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The Dirty List

The Ingredients Nobody Explains to You.

What they are, where they hide, what the research says, and what to use instead. No fear. Just facts.

Harmful Ingredients

Corn Syrup (Glucose Syrup)

Formaldehyde (in Hair Smoothing Treatments)

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)

PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

Ractopamine

Maltodextrin

Bisphenol A (BPA) (can lining chemical)

Titanium Dioxide (E171)

Artificial Sweeteners (Aspartame, Sucralose)

Emulsifiers (Polysorbate 80, CMC)

Potassium Bromate

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

Description:

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant derived from petroleum, used to prevent fats and oils from going rancid in processed foods and packaging. It is closely related to BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), and the two are often used together. BHT is also used in non-food industrial applications, which is one reason many people prefer to limit it in their diet.

Found In:

  • Breakfast cereals (especially flaked and puffed varieties)
  • Chewing gum
  • Chips, crackers, and snack mixes
  • Butter and shortening
  • Instant mashed potatoes and dehydrated foods
  • Food packaging and cereal box liners (migrates into food)
  • Cosmetics and personal care products
  • Nut and trail mixes
  • Potato flakes and boxed side dishes
  • Enriched rice and pasta products
  • Pet food

Health Impact:

The National Toxicology Program has found that BHT’s close relative BHA is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen, and BHT has shown similar concerns in animal studies. Research published in the Journal of the American College of Toxicology showed BHT can cause liver and kidney enlargement at moderate doses in rodents. A 1986 study in Carcinogenesis found BHT had tumor-promoting activity in certain organ systems while showing protective effects in others, making it unpredictable. Some animal studies have also examined whether BHT may affect thyroid hormone and reproductive measures, though the findings are mixed and come mostly from high-dose research. One correction is worth making here, because this is widely reported the other way. BHT is not banned across Europe. It is an approved food additive in the United Kingdom and the European Union, listed as E321, directly alongside BHA as E320 on the same approved list. So the tension is not between countries. It is that the US National Toxicology Program flags BHA as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen while food additive authorities on both sides of the Atlantic continue to permit both compounds.

Healthier Alternatives:

  • Cereals and snacks preserved with tocopherols (vitamin E)
  • Brands that explicitly state “no BHT” or “no artificial preservatives”
  • Whole-grain oats and homemade granola instead of boxed cereals
  • Fresh-baked goods from bakeries using simple ingredient lists
  • Nuts, seeds, and dried fruit as snack alternatives

Scientific Evidence:

  • National Toxicology Program (NTP, 2021): BHA (closely related to BHT) listed as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” in the Report on Carcinogens
  • Ito et al. (1986, Carcinogenesis): BHT showed tumor-promoting activity in rodent liver and urinary bladder models
  • Lanigan & Yamarik (2002, Journal of the American College of Toxicology): Review documenting liver and kidney effects of BHT at moderate doses in animal studies
  • Pop et al. (2013, Clujul Medical): BHT demonstrated endocrine-disrupting activity, interfering with thyroid hormone levels and reproductive parameters in animal models
  • UK Food Standards Agency / GOV.UK, Approved additives and E numbers: butylated hydroxytoluene is listed as E321 on the approved antioxidants list, alongside butylated hydroxyanisole as E320. Verified against the published list 2026-08-24
Screenshot of Diet Discipline website

Know This ⚠️

Quick Swaps

❌ Boxed cereal with BHT in the packaging liner → ✅ Rolled oats, muesli, or cereals labeled "no BHT"
❌ Chewing gum with BHT → ✅ Natural gum brands (Simply Gum, Pur)
❌ Snack crackers preserved with BHT → ✅ Simple ingredient crackers (Mary's Gone Crackers, Flackers)

Check the cereal box. "BHT added to packaging" still means BHT in your food.