Comparing E304I - Ascorbyl palmitate vs E320 - Butylated hydroxyanisole (bha)

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Overview

E304I - Ascorbyl palmitate

Ascorbyl palmitate (E304i) is a fat‑soluble form of vitamin C made by joining ascorbic acid to palmitic acid. Food makers use it as an antioxidant to keep fats and oils from turning rancid, helping protect flavor, color, and nutrients during shelf life. It’s approved in the EU as E‑number E304i and is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) in the United States.

E320 - Butylated hydroxyanisole (bha)

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), also labeled as E320, is a synthetic antioxidant used to keep fats and oils from going rancid. It helps protect flavor, color, and texture in many shelf‑stable foods. You will usually see it listed as “BHA” or “E320” on ingredient labels.

Synonyms

E304i

Ascorbyl palmitate

L-Ascorbyl Palmitate

E320

Butylated hydroxyanisole (bha)

Butylated hydroxyanisole

BHA

Functions

antioxidant

Origins

Products

Found in 513 products

Found in 3,273 products

Search rank & volume

#2004.2K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#9521.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×1.20

normal

×0.94

normal

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

Is ascorbyl palmitate safe?
Yes—it's approved as a food antioxidant in the EU, U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand and is considered safe at permitted levels. The body breaks it down into vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and palmitic acid; high supplemental intakes may occasionally cause mild stomach upset.
What is ascorbyl palmitate in supplements?
A fat‑soluble form of vitamin C used either as the active vitamin C or to protect oils and softgels from oxidation. It’s hydrolyzed to ascorbic acid and palmitic acid, so its vitamin C activity is similar to regular vitamin C but it’s favored for oil‑based formulations.
What is ascorbyl palmitate made from?
It’s the ester of L‑ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and palmitic acid, typically derived from palm oil or other fats. It’s produced by chemical or enzymatic esterification; sources can be plant, animal, microbiological, or synthetic.
Ascorbyl palmitate what is it?
Ascorbyl palmitate (E304i) is a fat‑soluble ester of vitamin C used as an antioxidant in foods, especially those rich in fats. It helps slow oxidation and rancidity and can also act as a source of vitamin C.
What is ascorbyl palmitate used for?
Primarily as an antioxidant (E304) to prevent rancidity and preserve flavor and color in foods like oils, margarines, snacks, and baked goods. It’s also used in supplements to stabilize oil‑based ingredients and sometimes as a vitamin C source.