Acesulfame potassium is a zero-calorie sweetener that is added to many sugar-free…
Menu
TBHQ (Tert-butylhydroquinone)
TBHQ (Tert-butylhydroquinone)
TBHQ (Tert-butylhydroquinone)
What is it:
TBHQ (tert-butylhydroquinone) is a synthetic food preservative that is commonly used in processed foods to extend their shelf life. It is a white crystalline powder with a slight aromatic odor. TBHQ is produced by reacting butane (a hydrocarbon gas) with 4-methylphenol (also known as p-cresol) in the presence of sulfuric acid. The resulting product is then purified to remove any impurities. It is used in a wide range of products, including snacks, frozen foods, and baked goods, to prevent oxidation and extend their shelf life.
Rating:
TBHQ is a synthetically produced additive that has been linked to adverse health effects, including negatively affecting immune response and potentially contributing to cancer. However, other studies have suggested that it may reduce the growth of cancer cells. Due to its effect on the immune response, some scientists have speculated that it could play a role in food allergies.
Resources:
- THBQ significantly increases tumors in rats (animal study)
- TBHQ may have a negative affect on immune response (data analysis)
- TBHQ may inhibit immune response (in vitro)
- Potential carcinogenic mechanisms of TBHQ (in vitro)
- TBHQ slows the growth of cancer cells (in vitro)
How we rate ingredients
Health is like a bank account, certain ingredients make a deposit into your health bank, meaning they add to
your health. Certain ingredients withdraw from your health bank. We want health promoting ingredients in our diet. To keep things simple, we rate ingredients on a green, yellow, red scale:
Clean
It is naturally occurring in food and has no harmful effects on the body. It is real food. It is health promoting.
Caution
It goes into one or more of the below categories
- It is not naturally occurring in food but doesn’t have data showing it has a harmful effect on the body (additives like Gellan Gum)
- It is naturally occurring but can have some harmful effects on the body (added sugars, oils, gums etc.)
We Avoid
It is known to have a harmful effect on the body (ex. All food colorings, Natural Flavors, MSG, Potassium bromate, aspartame, artificial flavors)
Top Ingredients To Avoid
Almond extract is a concentrated liquid flavoring derived from almonds, commonly used…
Recent Articles
Not all flavors, or oils are created equal!
The Food Showdown: Popcorners flavors
Ingredient Rating: Canola oil – is it bad for you?
Clean Consuming: Nourishment for your
Is It Clean 2023 Recap + Our top 3 Tips for a Healthier 2024
We have accomplished so much in just 1 year since our launch in March of 2023! We now have 10,000
Food Showdown: Nacho Chips
The Nacho Chip Food Showdown, is Tapioca Starch safe in food? and a must-see documentary on America’s food system.