Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) E321

Product Overview

Antioxidant | Shelf-Life Stabiliser | Fat & Oil Protection | Processing Aid

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) is a high-purity synthetic antioxidant widely used in the food industry to prevent oxidation of fats and oils, helping maintain flavour, colour, and overall product stability during storage and distribution. It appears as a white to pale yellow crystalline powder or flakes, is sparingly soluble in water but readily soluble in fats and organic solvents, and is valued for its high efficiency at very low usage levels.

This ingredient plays a critical role in fat-rich and oil-based food systems, protecting products from rancidity and oxidative degradation.

Key Properties

• Chemical Name: Butylated Hydroxytoluene
• Scientific Formula: C₁₅H₂₄O
• E Number (Food Additive Code): E321
• Common Name: BHT
• Industry Name: Food Antioxidant (E321)
• Appearance: White to pale yellow crystalline powder or flakes
• Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in fats and oils

Applications in Food & Beverage Production

BHT is widely used across commercial food manufacturing, including:

• Edible Oils & Fats: Oxidation prevention and shelf-life extension
• Snack Foods: Chips, crackers, and extruded products
• Bakery Products: Fat-containing mixes and shortenings
• Cereals & Dry Mixes: Stability of fat components
• Chewing Gum & Confectionery: Flavour and fat protection
• Food Processing Aid: Used where oxidative stability is required

Key Features

• Powerful Lipid Antioxidant: Protects fats and oils from oxidative rancidity
• Low Dosage Efficiency: Effective at very small concentrations
• Flavour Protection: Helps maintain taste and aroma over shelf life
• Heat Stable: Suitable for many processing conditions
• Fat-Soluble: Ideal for oil-based and fat-rich formulations
• Consistent Performance: Supports reliable, repeatable manufacturing