Last reviewed May 2026 · 1 min read
Is Butylated Hydroxytoluene vegan?
Also known as: BHT, E321
E-number: E321
Vegan
Suitable for a vegan diet.
Yes — BHT is entirely lab-synthesized from petroleum-derived chemicals.
01 · The basics
What is Butylated Hydroxytoluene?
A synthetic antioxidant used to preserve the freshness, color, and flavor of packaged foods and cosmetics.
02 · The source
Where it comes from
BHT is entirely lab-synthesized from petroleum-derived chemicals. No animals are involved in its production.
03 · Alternatives
Best vegan alternatives
Tocopherols (Vitamin E)
Check Price on AmazonRosemary extract
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Frequently asked
FAQ
Is BHT vegan friendly?
From an animal-rights perspective, yes. It is purely synthetic. However, some health-conscious vegans avoid it due to controversies surrounding its long-term health effects.
Why is it in my cereal packaging?
It is often sprayed directly onto the inner plastic liner of cereal boxes to prevent the fats in the cereal from oxidizing and going rancid.
Commonly found in
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E1105 (Lysozyme)
A preservative often used to prevent bacterial growth in cheeses.
Dodecyl Gallate
An antioxidant used to prevent fats and oils from oxidizing and going rancid.
BHT
A synthetic antioxidant used to preserve the freshness, color, and flavor of packaged foods and cosmetics.
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