan; NTP carcinogen list

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

Found in: Cereal, chips, vegetable oil, snack cakes

Restricted in:

Restricted EU, UK, Japan

TBHQ (tert-Butylhydroquinone)

Found in: Crackers, microwave popcorn, fast food

Restricted in:

Banned EU

Propyl Gallate

Found in: Vegetable oil, mayonnaise, gum

Restricted in:

Restricted EU food

Sodium Benzoate

Found in: Soft drinks, dressings, condiments

Restricted in:

EU restrictions, Southampton Study warning

Frequently asked questions

What are BHA and BHT?

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants used to extend shelf life in oils, cereals, chips, gum, and dehydrated meats. They are derived from petroleum.

Why are BHA and BHT restricted overseas?

The EU restricts BHA in many food categories because the National Toxicology Program classifies it as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" based on rodent studies. Japan also restricts BHA in foods. BHT is similarly restricted in the EU, UK, and Japan.

Are BHA and BHT in everyday US foods?

Yes — common products include many breakfast cereals, potato chips, chewing gum, butter substitutes, vegetable oils, snack cakes, and shelf-stable bread. Scan any of these to confirm.

What are common BHA/BHT-free alternative brands?

Cereal brands like Three Wishes, Magic Spoon, Bob's Red Mill, and many organic options skip BHA and BHT. Chip brands like Late July, Siete, and Jackson's use natural antioxidants instead.

How do I check a product before buying?

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Our scores are never influenced by brands. Data sourced from EFSA, FDA, Health Canada, and peer-reviewed research. Educational use only — consult your doctor for medical decisions.