E336: Potassium Tartrates
Main role: acidity control and raising-system support
Also listed as: potassium tartrate, potassium hydrogen tartrate, cream of tartar
What is E336 (Potassium Tartrates)?
E336 includes potassium salts of tartaric acid. Potassium hydrogen tartrate is familiar as cream of tartar, which can supply acid in baking and help stabilize egg-white foams in recipes.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is acidity control and raising-system support. 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
- Baking preparations
- Confectionery
- Acidity-control blends
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 E336, E 336, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include potassium tartrate, potassium hydrogen tartrate, cream of tartar. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Cream of tartar and baking powder are not identical. Baking powder combines an acid with a raising agent, while cream of tartar usually supplies the acid component.
Is E336 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 E336 as Potassium tartrates. 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.