Comparison
TBHQ vs Tocopherols
The short answer
Tocopherols are the safer pick: natural vitamin E with no daily limit. TBHQ is stronger and survives deep-frying better, which is why it's still common in fast-food oil and crackers.| Side by side | TBHQ (Tert-Butylhydroquinone) | Tocopherols (Vitamin E) |
|---|---|---|
| Safety score | 45/100 Best to avoid | 92/100 Generally safe |
| Made from | Petroleum-derived chemicals | Vegetable oils ✓ Better |
| Daily limit (EU) | 0.7 mg per kg of body weight | None ✓ Better |
| Strength in frying oil | Very strong ✓ Better | Moderate |
| Allowed in organic food | No | Yes ✓ Better |
| Price | Low ✓ Better | Higher |
| Safety score | 45 | 92 ✓ Better |
Swapping one for the other
At home you don't need either: store oils in a cool, dark cupboard and buy them in smaller bottles. For homemade nut butters, a few drops of mixed tocopherol oil help.
Common questions
Why don't all brands switch to tocopherols?
They cost more and break down faster at frying temperatures, so oils need more of them or need changing more often.