Foods Containing E334 (Tartaric Acid)
E334 (Tartaric Acid) is extracted from grape by-products of winemaking or produced synthetically, used as a antioxidant to help stop fats and oils turning rancid and protect food colour and flavour. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E334
E334 is used across oils, margarine, snacks, cured meats, soft drinks and processed foods. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Oils
- Margarine
- Snacks
- Cured meats
- Soft drinks and processed foods
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E334 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E334" or as "Tartaric Acid".
How to spot E334 on a label
In the UK and EU, additives must appear in the ingredients list with their function and either their E-number or full name — for example "antioxidants: E334" or "antioxidants: tartaric acid". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Tartaric Acid" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E334?
E334 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E334.
Full guide to E334: safety, vegan and halal status →
This section contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Want to avoid E334?
Additive-free eating
Cookbooks and guides for cooking without additives.
Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).