BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) vs Citric Acid — Which Is Worse?

FactorBHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)Citric Acid
E-NumberE321E330
CategoryPreservativePreservative
SeverityModerate Risk (6/10)Moderate Risk (6/10)
FDA StatusFDA classifies BHT as GRAS at levels up to 0.02% of the fat content of food (21 CFR 182.3173).FDA classifies citric acid as GRAS (21 CFR 182.1033). No ADI established. It is one of the most common food additives wi…
EFSA StatusEFSA set an ADI of 0.25 mg/kg body weight/day in 2012. Approved in the EU with restricted usage levels.EFSA approved with no numerical ADI. Considered safe at current usage levels. Re-evaluated in 2016.
Banned In——
Products Found12152

Key Differences

Health Concerns Comparison

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

Citric Acid

Which Products Use Each?

12
products contain BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
152
products contain Citric Acid

⚖️ The Verdict

Both BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) and Citric Acid 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 BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) or Citric Acid worse?
Both BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) and Citric Acid have the same severity score (6/10). Neither is clearly worse based on available data.
What is the difference between BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) and Citric Acid?
Both are preservatives. BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) has a severity of 6/10 and is found in 12 products. Citric Acid has a severity of 6/10 and is found in 152 products.
Are BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) and Citric Acid banned?
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) is not currently banned in any major market. Citric Acid is not currently banned in any major market.
How can I avoid both BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) and Citric Acid?
Download CheckIt AI and scan any product's barcode or ingredient label. The app will flag both BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) and Citric Acid and suggest safer alternatives.
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⚕️ 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). "BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) vs Citric Acid — Which Is Worse? | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/ingredients/bht-vs-citric-acid
MLA"BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) vs Citric Acid — Which Is Worse? | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-03-05. https://getcheck.it/ingredients/bht-vs-citric-acid.
HTML Embed<a href="https://getcheck.it/ingredients/bht-vs-citric-acid">BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) vs Citric Acid — Which Is Worse? | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>
BibTeX@misc{checkit2026ingredientsbhtvscitricacid, title = {BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) vs Citric Acid — Which Is Worse? | CheckIt AI}, author = {CheckIt AI}, year = {2026}, publisher = {Climaverse PBC}, url = {https://getcheck.it/ingredients/bht-vs-citric-acid}, note = {Retrieved 2026-03-05} }