BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) vs Calcium Propionate — Which Is Worse?

FactorBHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)Calcium Propionate
E-NumberE321E282
CategoryPreservativePreservative
SeverityModerate Risk (6/10)Moderate Risk (6/10)
FDA StatusFDA classifies BHT as GRAS at levels up to 0.02% of the fat content of food (21 CFR 182.3173).FDA classifies calcium propionate as GRAS (21 CFR 184.1221). No ADI established in the US; considered safe at current us…
EFSA StatusEFSA set an ADI of 0.25 mg/kg body weight/day in 2012. Approved in the EU with restricted usage levels.EFSA approved with no numerical ADI. Re-evaluated in 2014 as part of the propionic acid group (E 280-283). EFSA noted no…
Banned In——
Products Found1212

Key Differences

Health Concerns Comparison

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

Calcium Propionate

Which Products Use Each?

12
products contain BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
12
products contain Calcium Propionate

⚖️ The Verdict

Both BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) and Calcium Propionate have the same severity score (6/10). Neither is clearly worse than the other based on current data.

Both ingredients should be consumed mindfully. Use CheckIt AI to scan products and avoid whichever ones concern you most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) or Calcium Propionate worse?
Both BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) and Calcium Propionate have the same severity score (6/10). Neither is clearly worse based on available data.
What is the difference between BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) and Calcium Propionate?
Both are preservatives. BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) has a severity of 6/10 and is found in 12 products. Calcium Propionate has a severity of 6/10 and is found in 12 products.
Are BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) and Calcium Propionate banned?
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) is not currently banned in any major market. Calcium Propionate is not currently banned in any major market.
How can I avoid both BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) and Calcium Propionate?
Download CheckIt AI and scan any product's barcode or ingredient label. The app will flag both BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) and Calcium Propionate and suggest safer alternatives.
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⚕️ This comparison is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance.

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📋 Cite This Data
APACheckIt AI. (2026). "BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) vs Calcium Propionate — Which Is Worse? | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/ingredients/bht-vs-calcium-propionate
MLA"BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) vs Calcium Propionate — Which Is Worse? | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-03-05. https://getcheck.it/ingredients/bht-vs-calcium-propionate.
HTML Embed<a href="https://getcheck.it/ingredients/bht-vs-calcium-propionate">BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) vs Calcium Propionate — Which Is Worse? | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>
BibTeX@misc{checkit2026ingredientsbhtvscalciumpropionate, title = {BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) vs Calcium Propionate — Which Is Worse? | CheckIt AI}, author = {CheckIt AI}, year = {2026}, publisher = {Climaverse PBC}, url = {https://getcheck.it/ingredients/bht-vs-calcium-propionate}, note = {Retrieved 2026-03-05} }