| Essence |
Sodium Potassium Tartrate or E337 is a Tartaric Acid Potassium Sodium Salt that is basically a fusion of Sodium Tartrate (E335) and Potassium Tartrate (E336) that presents itself as a white crystalline powder with a slightly acidic taste and sometimes slightly acidic or sour smell. It is primarily used as a sequestrant, buffer, and emulsifier in food and supplements. It also gets used in medicine, the chemical industry, laboratory research, the ceramics industry, and the textiles industry. |
| Names |
Rochelle Salt, Seignette salt, Tartaric acid potassium sodium salt, Potassium sodium tartrate, E337, Sodium Potassium Tartrate, and others. |
| Sourcing |
Essentially, it’s sourced from Tartaric Acid (E334) which is a natural substance found in many fruits, and conveniently, it’s also a byproduct in the winemaking process. |
| Manufacturing |
The sourcing ingredient gets neutralized with Potassium Hydroxide. The outcome of that (Potassium Bitartrate) is mixed with Sodium Hydroxide. The outcome of that (Sodium Potassium Tartrate) is then purified. The reaction can also be achieved by applying first Sodium Hydroxide to Tartaric Acid and then Potassium Hydroxide. |
| Application |
Acidity regulator, sequestrant, buffer, stabilizer, and emulsifier. It is highly soluble in water. |
| Acceptable Daily Intake |
None determined. |
| Side Effects |
In high amounts, it can certainly cause gastrointestinal discomfort including diarrhea and bloating. Other possible side effects, apart from allergic reactions, are not known at this time but could possibly be similar, if any, to Sodium Tartrate and Potassium Tartrate. |
| Benefits |
It is unclear whether the additive could display similar health benefits to Tartaric Acid (E334). There is, however, no real research on that so far. |
| Studies |
35+ studies on Pubmed. Less than 5 studies on safety. |
| Allergens |
None. |
| Diet Restrictions |
None. |
| Health Knight Assessment |
Likely Fully Harmless. | Hence, it’s a Category 1 Additive. |
| Products |
Sodium Potassium Tartrate (E337) can be found in processed foods such as desserts, juices, sandwiches, biscuits, gummy candy, yogurt candy, jelly candy, chocolate candy, candy in general, chocolate bars, whip cream, salads, marmalades, premade pork meals, puddings, pastries, cakes, cookies, and more. |
