My diet:

E334 Tartaric acid

E334Acidity regulatorsOrigin: Plant
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VeganYes
Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherDepends

Tartaric acid is usually recovered from wine making, so kosher status needs a certification.

KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Tartaric acid (E334) is the sharp acid of grapes, purified for baking powder, candy and wine adjustments. It is considered safe within its daily limit. Kosher status depends on the wine source.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE334
Comes fromPlant
What it doesAcidity regulators
Glycemic index—
Daily limit30 mg/kg
Also calledTartaric acid, L-tartaric acid

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Tartaric acid is GRAS in the US and approved in the EU and Canada. JECFA's daily limit is 30 mg per kg of body weight. Cream of tartar is the potassium salt of this acid, listed separately as E336.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

2.1 gper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 30 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 600 mg a day.

What is it?

Bakers meet tartaric acid inside some baking powders and as the acid half of cream of tartar. Confectioners use it to set sour candies. Winemakers use it to balance a flat vintage.

Where it comes from: Most tartaric acid is recovered from wine lees and grape skins, then purified. A synthetic route exists but is less common for food.

Why it’s in food

  • Sharpens sour candy
  • Activates baking powder
  • Balances wine
  • Sets jams

Often found in

Sour candyBaking powderWineJamGelatin dessertsJuice

Also listed as: Tartaric acid, L-tartaric acid, Cream of tartar acid

Health & gut impact

Daily limitConcern

JECFA's 30 mg per kg limit for tartaric acid is above what a serving of candy or a pinch in batter provides.

JECFA evaluation of tartaric acid

DigestionUnder study

Very large amounts of tartaric acid can loosen stools. Ordinary food use does not reach that.

EFSA re-evaluation of tartaric acid (2020)

Acids for the baking tin

For your pantry
Pantry staple

Cream of tartar

The potassium salt bakers already keep for meringue.

Shop cream of tartar Opens your country’s Amazon store
Pantry staple

Citric acid

A clean lemon sourness for candy and cheese.

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Pantry staple

Lemon juice

A fresh acid when a bottle will do.

Shop lemon juice Opens your country’s Amazon store

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What can I use instead?

Cream of tartar

Ratio: Recipe dependent

Best for: Egg whites and candy

Citric acid

Ratio: To taste

Best for: A lemon sourness

Related

More acidity regulators:

Acetic acid E260Acetic acid (E260) is the acid that makes vinegar sour. Diluted in food it is considered safe. The hazard is the concentrated factory form, not a splash of vinegar.Generally safeCalcium carbonate E170Calcium carbonate (E170) is ground limestone, the same calcium found in antacids. It adds calcium to plant milks and flour and is very safe.Generally safeCalcium chloride E509Calcium chloride (E509) is a salty calcium salt that firms tofu, cheese curds and pickles. It is considered safe at food doses. Too much tastes bitter, which is why recipes use a little.Generally safeCalcium citrates E333Calcium citrates (E333) are a calcium salt of citric acid. Food makers use them to firm produce and buffer acidity, and the same salt is a common calcium supplement. They are considered safe.Generally safe

Common questions

Is tartaric acid the same as cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar is potassium bitartrate, a salt of tartaric acid. They are related and they are not the same spoonful.

Is Tartaric acid safe?

Generally safe (91/100). Tartaric acid is GRAS in the US and approved in the EU and Canada. JECFA's daily limit is 30 mg per kg of body weight. Cream of tartar is the potassium salt of this acid, listed separately as E336.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 184.1099 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E334
  • JECFA evaluation of tartaric acid
  • EFSA re-evaluation of tartaric acid (2020)

INS 334 · CAS 87-69-4