E334: Tartaric Acid
Main role: acidity adjustment
Also listed as: L(+)-tartaric acid, L-tartaric acid
What is E334 (Tartaric Acid)?
Food additive E334 refers to L(+)-tartaric acid, an organic acid associated with grapes and winemaking. It adjusts acidity in suitable foods and drinks. The defined chemical form matters because tartaric acid can exist in different stereochemical forms.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is acidity adjustment. Acidity regulators adjust or buffer pH. The resulting acidity depends on the whole recipe, not just the presence of one acid or salt. Acidity control may also affect texture and the performance of other ingredients.
Food and formulation examples
- Wine acidity adjustments
- Confectionery
- Beverage preparations
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E334, E 334, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include L(+)-tartaric acid, L-tartaric acid. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Tartaric acid E334 and cream of tartar E336 are related but different ingredients. Substituting one for the other in a recipe changes both acid balance and the accompanying mineral salt.
Is E334 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E334 as Tartaric acid (L(+)-). This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.