Comparing E330 - Citric acid vs E321 - Butylated hydroxytoluene
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Found in 95,503 products
Found in 5,513 products
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Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 5 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is citric acid bad for you?
At typical food levels, citric acid (E330) is considered safe by major regulators (GRAS; EFSA/JECFA). Concentrated or frequent acidic exposure can irritate the mouth/stomach or contribute to tooth enamel erosion.
Where does the citric acid cycle occur?
In eukaryotic cells it occurs in the mitochondrial matrix; in bacteria it occurs in the cytosol.
What does citric acid do to your body?
It is a normal intermediate in energy metabolism and is readily metabolized to carbon dioxide and water. Citrate can bind minerals, which may enhance absorption of some and help prevent certain kidney stones by increasing urinary citrate.
Where does citric acid come from?
It occurs naturally in citrus fruits, but most food-grade citric acid is produced by fermenting sugars (e.g., from corn, beet, or cane) with Aspergillus niger.
How is citric acid made?
Industrially, sugars are fermented with Aspergillus niger to produce citric acid, then it is recovered and purified—often by precipitating calcium citrate and converting it back with sulfuric acid or via ion-exchange/crystallization.
What is bht in food?
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene, E321) is a synthetic antioxidant added in small amounts to keep fats and oils from oxidizing, helping foods stay fresh and resist rancidity.
Is bht bad for you?
Major regulators (FDA, EFSA, JECFA) consider BHT safe at permitted levels, with an acceptable daily intake around 0.25–0.3 mg/kg body weight/day. High doses in animal studies have caused liver/thyroid effects, but evidence of harm at normal food-use levels in humans is limited.
What is bht in cereal?
It’s an antioxidant preservative used to keep the cereal’s fats from going rancid; in some products it’s applied to the packaging liner rather than the cereal itself to help preserve freshness.
What is bha and bht?
BHA (E320, butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (E321, butylated hydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants used to slow the oxidation of fats and oils in foods, helping preserve flavor and shelf life.
What is bht and why you should avoid it?
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used to prevent rancidity and preserve freshness. It’s considered safe at regulated levels, but some people choose to avoid it due to its synthetic origin or concerns from high-dose animal studies.