Sodium potassium tartrate

International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 337

Food additives Europe numbers: E337

Sodium potassium tartrate, also known as Rochelle salt or Seignette salt, is a food additive with a couple of key functionalities in the culinary world. Here's a breakdown of its characteristics:

Functions:

• Acidity regulator: Sodium potassium tartrate helps control the pH level in certain foods [1]. This can be important for taste, texture, and shelf life. For instance, it can contribute to a tart flavor or prevent browning in some cases.
• Emulsifying agent: It can aid in stabilizing mixtures of ingredients that wouldn't normally blend well together, like oil and water, creating a smooth and consistent texture [2].

Applications:

• Limited use: Sodium potassium tartrate is not as common as some other food additives. You might find it in specific products like:
  • Baking powders (as a component in some formulations) [3]
  • Certain processed cheeses [4]
  • Candy making (in some specialized applications) [5]

Other uses:

• Beyond food: Sodium potassium tartrate has applications outside the food industry, used in some laboratory processes and medicine [6].

Safety:

• Generally recognized as safe (GRAS): Regulatory bodies like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consider sodium potassium tartrate safe for its intended uses when consumed within set limits [7].

Overall:

Sodium potassium tartrate is a food additive with a specific set of functions. While generally safe, it's not as widely used as some other additives. If you come across it on an ingredient list and have concerns, consulting a registered dietitian can offer more personalized information.