Ingredient · E336(i)

Potassium Bitartrate

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
It is commonly used as a leavening agent in baking, often combined with baking …

What is Potassium Bitartrate?

Potassium bitartrate is a salt of tartaric acid, a naturally occurring acid found in fruits like grapes. It is a byproduct of winemaking, often appearing as a crystalline deposit in wine barrels. It is purified and processed for use as a food ingredient.

Is Potassium Bitartrate vegan?

Potassium Bitartrate is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Potassium Bitartrate gluten-free?

It does not contain gluten.

Is Potassium Bitartrate a major allergen?

Potassium bitartrate is not derived from any of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA.

What is Potassium Bitartrate used for?

It is commonly used as a leavening agent in baking, often combined with baking soda to create cream of tartar.

Is Potassium Bitartrate safe?

Potassium bitartrate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its intended use in food.

Why it's used

It is commonly used as a leavening agent in baking, often combined with baking soda to create cream of tartar. This combination reacts to produce carbon dioxide gas, which helps baked goods rise. It also helps stabilize egg whites and prevent sugar crystallization in icings and candies.

Health notes

Potassium bitartrate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its intended use in food. It is a source of potassium, an essential mineral. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated potassium bitartrate. It is not associated with significant health controversies at typical dietary intakes.

Allergen info

Potassium bitartrate is not derived from any of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. It does not contain gluten.

Foods that contain Potassium Bitartrate

Compare products →
Amazon links are paid links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. About these links

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.