You may have noticed BHT on the corn ingredients list and wondered what it actually is. It seems to be one of the synthetics that people are most concerned about. But what is it really, that is something to worry about?
In short: Is BHT in cereal bad for you?
BHT in cereal is not considered dangerous in small legal amounts, but has not been shown to be harmful in long-term human use. That is one reason why some people choose to avoid it, especially when there is corn without it.
What exactly is BHT?
BHT stands for butylated hydroxytoluene. In Europe, it is also called E321. It is a a synthetic antioxidant food supplementwhich simply means that it is a laboratory product that helps to keep certain foods stable for a long time.
You will sometimes see BHT described as a securityand that’s not a bad thing, either antioxidant is a more accurate word. Its main function is to help protect food from spoilage. So if you see BHT or E321 on the label, it’s the same.
So, what does BHT do to your corn?
BHT exists for one main reason: freshness. It helps to protect fats and oils from oxidation, which is a process that can cause foods to become rancid or rancid over time. In simple words, it helps the corn to stay fresh for a long time.
That’s why it’s used in cereal. Not because it makes the corn better, but because it helps preserve it. taste, color and shelf life. In some products, BHT is added to the food itself. In other places, it is used in packaging, so you can sometimes see the word “BHT added to packaging for freshness” and labels.
Why don’t you find BHT in cereal in Europe?
You don’t often find BHT in corn in Europe because it is don’t believe in breakfast Here. But that does it it is not means that BHT is banned in all foods in Europe. It is still accepted in a few other products, including chewing gum, some spices and condiments, and some dietary supplements.
Europe also appears to be more wary of BHT than countries such as the US and Canada, probably due to ongoing safety concerns from old and new studies.
Which grains still contain BHT?
Cereal systems can change, and food varies from country to country. Therefore, treat these as examples, not a fixed list, that Always check the current list of items and box or brand website.
Examples of grains that currently list BHT include:
- Kellogg’s Froot Loops
- Kellogg’s Frosted Wheaties Small Size
- Kellogg’s Extra Cinnamon Granola
- Kellogg’s Extra Granola Almond
- Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats are low in sugar (Canada)
- Post Waffle Crisp
- Post the first Shredded Biscuits
- Post Big Crunchy Pecans
- Post a large batch of raisins, dates & pecans
- Post a large banana nut crunch
- Post Great Grains Cranberry Almond Crunch
Many of these examples are from US and Canadawhere BHT is still accepted in breakfast cereals. I also saw BHT listed in the Cinnamon Toast Crunch sold by Woolworths Australia, so it may still come from the cereal there too.
Should you be concerned about BHT side effects?
Probably not from a bowl of cereal. The biggest concern, if there is one, is constant exposure over timeIt’s not a clear effect from a common diet.
It’s also worth noting that many of the concerns surrounding BHT originate animal studiesIt is not a long-term human birth force.
One cohort study found no significant association between low BHT intake and colon cancer, but that doesn’t prove BHT is harmless.
What did the research raise concerns about?
The main concern researchers keep coming back to is liver and reproductive health. Those are the areas of safety research that the government focused on when setting limits for BHT. Some observations have also raised questions about feasibility effects related to hormonesespecially related to the thyroid.
What about inflammation and cancer?
Some animal studies suggest that BHT can stimulate inflammation and help promote tumor growth under certain laboratory conditions. That sounds like something to worry about, but these are animal experiments, not proof that small amounts of cereal affect people in the same way.
So what’s the logical thinking?
I wouldn’t be alarmed if corn contains BHT, but I wouldn’t call it completely harmless either. At the moment, the strongest concerns come from laboratory and animal research, while good long-term human evidence is still limited.
Does BHT in cereal cause cancer?
There is no good evidence that the small amount of BHT used in cereal causes cancer in humans. One study that looked at people’s dietary BHT intake found no significant association with colon cancer. Also, the cancer industry has not classified BHT as a substance that is known or likely to cause cancer in humans.
So why do people still worry about it?
Many because some are older animal studies raised concerns. In some lab tests, BHT seems to help promotes tumor growth under specific conditions. That is not the same as proving that eating corn and BHT causes cancer in people.
So where does that leave us?
At this point, I won’t say that BHT in corn causes cancer. But I would not treat it as a material that has been completely cleared beyond doubt, especially since the strong assurances we would need from long-term human testimony do not exist.
Is BHT really good?
BHT is still being considered accepted within the limits of the present lawbut that does not mean that its lasting effect on people is clear. That is the main thing we have to understand.
Europe has delivered A daily intake of 0.25 mg per kilogram of body weight per day is acceptableand Health Canada says that BHT is not harmful to human health at the current level of exposure.
So what does that really mean?
It means that administrators do it is not BHT is now seen as dangerous and the small amount people usually get from food. But it doesn’t mean that the resource has been proven to be risk-free without a doubt. Limits exist for a reason.
Why are some people still skeptical about it?
Because we still don’t have a strong long-term show that will make people feel confident enough about regular consumption.
And the fact that the FDA is also investigating BHT as part of the investigation of chemical substances in food shows that this is still something worth keeping an eye on.
How to find corn without BHT
If you want to avoid BHT, there are many cereals that do not contain it. Many use mixed tocopherols Instead, it’s a form of vitamin E added to help preserve freshness, while simpler options like plain oats don’t need BHT at all.
A few examples include:
- Barbara Shredded Corn
- The first Cheerios
- Honey Bee Cheerios
- Cheerios are frozen
- Multi Grain Cheerios
- Rice Chex
- Corn Chex
- Quaker Old Fashioned Oats
This section is most important if you live somewhere like US, Canada or Australiawhile BHT can still show up in some grains. In Europe, it’s less of an issue because BHT is not allowed in breakfast cereals. As always, the list of apps is subject to change, so it’s still worth checking the score.
Can I avoid BHT in cereal?
Personally, I would avoid BHT in cereal. It’s a synthetic additive, not a grain itself, and with most grains without it, I don’t see much reason to choose one that does.
For me, the key is uncertainty. We still don’t know much about the long term effects of taking BHT regularly so I feel very comfortable with it. But when something is not important, I would rather avoid it.
The fact that Europe doesn’t allow BHT in breakfast cereals also gives me pause. That doesn’t mean it’s dangerous, but it does show that regulators have seen reason to be cautious.
So my advice will be simple: if you eat cereal often, choose one without BHT. There are many good options, and in my opinion, that is the best option.
