Allervibe
E334
L(+)-tartaric acid
The natural acid of grapes, used to add sourness and as the acid in baking powder.
i Additive Details
| Is E334 L(+)-tartaric acid safe?
Safe at food-use levels. It is only partly absorbed, so large amounts can act as a laxative. Commercial L(+)-tartaric acid is recovered from winemaking residues, which matters to readers who avoid ingredients derived from alcohol production for religious or personal reasons, although the purified acid itself contains no alcohol. Acidic sweets and drinks can erode tooth enamel.
| Uses
Adds a sharp, clean sourness to soft drinks, sweets, jellies, jams and wine. Its potassium salt, cream of tartar (E336), is the acid component of many baking powders and stabilises whipped egg white. It is also used to adjust the acidity of wine and grape juice.
| Interactions
Pairs with sodium bicarbonate (E500) in raising agents; it reacts quickly, so bakers often blend it with slower acids. It chelates metal ions, which supports antioxidants and keeps colour stable. Related additives include sodium tartrates (E335), cream of tartar (E336) and sodium potassium tartrate (E337).
| Origin
Occurs naturally in grapes, tamarind and bananas. Commercial L(+)-tartaric acid is recovered from argol and wine lees, the potassium bitartrate deposits left in tanks and casks after winemaking, making it one of the few additives sourced from a by-product of the wine industry. In the EU only the natural L(+) form may be used as E334; synthetic racemic tartaric acid is not permitted under this number.
| Daily Intake
Unlike most food acids, tartaric acid carries a numerical ADI rather than the 'ADI not specified' category, because only part of it is metabolised and the rest is excreted or broken down by gut bacteria. Estimated intakes from a normal diet stay well below the regulatory limits, and JECFA and EFSA both regard current uses as no safety concern.
Information is sourced from public regulatory bodies (EFSA, FDA, WHO) and is for reference only. Always read the package and consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Related additives
- E297 Fumaric acid A powdered organic acid with a strong, slow-dissolving sourness, used as an acidulant.
- E331 Trisodium citrate The sodium salt of citric acid, used to control acidity and to bind metal ions.
- E332 Potassium citrates The potassium salts of citric acid, used to regulate acidity and bind metal ions.
- E575 Glucono-delta-lactone A mild acid formed from glucose that slowly turns into gluconic acid once it meets water.
- E338 Phosphoric acid A strong mineral acid used to acidify soft drinks and adjust the pH of processed foods; it gives cola its sharp bite.
- E339 Monosodium phosphate A sodium salt of phosphoric acid used as a buffer, emulsifying salt and moisture binder in processed foods.
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