The Hidden Ingredient: BHT
There’s a small, hard-to-pronounce ingredient hiding in a lot of the foods and supplements we consume every day and most people don’t even know it’s there. It’s called BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene). Sounds like something that belongs in a chemistry lab, right? That’s because it kind of does.
When I created thinkThin® over 20 years ago, my kitchen table was my lab and I read every single label before I allowed an ingredient into my bars. There is a delicate balance between packaged food and keeping it fresh for a year’s shelf life. BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used to preserve fats and extend shelf life. You’ll find it in cereals, snack bars, processed meats, gum, supplements, and yes, some protein bars. But here’s the thing: it’s not just preserving food, it’s also raising a lot of red flags.
BHT was originally developed for industrial use, think rubber and petroleum. Eventually, manufacturers began adding it to food to prevent rancidity. While it’s technically considered safe in small amounts by regulatory agencies, it’s banned in many countries. Why? Because animal studies have linked BHT to hormone disruption, developmental toxicity, and potential carcinogenic effects at higher doses.
Now, I’m not a fan of fear-based messaging especially in wellness. But I am a fan of awareness. And BHT is one of those ingredients that you should be aware of, especially if you’re on a mission to live clean, stay vibrant, and honor your body with what you put in
I’ve always believed that what we eliminate is just as important as what we include. And that means paying attention to the fine print. BHT may be “GRAS” (generally recognized as safe), but it's also generally recognized as toxic in some parts of the world. Do we really need, or want it, in our bodies?
Read labels: If you see BHT, or its cousin BHA, ask why it’s there.
Choose fresh when you can: The fewer preservatives, the better.
Look for brands that care. Ones that test their products, source clean ingredients, and prioritize transparency.
Speak up: If a brand you love is using BHT, tell them. Ask for better, your voice matters. At thinkThin® we listened to our customers.
BHT may be just one ingredient, but to me, it represents something bigger: the importance of looking closer, asking questions, and making the best choices.
To your vitality,
Lizanne