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Safe alternatives to products containing Tertiary Butylhydroquinone

Tertiary Butylhydroquinone is banned in Japan (banned for food use) but still found in many US foods. Here are clean swaps.

🚫 Banned in Japan (banned for food use)

Why people avoid Tertiary Butylhydroquinone

TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) is a synthetic antioxidant preservative. The EU restricts it to 100mg/kg in fats; studies have associated high doses with immune system interference. Found in Pop-Tarts, Goldfish Colors, and many fast-food frying oils.

Full Tertiary Butylhydroquinone breakdown →

Clean brands to switch to

Snacks
Snacks

Siete Family Foods Tortilla Chips

Avocado oil tortilla chips

Preserved with rosemary extract naturally. No TBHQ.

Shop on Amazon(affiliate)
Condiments
Condiments

Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Mayo

Avocado oil mayonnaise

No TBHQ. Avocado oil is naturally stable without synthetic antioxidants.

Shop on Amazon(affiliate)
Snacks
Snacks

Simple Mills Crackers

Almond flour crackers

No TBHQ. Short, clean ingredient list.

Shop on Amazon(affiliate)
Snacks
Snacks

LesserEvil Snacks

Coconut oil popcorn

Coconut oil naturally resistant to oxidation — no TBHQ needed.

Shop on Amazon(affiliate)
Condiments
Condiments

Rao's Homemade Marinara

Premium pasta sauce

No TBHQ. Simple Italian ingredient list.

Shop on Amazon(affiliate)
Snacks
Snacks

Mary's Gone Crackers

Organic seed crackers

Certified organic. No TBHQ or BHA.

Shop on Amazon(affiliate)

Common brands that contain Tertiary Butylhydroquinone

⚠️ Pop-Tarts⚠️ Goldfish Colors⚠️ Oreos⚠️ Ritz Crackers⚠️ Crisco oil

Learn more about Tertiary Butylhydroquinone

See all countries where it's banned, the science behind the concerns, and which US products contain it.

Full Tertiary Butylhydroquinone breakdown →

Frequently asked questions

What foods contain Tertiary Butylhydroquinone?+
Tertiary Butylhydroquinone is found in many processed US foods including snacks, cereals, beverages, and condiments.
Is Tertiary Butylhydroquinone banned in the US?+
Tertiary Butylhydroquinone is banned or restricted in Japan (banned for food use) but is currently permitted in the US by the FDA.
How can I avoid Tertiary Butylhydroquinone?+
Look for products labeled "certified organic," "no artificial colors," or certified by Non-GMO Project. The brands listed above are clean swaps. You can also use BannedPantry's barcode scanner to check any product instantly.
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