Natural Antioxidant Solutions to Maintain Shelf Life, Stability, & Consumer Appeal
Global consumer demand for clean-label ingredients and increasing regulatory pressure are reshaping how food manufacturers formulate products.
Across multiple states, and at the federal level, U.S. legislation is driving food brands to remove synthetic additives like BHA, BHT, TBHQ, and FD&C colors. These ingredients have historically provided critical oxidative stability and shelf-life extension, making reformulation particularly challenging. At Kalsec, we understand these hurdles and are here to support your transition with proven natural alternatives.
This article outlines real-world reformulation challenges and provides insights into how Kalsec’s natural antioxidants can help replace BHA and BHT while maintaining product performance and brand integrity.
BHA and BHT are typically used together due to synergistic effects, often not exceeding 200 ppm of fat content—either combined or individually. These synthetic antioxidants are common in edible fats, oils, lard, meat products, cereals, baked goods, snacks, and dehydrated foods. Regulations vary by country and application, requiring tailored reformulation strategies.
Challenge 1: Reformulating Dry-Cured Meats Without Synthetic Antioxidants
Shelf life and quality are vital for dry-cured meat products, with rancidity and color stability being key concerns. In our Kalsec Protein Innovation Lab, we have successfully replaced synthetic BHA and BHT in dry-fermented sausage formulations. While modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vacuum sealing delay oxidation, processed meats still require antioxidants, especially in the event of compromised packaging. Our natural antioxidant solutions, validated via gas chromatography (GC), preserve flavor and color, supporting a cleaner label without sacrificing product integrity.
Challenge 2: Protecting Oxidative Stability in Fats & Oils
In edible fats like lard and tallow, antioxidants are crucial to preserve stability during storage and downstream use in snacks, bakery items, and frying. While BHA & BHT have provided reliable synthetic options, regulations and consumer sentiment are rapidly driving a need for a natural alternative. Working with Kalsec offers options for your best path forward in replacing BHA & BHT without significantly reworking recipes or processes. One approach often utilized starts with Rancimat testing to evaluate oxidative stability, where our Duralox® solutions often match or exceed performance of synthetics. We also employ Oxipres™ testing for solid foods such as baked snacks and nuts. This faster approach, coupled with plant trials supported by our sensory, analytical, and applications teams, ensures seamless formulation and consumer acceptance.
Challenge 3: Maintaining Fresh Meat Color and Flavor
For fresh ground meats like sausage and bratwurst, consumer perception of shelf-life hinges on visual appeal and odor. Synthetic blends like BHA/BHT are often combined with citric acid or propyl gallate for this reason. Our Herbalox® and Duralox® blends, validated through colorimetry (a* values), provide superior natural protection. Notably, even synthetics alone fell short in our testing, reinforcing the value of well-designed natural systems. Cleaner label strategies can also reduce food waste, a growing concern for sustainability-minded brands and consumers alike.
Why Choose Kalsec for BHA/BHT Replacement?
- Over 35 years of experience in clean-label oxidative stability solutions
- Broad range of reliable natural antioxidant systems in dry and liquid forms
- Proven performance in cured, fresh, and frozen meat systems
- Economical cost-in-use and strong supply chain reliability
- Deep technical support: regulatory, sensory, analytical, and application teams
Clean-label reformulation doesn’t have to mean compromising performance. With Kalsec’s natural antioxidant solutions and hands-on technical support, you can confidently transition away from BHA, BHT, and TBHQ—protecting both your products and your brand.
Talk with your account manager or contact us to talk about natural antioxidant solutions for your specific applications.