E320 BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)

E320AntioxidantsOrigin: Lab-made

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The short answer

BHA (E320) is a synthetic preservative that keeps fats fresh. The US National Toxicology Program lists it as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."

38/100

Best to avoid

Controversial, restricted or banned somewhere.

E-numberE320

Comes fromLab-made

What it doesAntioxidants

Glycemic index—

Daily limit1 mg/kg

Also calledBHA, Butylated hydroxyanisole

Snacks without BHA or BHT

Clean-label swaps

Clean grocery swap

BHT-free and BHA-free cereal

Preserved with vitamin E instead.

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Clean substitute

Organic snack variety pack

Certified organic foods can't use BHA.

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits

CaliforniaRestrictedListed under Proposition 65 as a chemical known to cause cancer

GRAS in the US but on California's Prop 65 cancer list. The EU allows it with limits (1 mg per kg of body weight a day). The FDA started a re-review in 2025.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

70 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 1 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 20 mg a day.

What is it?

BHA stops fats from going rancid. It's often used together with BHT in cereal liners and snack foods.

Where it comes from: A lab-made antioxidant derived from petroleum chemicals.

Why it’s in food

Keeps cereal and snacks from tasting stale
Preserves fats in chewing gum
Protects flavor oils

Often found in

Breakfast cerealsChewing gumPotato chipsButter-flavored shortening

Also listed as: BHA, Butylated hydroxyanisole, Butylhydroxyanisole

Health & gut impact

CancerUnder study

Caused stomach tumors in rats at high doses.

NTP Report on Carcinogens, 15th ed. (2021)

HormonesUnder study

May act as a weak endocrine disruptor.

EU Endocrine Disruptor List

What can I use instead?

Mixed tocopherols (vitamin E)

Ratio: Similar amounts

Best for: Natural fat preservation

Rosemary extract

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Snacks and oils

More antioxidants:

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) E300Ascorbic acid (E300) is plain vitamin C. It keeps food from browning and is one of the safest additives there is.Generally safe BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) E321BHT (E321) is a synthetic preservative in cereal and snacks. It's approved, but evidence on long-term effects is mixed, and many brands have dropped it.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is BHA safe?

Best to avoid (38/100). GRAS in the US but on California's Prop 65 cancer list. The EU allows it with limits (1 mg per kg of body weight a day). The FDA started a re-review in 2025.

Is BHA vegan?

Yes.

Is BHA gluten-free?