Tocopherols, TBHQ, and the Market

Even when solubility, heat, and stability are problems, the synthetic antioxidant Tertiary-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) guards food goods from oxidation that steals their inherent flavour, colour, and aroma. TBHQ, a product of our EN-HANCE® portfolio, is a great choice for budget-conscious customers looking to increase the stability of their food items using a tried-and-true, reasonably priced ingredient that has minimal inclusion levels and no sensory impact.

Tocopherol, an antioxidant derived from plants, guards against colour and flavour deterioration in a variety of culinary applications. Because they are heat resistant compounds, mixed tocopherols from our FORTIUM® MT series of plant-derived antioxidants have good solubility in foods with high fat and oil content and can increase shelf life without adding flavour.

Natural mixed tocopherols (vitamin E forms), which include d-alpha (a), d-beta (ß), d-gamma (), and d-delta (d) tocopherol, can help preserve the freshness and shelf life of products and offer a preferable substitute to tried-and-true synthetic antioxidants. Another advantage? Tocopherols support consumer-friendly ingredient lists and label claims by enabling them to make claims like

"Natural vitamin E added to safeguard flavour" or "Natural vitamin E added to retain freshness."

Market Situation

In 2016, the price of mixed tocopherols dropped to levels not seen in decades, but the demand for vitamin E and mixed tocopherols has recently and dramatically put pressure on the supply of the raw material (deodorizer distillate) derived from soybeans that is required to produce either vitamin E or mixed tocopherols. A significant factory stoppage has also decreased market capacity, and the delay has had an effect on the world's supply.