TBHQ
A synthetic antioxidant that stops oils from going rancid. Permitted within limits, but common in heavily processed, oil-rich foods.
Tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is a synthetic antioxidant added to oils and fried foods to slow rancidity and extend shelf life.
What the research says
Regulators consider it safe within set limits. Some animal studies at high doses have raised questions, and research on possible immune effects is ongoing. The CleanPlate method applies a small penalty when it is present.
Where you will find it
Instant noodles, fried snacks, namkeen, biscuits and refined cooking oils.
CleanPlate verdict
Not an emergency, but a clear sign of a product engineered for a long shelf life rather than freshness.
Found in
Products we've rated that list TBHQ, best first.
- CC3Ching's Secret Hakka Noodles with Masala
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (2062mg per 100g)
Fair - CC3Ching's Secret Loaded Chilli Garlic Hakka Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1280mg per 100g)
Fair - CC3Ching's Secret Loaded Schezwan Hakka Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1056mg per 100g)
Fair - CC4Ching's Secret Hot & Spicy Korean Ramen Soupy Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1464.3mg per 100g)
Fair - CC4Ching's Secret Kimchi Korean Instant Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1506.2mg per 100g)
Fair - CC4Ching's Secret Kimchi Korean Ramen Soupy Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1534.8mg per 100g)
Fair - CC4Ching's Secret Manchurian Cup Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1503mg per 100g)
Fair - CC4Ching's Secret Schezwan Cup Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1853mg per 100g)
Fair - CC4Ching's Secret Spicy Veg Korean Instant Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1457.5mg per 100g)
Fair - CC4Top Ramen Atta Masala Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1259.1mg per 100g)
Fair - CC4WickedGud 3X Chilli Chicken Korean Instant Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1306.6mg per 100g)
Fair - DC4Ching's Secret Hot Garlic Flavoured Instant Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1673mg per 100g)
Poor - DC4Ching's Secret Manchurian Flavoured Instant Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1674mg per 100g)
Poor - DC4Ching's Secret Schezwan Flavoured Instant Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1583mg per 100g)
Poor - DC4Lay's India's Magic Masala Potato Chips
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (663mg per 100g)
Poor - DC4Nissin Geki Carbonara Veg Korean Ramen Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1740.1mg per 100g)
Poor - DC4Nissin Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Chicken Cup Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High added sugar (10g per 100g)
Poor - DC4Nissin Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Kimchi Ramen Cup Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1854.3mg per 100g)
Poor - DC4Nissin Geki Spicy Cheese Korean Ramen Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1559.1mg per 100g)
Poor - DC4Nissin Geki Truffcarbo Korean Ramen Instant Noodles (Truffle Twister)
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1848.9mg per 100g)
Poor - DC4Nissin Italiano Cup Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1283.6mg per 100g)
Poor - DC4Nissin Korean Army Stew Cup Noodles (Kimchi Jjigae Hotpot)
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (2415.4mg per 100g)
Poor - DC4Nissin Mazedar Masala Cup Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1428.1mg per 100g)
Poor - DC4Nissin Spiced Chicken Cup Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1409.2mg per 100g)
Poor - DC4Nissin Super Hot Chilli Cup Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1700mg per 100g)
Poor - DC4Nissin Veggi Manchow Cup Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1456.3mg per 100g)
Poor - DC4Patanjali Chatpata Atta Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1410mg per 100g)
Poor - DC4Too Yumm Tom Yum Ramen Instant Noodles - No Palm Oil
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1920mg per 100g)
Poor - DC5Nissin Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Veg Cup Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High added sugar (13.8g per 100g)
Poor - DD4Nissin Geki Kimcheese Korean Ramen Flavoured Instant Noodles (Cheese Twister)
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (2329.3mg per 100g)
Poor - EC4Nissin Geki Spicy Kimchi Korean Ramen Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1698mg per 100g)
Poor - EC4Nissin Geki Spicy Maxx Korean Ramen Noodles
- −Red flag: Contains TBHQ
- −Red flag: High sodium (1746.8mg per 100g)
Poor
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