BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) vs BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) — Which Is Worse?

FactorBHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
E-NumberE320E321
CategoryPreservativePreservative
SeverityModerate Risk (6/10)Moderate Risk (6/10)
FDA StatusFDA classifies BHA as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) at levels up to 0.02% of the fat or oil content of food (21 CF…FDA classifies BHT as GRAS at levels up to 0.02% of the fat content of food (21 CFR 182.3173).
EFSA StatusEFSA set a group ADI of 1.0 mg/kg body weight/day for BHA in 2011. It is approved in the EU but usage is restricted to s…EFSA set an ADI of 0.25 mg/kg body weight/day in 2012. Approved in the EU with restricted usage levels.
Banned In——
Products Found412

Key Differences

Health Concerns Comparison

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

Which Products Use Each?

4
products contain BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
12
products contain BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

⚖️ The Verdict

Both BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) have the same severity score (6/10). Neither is clearly worse than the other based on current data.

Both ingredients should be consumed mindfully. Use CheckIt AI to scan products and avoid whichever ones concern you most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) or BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) worse?
Both BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) have the same severity score (6/10). Neither is clearly worse based on available data.
What is the difference between BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)?
Both are preservatives. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) has a severity of 6/10 and is found in 4 products. BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) has a severity of 6/10 and is found in 12 products.
Are BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) banned?
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) is not currently banned in any major market. BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) is not currently banned in any major market.
How can I avoid both BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)?
Download CheckIt AI and scan any product's barcode or ingredient label. The app will flag both BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) and suggest safer alternatives.
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Related Comparisons

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) vs Sodium NitriteBHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) vs Sodium BenzoateBHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) vs TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) vs Calcium PropionateBHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) vs Propyl GallateBHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) vs Citric AcidBHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) vs Sodium Aluminum Phosphate (SALP)BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) vs Sodium NitriteBHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) vs Sodium BenzoateBHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) vs TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) vs Calcium PropionateBHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) vs Propyl Gallate
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) Deep Dive BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) Deep Dive All 180 Comparisons All Ingredients Ingredients Banned in Europe Scoring Methodology

⚕️ This comparison is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance.

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📋 Cite This Data
APACheckIt AI. (2026). "BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) vs BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) — Which Is Worse? | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/ingredients/bha-vs-bht
MLA"BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) vs BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) — Which Is Worse? | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-03-05. https://getcheck.it/ingredients/bha-vs-bht.
HTML Embed<a href="https://getcheck.it/ingredients/bha-vs-bht">BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) vs BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) — Which Is Worse? | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>
BibTeX@misc{checkit2026ingredientsbhavsbht, title = {BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) vs BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) — Which Is Worse? | CheckIt AI}, author = {CheckIt AI}, year = {2026}, publisher = {Climaverse PBC}, url = {https://getcheck.it/ingredients/bha-vs-bht}, note = {Retrieved 2026-03-05} }