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Tartaric Acid (E334) — What You Need to Know

Safe(9/10)Natural

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Tartaric Acid?

Tartaric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid most abundant in grapes and tamarinds. It has been known since ancient winemaking, where tartrate crystals precipitate inside wine barrels. It provides a sharp, tangy taste and is widely used as an acidulant and leavening acid in food production.

What Is It Used For?

Used as an acidulant to provide tartness in candy and beverages, as a leavening acid in baking powder formulations, and as an antioxidant synergist in wine production.

Function: Acidulant, antioxidant synergist, leavening acid
10 mg
Dataset exposure estimate
2100 mg
ADI-derived reference (70 kg)
0.5%
of ADI (typical diet)

Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
30 mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): ADI of 30 mg/kg bw/day established — generous limit reflecting low concern
⚠️ Key Concerns

Naturally occurring acid most abundant in grapes. Known since ancient winemaking — tartrate crystals (cream of tartar) precipitate in wine barrels. EFSA set ADI at 30 mg/kg bw/day (generous ADI reflecting low concern). The L(+)-tartaric acid is the naturally occurring form; the D(-) form is not metabolized and can cause nephrotoxicity at very high doses. Only L(+)-tartaric acid is approved as food additive. No safety concerns at normal use levels.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Tartaric Acid an editorial context label of Safe with a score of 9/10. This is 0.2 points above the database average for acidity regulators (8.8/10). Dataset reference year: 2020. The dataset's population estimate equals about 0.5% of the listed ADI.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

WineBaking powderCandyGrape-flavored productsCarbonated drinks
Example brands:
Dr. Oetker (baking powder)Haribo (candy)Clabber Girl

Always check the label for E334 or 'Tartaric Acid'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: C4H6O6
Molecular Weight: 150.09 g/mol
CAS Number: 87-69-4
INS Number: INS 334
Also known as: E334, INS 334, L-Tartaric acid, 2,3-Dihydroxysuccinic acid, Racemic acid

Frequently Asked Questions about Tartaric Acid

Current dataset status: FDA — GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe); EFSA/EU — ADI of 30 mg/kg bw/day established — generous limit reflecting low concern. Reported concerns: Naturally occurring acid most abundant in grapes. Known since ancient winemaking — tartrate crystals (cream of tartar) precipitate in wine barrels. EFSA set ADI at 30 mg/kg bw/day (generous ADI reflecting low concern). The L(+)-tartaric acid is the naturally occurring form; the D(-) form is not metabolized and can cause nephrotoxicity at very high doses. Only L(+)-tartaric acid is approved as food additive. No safety concerns at normal use levels. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E334
INS Number
INS 334
Category
Acidity Regulators
Origin
Natural
FDA Status
GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)
EFSA Status
ADI of 30 mg/kg bw/day established — generous limit reflecting low concern
ADI
30 mg/kg bw/day
Dataset Review
2020
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

Related Additives

Other acidity regulators in the same family

Citric Acid (E330)Malic Acid (E296)Potassium Tartrate (E336)Fumaric Acid (E297)