Description
A synthetic phenolic antioxidant used in fats, oils, animal feeds, packaging films, and industrial materials. One of the oldest and most cost-effective synthetic antioxidants in commercial use. Frequently formulated alongside BHA for additive antioxidant function.
White or pale yellow crystalline solid, often supplied as flakes, granules, or prills for ease of handling and metering. Heat-stable through frying and processing temperatures.
We supply food-grade, feed-grade, and industrial-grade BHT from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production.
Common market grades include Food Grade BHT (FCC compliant, 99 percent purity), Feed Grade for animal nutrition use, and Industrial/Rubber Grade for polymer and rubber stabilization applications. Crystal, prill, and granular physical forms are available depending on dosing equipment requirements.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering assay, melting range, residue on ignition, heavy metals, and microbiology.
Introduction
BHT was developed in the 1940s as a synthetic alternative to vitamin E for fat stabilization and rapidly became one of the workhorse food antioxidants of the second half of the twentieth century, alongside its close analogue BHA.
Industrial production proceeds by alkylation of para-cresol with isobutylene under acid catalysis, followed by purification and crystallization. The product is sold as crystal powder, flakes, prills, or granules depending on customer handling preference.
Regulated as E321 in the EU (with permitted levels varying by food category), classified as Generally Recognized as Safe by the U.S. FDA when used at or below 0.02 percent of fat content, and approved by JECFA with an Acceptable Daily Intake of 0.3 mg per kg body weight.
The molecule acts by hydrogen-atom donation from its phenolic hydroxyl group to peroxyl radicals during lipid oxidation, terminating the radical chain. Effectiveness is comparable to BHA on a mass-equivalent basis, and the two are commonly used together because they protect against slightly different oxidation pathways.
Strategic position in the antioxidant market is mature and price-led. Natural-positioning alternatives (rosemary, tocopherol, green tea extract) have taken share in food applications during the last twenty years, but BHT retains dominant positions in animal feed, packaging, and industrial applications where cost-per-unit-protection drives selection.
Where it is used
- Edible fats, oils, and shortening: oxidation protection for soybean, palm, sunflower, and animal fats
- Cereal-based products: ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, crackers, and grain-based snacks
- Chewing gum base and confectionery applications
- Animal feed and pet food: protects fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) from oxidative loss
- Packaging films and food-contact plastics: in-film antioxidant for indirect food contact
- Cosmetic and personal-care products including lipstick and oil-based skincare
- Pharmaceutical oil-based and topical formulations
- Industrial applications: rubber stabilization, polymer antioxidant, lubricant additive, and fuel stabilizer
- Pre-blended BHA + BHT synergist systems for enhanced antioxidant function at lower combined inclusion
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to pale yellow crystalline solid or flakes |
| Assay (GC) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Melting range | 69.0 °C to 70.5 °C |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 0.05% |
| Residue on ignition | ≤ 0.005% |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | ≤ 3 mg/kg |
| Free para-cresol | ≤ 0.1% |
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