Additive · Antioxidant

BHT (E321)

BHT (E321) is an antioxidant that Digestoa flags as high risk. Common concerns include possible carcinogen concerns.

Digestoa riskHigh risk

TypeAntioxidant

Found inCereals, snack foods, chewing gum, packaged baked goods and fats.

ConcernsPossible carcinogen concerns · Endocrine concerns

What is BHT?

BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a synthetic antioxidant used like BHA to keep fats and oils from spoiling.

Is BHT bad for you?

Digestoa flags BHT as high risk. Regulators permit it, but safety reviews and studies have raised concerns including possible carcinogen concerns, endocrine concerns. How often you eat it matters more than a single exposure.

Possible carcinogen concerns
Endocrine concerns

What foods contain BHT?

Cereals, snack foods, chewing gum, packaged baked goods and fats..

Digestoa's take

You don't need to panic over a single product that contains BHT. But it's a useful flag: when you see E321 on a label it often signals a more processed product, and there's usually a cleaner alternative.

Safer swaps

Choose products that use vitamin E (E306) or rosemary extract as the antioxidant.

Frequently asked questions

Is E321 the same as BHT?

Yes — E321 is the international additive (E-number) code for BHT.

Is BHT bad for you?

Digestoa flags BHT (E321) as high risk. It's permitted in food, but it's associated with concerns such as possible carcinogen concerns.

What are the side effects of BHT?

Reported concerns include: Possible carcinogen concerns; Endocrine concerns.

What foods contain BHT?

Cereals, snack foods, chewing gum, packaged baked goods and fats..

How can I avoid BHT?

Check the ingredients list for "BHT" or "E321", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related antioxidant additives

Risk ratings reflect Digestoa's editorial assessment synthesising EFSA/IARC opinions and peer-reviewed research. Informational only — not medical advice.