E-number  · E334

E334 — Tartaric Acid

L(+)-tartaric acid. From wine-making by-products; vegan even when the wine isn't.

The entry Reference notes, kept short.

What it is

E334 is L(+)-tartaric acid, recovered from the lees and crystalline deposits ("cream of tartar") of wine production.

Why it matters

Acidity regulator and antioxidant in wines, soft drinks, baking powder (cream of tartar), and confectionery.

What to do

Always vegan. The wine the tartaric acid comes from may itself use animal-derived fining agents (isinglass etc.) — but those don't carry through to the recovered tartaric acid.

Sources Where the entry is drawn from.
  • Vegan Society additives database