Safe
E334 — Tartaric acid
Acidity regulator
E334 (Tartaric acid), a acidity regulator, is rated "safe": no significant concern. The natural acid from grapes and wine. Used in baking powder, sour candies, and wine. Same compound as the white crystals on the cork of an aged wine.
What is Tartaric acid?
The natural acid in grapes, also found in tamarinds and bananas. Forms the cream-of-tartar crystals on the cork of aged wines. Used in baking powder, sour candies, jellies, and wine.
What does it do to the body?
Your body absorbs only a fraction and excretes most through the kidneys. No realistic safety concern at food-level use.
What regulators say
EFSA and the FDA both treat it as a safe additive.
Risk rating: Safe
Cleared by EFSA with no significant concern at typical dietary exposure. Common, well-studied, and not a reason to put a product back on the shelf.
Frequently asked questions
Is E334 (Tartaric acid) safe?
EFSA and the FDA both treat it as a safe additive.
What is E334 (Tartaric acid)?
The natural acid in grapes, also found in tamarinds and bananas. Forms the cream-of-tartar crystals on the cork of aged wines. Used in baking powder, sour candies, jellies, and wine.
What does Tartaric acid do to the body?
Your body absorbs only a fraction and excretes most through the kidneys. No realistic safety concern at food-level use.
What are other names for E334?
E334 is also known as tartaric acid, l(+)-tartaric acid.