E336 – Potassium Tartrates (Cream of Tartar)
AntioxidantsDescription
White crystalline powder or colorless crystals
Notes
Potassium tartrate, commonly known as cream of tartar, is a white crystalline powder that forms naturally during winemaking. When grape juice ferments into wine, this compound crystallizes and settles on the sides and bottom of wine barrels and tanks. It's collected from these wine sediments and purified to create the cream of tartar you might recognize from baking recipes. As a food additive, potassium tartrate works as an acidity regulator, helping to control pH levels and maintain the right chemical environment in foods. It's most famous in home kitchens as the key ingredient that activates baking soda in many baking powder formulations. You'll also find it in candies, frostings, and some processed foods where it helps stabilize textures and prevent crystallization. Potassium tartrate is a natural product suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and most religious dietary requirements. It's been used safely in cooking for centuries and presents no allergen concerns. For people monitoring their potassium intake for medical reasons, the amounts used in food are typically very small, but it's worth noting that it does contribute potassium to the diet.