Potassium bitartrate

Potassium bitartrate (CAS 868-14-4), commercially recognized as cream of tartar and listed as E336, is a naturally derived acid salt produced as a byproduct of wine fermentation. In food and personal care manufacturing, it functions as a leavening acid, buffering agent, and stabilizer across a broad range of formulations. In baking, it activates baking soda to provide controlled leavening.

This ingredient is essential for cakes, cookies, and baked mixes, while simultaneously stabilizing whipped egg whites and meringues against collapse. Confectionery manufacturers use it to prevent sugar crystallization. By preventing crystallization in candies, frostings, and syrups, it improves texture consistency in finished products. Food processors rely on it as a pH buffer and tartrate source in processed vegetables.

It helps retain color and firmness during thermal treatment in various food applications. In personal care formulations, it functions as a mild acidulant and buffering agent in dental powders and skin-brightening preparations. Potassium bitartrate is supplied as a fine white crystalline powder. Food-grade material conforming to FCC and E336 specifications is the standard commercial form for industrial use.

High purity USP and BP grades are available for pharmaceutical and personal care applications. Bulk supply is typical for industrial food processing, with smaller packaging available for specialty markets.