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TBHQ

TBHQ suppliers and sourcing guide

TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) is a synthetic phenolic preservative used at low levels in frying oils, shortenings, snack foods and other fat-containing foods to slow rancidity. It is made by alkylating hydroquinone with isobutylene or tert-butanol and purifying the product by crystallization. Brands buy it as a white to light tan crystalline powder, or as a liquid blend with citric acid in propylene glycol or oil.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Tertiary butylhydroquinone · tert-Butylhydroquinone · 2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,4-benzenediol · E319
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of TBHQ

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

  • Crystalline powder

    Neat TBHQ powder, dissolved into warm oil or a carrier before use.

  • Food grade (FCC)

    TBHQ made to the Food Chemicals Codex monograph cited in the federal regulation.

  • Liquid blends

    TBHQ with citric acid in propylene glycol, ethanol or vegetable oil, metered into oils at the refinery or fryer.

  • Combination blends

    TBHQ blended with BHA or BHT where the finished food is allowed to carry both.

What to check on the COA

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

Assay
TBHQ content by the FCC method (GC or HPLC) against the 99.0 percent minimum in 21 CFR 172.185.
Melting point
Checked against the 126.5 °C minimum in the federal regulation.
Related impurities
Hydroquinone, tert-butyl-p-benzoquinone and 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone by GC or HPLC, as listed in the FCC monograph.
Residual solvent
Toluene or other process solvents by headspace GC where the supplier uses them.
Lead
Lead by ICP-MS or ICP-OES against the FCC and supplier limits.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep TBHQ sealed in a cool, dry, dark place; light and air turn it pink or tan over time. Store liquid blends closed and away from iron and copper equipment. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, and aged stock is retested for assay, color and melting point.

Lots and expiry dates

Record assay and color for each lot and, for blends, the TBHQ percentage, which you need to stay within the 0.02 percent of fat or oil limit. Rotate stock FEFO.

Regulatory status

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

  • 21 CFR 172.185 permits TBHQ as a food additive at not less than 99.0 percent purity, used alone or in combination with BHA and/or BHT.

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

  • Under 21 CFR 172.185(d), the total content of these preservatives in a food containing TBHQ may not exceed 0.02 percent of its oil or fat content, including essential oil content.

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

  • Health Canada's List of Permitted Preservatives includes tertiary butyl hydroquinone for fats and oils (except milk fat, olive oil and suet), lard and shortening.

    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.

TBHQ suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking TBHQ 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.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of TBHQ can brands buy?

Common forms include crystalline powder, food grade (FCC), liquid blends and combination blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for TBHQ include?

Expect assay, melting point, related impurities, residual solvent and lead, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should TBHQ be stored?

Keep TBHQ sealed in a cool, dry, dark place; light and air turn it pink or tan over time. Store liquid blends closed and away from iron and copper equipment. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, and aged stock is retested for assay, color and melting point.

What is the regulatory status of TBHQ?

21 CFR 172.185 permits TBHQ as a food additive at not less than 99.0 percent purity, used alone or in combination with BHA and/or BHT. Under 21 CFR 172.185(d), the total content of these preservatives in a food containing TBHQ may not exceed 0.02 percent of its oil or fat content, including essential oil content. Health Canada's List of Permitted Preservatives includes tertiary butyl hydroquinone for fats and oils (except milk fat, olive oil and suet), lard and shortening.

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