Quick Answer
No, cream of tartar does not contain gluten or dairy. Cream of tartar is made from tartaric acid, which is derived from grapes. It contains no wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing ingredients. Cream of tartar is also dairy-free as it does not contain milk, butter, cheese or any other dairy derivatives.
What is Cream of Tartar?
Cream of tartar, also known as potassium bitartrate, is a powdered acid that is derived from tartaric acid. It is a byproduct of winemaking, formed when grapes are fermented into wine. During fermentation, tartrates naturally occur in the wine in the form of crystals. These crystals are also known as “wine diamonds” and are prevented from forming in bottled wine by cold stabilization. The crystals are then purified and processed to produce cream of tartar.
Chemically speaking, cream of tartar is an acid salt formed from tartaric acid and potassium hydroxide. Its chemical formula is KC4H5O6. It appears as an odorless, white powder that has a mildly acidic taste.
Cream of tartar has a variety of uses in cooking and baking. It is primarily used as a stabilizing agent and leavening agent. In recipes, it helps stabilize egg whites and prevents sugar syrups from crystallizing. When combined with baking soda, it allows batters to rise during baking.
Does Cream of Tartar Contain Gluten?
No, cream of tartar does not contain any gluten. Gluten is a type of protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. Since cream of tartar is produced from tartaric acid in grapes, it does not derive from gluten-containing grains in any way. It is considered gluten-free.
People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity can safely consume cream of tartar without having to worry about gluten exposure. Using cream of tartar can help add volume and stability to gluten-free baked goods.
Gluten-Free Status
All major gluten-free certification organizations consider cream of tartar to be gluten-free:
– The Celiac Disease Foundation has certified that cream of tartar does not contain any gluten.
– The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) lists cream of tartar as a gluten-free ingredient.
– The Celiac Sprue Association recognizes cream of tartar as a safe ingredient for gluten-free diets.
So cream of tartar can be considered definitively gluten-free. Always check the label to confirm the product does not have any gluten-containing additives, although plain cream of tartar without additives is naturally gluten-free.
Does Cream of Tartar Contain Dairy?
No, cream of tartar does not contain any dairy ingredients like milk, butter, cheese, yogurt or whey. Dairy is not used at all in the production of this ingredient.
Cream of tartar comes from grapes, which are entirely plant-based. No dairy derivatives or lactose are introduced during the manufacturing process. So cream of tartar is 100% dairy-free.
This makes cream of tartar safe for people with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. There is no need to avoid this ingredient due to concerns about dairy content.
Dairy-Free Status
Major dairy-free food certifying organizations have verified the vegan and dairy-free status of cream of tartar:
– The Vegan Society includes cream of tartar in their list of suitable ingredients for vegans.
– Go Dairy Free recognizes cream of tartar as a safe, dairy-free ingredient.
So cream of tartar can be considered definitively dairy-free and vegan-friendly. As with any product, check labels for any potential dairy-containing additives, although plain cream of tartar contains zero dairy.
What Is Cream of Tartar Used For?
Cream of tartar has several handy uses and applications, both in the kitchen and otherwise:
Baking
– Leavening agent – Cream of tartar creates carbon dioxide bubbles when combined with baking soda, giving batters lift and volume.
– Stabilizing egg whites – It stabilize beaten egg whites helping them hold volume and form stiff peaks.
– Preventing sugar crystallization – It interferes with sugar molecules bonding, preventing syrups from crystallizing.
Cooking
– Whipping cream – Adding cream of tartar helps whipped cream hold its shape longer.
– Candy making – It alters the structure of boiled sugar helping create smoother candies.
– Frosting stabilizer – It prevents frostings and icings from becoming runny.
Cleaning
– Removes stains from cookware – Mixing cream of tartar with water helps remove stains from pots and pans.
– Cleaning brass and copper – Make a paste with cream of tartar and lemon juice to effectively polish metal surfaces.
– Toilet bowl cleaner – Let cream of tartar sit in the toilet bowl overnight to help remove stains and soften deposits.
Is Cream of Tartar Natural?
Yes, cream of tartar is a natural product. It is produced from tartaric acid, which occurs naturally in many fruits, but is concentrated in grapes. The tartaric acid is extracted from naturally occurring grape residues leftover from wine production.
No synthetic chemicals are used to produce cream of tartar. While processing is required to purify and crystallize the tartaric acid, the ingredient itself comes from grape, an entirely natural source.
Therefore, cream of tartar can be considered a natural product, albeit one that requires some processing to reach its powdered form. Many consumers interested in natural foods accept cream of tartar as a permissible natural ingredient in recipes.
Substitutes for Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar can be substituted in recipes, although the results may not be exactly the same. Some possible substitutes include:
Baking Powder
– Use 1 tsp baking powder per 1 tsp cream of tartar.
– Baking powder provides similar leavening abilities but also includes cornstarch and sodium-based acids.
Lemon Juice or Vinegar
– Replace cream of tartar with 1 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar per 2 tsp cream of tartar.
– Adds acidity but doesn’t provide the air pockets for leavening.
Potassium Acid Tartrate
– Substitute 1:1 for cream of tartar.
– This chemical compound has the same abilities as cream of tartar.
| Cream of Tartar | Possible Substitutes |
|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon | 1 teaspoon baking powder OR 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar OR 1 teaspoon potassium acid tartrate |
| 2 teaspoons | 2 teaspoons baking powder OR 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar OR 2 teaspoons potassium acid tartrate |
Where to Buy Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar is widely available at most grocery stores and supermarkets. Here are some places it can typically be found:
– Baking aisle – Look near the spices, baking soda and baking powder.
– Bulk bins – Some natural food stores sell cream of tartar from bulk bins.
– Online – Purchase from online stores like Amazon or grocery delivery services.
– Wine and beer making suppliers – Cream of tartar is used as a stabilizing agent in wine and sold at brew shops.
– Pharmacy sections – Sometimes found near the pharmacy counter at large retailers.
Be sure to check the label to confirm the product is pure cream of tartar and does not contain any additives not suitable for your dietary needs. An ingredient list should only show “cream of tartar” and no other additives.
Price of Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar is relatively affordable, with prices ranging from:
– $3 to $5 for a small 2-3 ounce container
– $5 to $8 for a larger 8-16 ounce bag
Prices tend to be cheaper per ounce when buying bulk sizes. Organic products or specialty brands may cost a few dollars more. Overall cream of tartar provides an inexpensive way to stabilize and leaven baked goods.
How Long Does Cream of Tartar Last?
Cream of tartar has an indefinite shelf life when stored properly in a cool, dry location. An unopened container will stay fresh for several years when kept in a pantry or cupboard away from heat, light and moisture.
Once opened, cream of tartar will keep for 1 to 2 years before slowly losing potency. For maximum freshness and efficacy, use opened cream of tartar within 12 months.
Properly stored cream of tartar lasts much longer than baking powder or baking soda. Visually inspect cream of tartar for any clumping, which can indicate it has absorbed moisture and may be ineffective. As long as it appears as a fine soft powder, cream of tartar can be used long after purchase.
Conclusion
Cream of tartar is a useful kitchen staple made from tartaric acid extracted from grapes. It does not naturally contain any gluten or dairy and is safe for people with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, lactose intolerance and dairy allergies. Cream of tartar provides helpful leavening and stabilizing abilities in gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan baking recipes. With proper storage, cream of tartar has an indefinite shelf life and can be readily found in the baking aisle of grocery stores at affordable prices.
