| Essence |
Tartaric Acid (E334) is an organic acid naturally found in bananas, grapes, apricots, avocados, tamarinds, and others and used as an acidulant, stabilizer, flavor enhancer, and leavening agent in food. It presents itself as a white crystalline powder typically with a sour taste and no smell. |
| Names |
Racemic Acid, 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid, D-tartaric acid, L-tartaric acid, Threaric acid, E334, Tartaric Acid, and others. |
| Sourcing |
Sourcing will depend on whether it’s done with natural or synthetic methods. Natural production will start typically with a fruit like grapes (more specifically, the sediments and crystals that form during the wine-making process). Whereas synthetic production will be done with Maleic Anhydride as a starting point. |
| Manufacturing |
As for the natural production, the sourcing ingredient is collected, clarified, acidified, heated, filtrated, crystallized, separated, and dried. As for the synthetic option, the sourcing ingredient undergoes catalytic oxidation while mixed with Hypochlorous Acid or Hydrogen Peroxide (for the catalyst a metal salt or an organic compound is used). The resulting ingredient (meso-tartaric anhydride) then undergoes hydrolysis (in the presence of an acid or a base). |
| Application |
Acidulant, stabilizer, flavor enhancer, and leavening agent. Soluble in water. It is also used in the production of wine (used to adjust the acidity and flavor profile in the final product). |
| Acceptable Daily Intake |
Supposedly, it’s safe in amounts of up to 30 milligrams per kilogram of body weight daily. |
| Side Effects |
In large amounts, it can lead to stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Tooth enamel erosion is possible if very frequently consumed through soft drinks. In theory, it can interfere with calcium and iron absorption but then, it would have to be consumed in extremely high amounts for a prolonged period of time. Finally, as with anything, allergic reactions can also happen. |
| Benefits |
It can offer antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammation properties, boost digestion, support skin health, aid cognitive function, improve heart health, promote weight loss, enhance skin health, and more. |
| Studies |
2,770+ studies on Pubmed. 60+ studies on safety. |
| Allergens |
None. |
| Diet Restrictions |
None. |
| Health Knight Assessment |
Only Beneficial. | Hence, it’s a Category 0 Additive. |
| Products |
Tartaric Acid (E334) can be found in processed foods such as candy, cookies, bread (panini bread, ciabatta, pita bread, and other), gum, crab cakes, puddings, snack bars, biscuits, mayonnaise, spreads, sweets, syrups, sandwiches, premade chicken foods, pastries, gummies, premade fish foods, salami, sauces, pork products, deli meats, cakes, chocolate snacks, doughnuts, mustard, hamburgers, muffins, pizzas, desserts, pasta, gnocchi, tortilla and potato chips, whip cream, wraps, pies, chocolate bars, juices, soft drinks, ciders, salads, baguettes, noodles, and more. |
