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BHT

BHT suppliers and sourcing guide

BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a synthetic hindered phenol added in small amounts to fats, oils, fat-containing foods, packaging and cosmetics to slow oxidative rancidity. It is made by reacting p-cresol with isobutylene and purifying the product by crystallization or distillation. Brands usually buy it as white crystals or granules, or already dissolved in an oil or solvent blend with other permitted preservatives.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Butylated hydroxytoluene · 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol · E321 · Dibutylhydroxytoluene
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of BHT

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Crystalline or granular

    Neat white crystals or free-flowing granules, the usual form for adding to warm fats and oils.

  • Food grade (FCC)

    BHT made and tested to Food Chemicals Codex specifications for direct food use.

  • USP/NF grade

    Pharmacopeial grade for supplements, drugs and cosmetics, made to the National Formulary monograph.

  • Liquid blends

    BHT pre-dissolved with BHA, propyl gallate or citric acid in vegetable oil or propylene glycol for easier dosing into oils.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay (GC)
BHT content by gas chromatography, reported against the 99 percent minimum in the food additive regulation and the FCC monograph.
Freezing or melting point
A quick identity and purity check; low values point to impurities.
Residue on ignition
Sulfated ash, a check on inorganic residue from processing.
Lead and heavy metals
Lead and other metals by ICP-MS or ICP-OES against the supplier specification.
Appearance and identity
Color, form and an IR identity test, which catch mix-ups with BHA or other phenolic additives.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep BHT in closed, lined containers in a cool, dry place away from light and heat; it can sublime and slowly discolor when left open. Blends in oil should be kept sealed and away from heat. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, and older stock is usually retested for assay and appearance.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the grade (FCC or USP/NF) and, for blends, the stated percentage of each additive, since regulations limit the combined total in the finished food. Rotate stock first-expiring first (FEFO).

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 172.115 permits BHT as a food additive in specified foods, such as dry breakfast cereals and potato flakes, and sets an assay of at least 99 percent.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 182.3173 lists butylated hydroxytoluene as GRAS for use in food when the total content of such additives is not over 0.02 percent of the fat or oil content of the food.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's List of Permitted Preservatives includes butylated hydroxytoluene, starting with margarine and calorie-reduced margarine.

    Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

BHT suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking BHT suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell BHT? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of BHT can brands buy?

Common forms include crystalline or granular, food grade (FCC), uSP/NF grade and liquid blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for BHT include?

Expect assay (GC), freezing or melting point, residue on ignition, lead and heavy metals and appearance and identity, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should BHT be stored?

Keep BHT in closed, lined containers in a cool, dry place away from light and heat; it can sublime and slowly discolor when left open. Blends in oil should be kept sealed and away from heat. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, and older stock is usually retested for assay and appearance.

What is the regulatory status of BHT?

21 CFR 172.115 permits BHT as a food additive in specified foods, such as dry breakfast cereals and potato flakes, and sets an assay of at least 99 percent. 21 CFR 182.3173 lists butylated hydroxytoluene as GRAS for use in food when the total content of such additives is not over 0.02 percent of the fat or oil content of the food. Health Canada's List of Permitted Preservatives includes butylated hydroxytoluene, starting with margarine and calorie-reduced margarine.

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