Is Cream of Tartar Vegan and Gluten Free?
Cream of tartar is among the most dynamic baking ingredients, making cookies chewy, egg whites billowy, and your home sparkle.
However, when it comes to the cream of tartar, vegans, especially those who are new to the lifestyle, maybe perplexed. After all, the word “cream” is in the name, and cream is typically derived from animals.
So, in this article, we’ll talk about what cream of tartar is and whether it’s vegan or not. You may also find the vegan and gluten-free cream of tartar brands and what it can be used for.
What is Cream of Tartar? What is Cream of Tartar made of?
Cream of Tartar has a pH of 5 and is scientifically known as potassium bitartrate or potassium hydrogen tartrate. It’s a powdered form of “tartaric acid,” which is an acidic substance like lemon or vinegar.
Cream of tartar is basically just a byproduct of tartaric acid, which occurs naturally in many fruits such as grapes and citrus fruit.
Cream of tartar can be made by crystallization of Potassium bitartrate in two different ways: during fermentation grape juice (to make wine) or when fresh grape juice is chilled for a prolonged period of time.
Is Cream of Tartar Vegan?
Tartaric acid, which occurs naturally in grapes and citrus fruits, is used to make a cream of tartar. And since the origin of this ingredient is plant-based, the cream of tartar is naturally vegan.
However, there is some debate about this in the vegan community. This is owing to the fact that some wines are made with animal products such as casein, bone marrow, chitin, and gelatin. However, in most cases, the cream of tartar is vegan.
Is Cream of Tartar Gluten Free?
Yes! Cream of Tartar is gluten-free as well. Gluten is derived from wheat, rye, and barley, but it can still be found in foods that are made with these grains.
Cream of tartar is gluten-free because it is a byproduct of the winemaking process, and no grains (especially gluten-containing grains) are used during the winemaking process. The cream of tartar itself is gluten-free; however, the food it’s in may not be.
What is Cream of Tartar used for?
Cream of tartar can be used in a variety of vegan-friendly ways. Here are a few aspects for using the cream of tartar in vegan baking and cooking:
1. Color Preservation
When you boil vegetables, they lose their vibrant color and thus become less appetizing. The acids in the cream of tartar help to retain the original color of vegetables.
2. Anticaking and thickening
Cream of tartar can be used to thicken mixtures and prevent them from caking by maintaining a free-flowing consistency and inhibiting moisture absorption. Cream of tartar also acts as a thickening agent, increasing the viscosity of liquids, soups, and stews without changing the flavors or other properties.
3. Preventing Crystallization
Cream of tartar inhibits the crystallization of sugar syrups. This is achieved by breaking down some of the sucrose into fructose and glucose.
Cream of Tartar Substitute – Vegan and Non-Vegan
If you are still not satisfied and cautious of all the issues related to the cream of tartar, there are always alternatives that you can try. Here are some of the best alternatives you can try.
Vegan Substitute for Cream of Tartar
1. Vinegar (White)
Vinegar is a highly acidic liquid with numerous applications. It also has similar acidic levels as cream of tartar, and it aids in the stabilization of all egg whites when baking.
Also Read: Is Balsamic Vinegar Vegan?
2. Juice of lemon
Lemon juice works well in place of cream of tartar. Since lemon juice has similar acidity levels to the cream of tartar, you can produce the same outcomes using organic lemon juice.
3. Baking Powder
Tartaric acid and sodium bicarbonate are the two main ingredients making baking powder vegan-friendly and an excellent substitute for a cream of tartar.
Non-Vegan Substitute for Cream of Tartar
1. Yogurt
Because of its acidic nature, yogurt is an excellent substitute for cream of tartar. The acidity is comparable to the cream of tartar. However, it is common knowledge that yogurt is made from milk, which is the primary source. As a result, it becomes a non-vegan ingredient, and you should not use it in place of the cream of tartar.
Also Read: Is Greek Yogurt Vegan? Is Greek Yogurt Dairy Free?
2. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a great substitute for cream of tartar. However, it is not suitable for vegans. The cream of pure milk is used to make butter. And because milk is derived from animals, it is not an ideal substitute for cream of tartar. As a result, this is one aspect to consider when looking for others.
Cream of Tartar Vegan and Gluten Free Brands
1. Toogood Botanics Cream of Tartar
Botanics Toogood Cream of tartar is a byproduct of the winemaking process. It’s found in the sediment remaining behind in barrels after the wine has fermented, and it’s refined into milky white powder we use in baking. It’s a dense white powder with a slightly acidic flavor and odor.
Cream of tartar is a versatile product that can be used in the kitchen and around the house. It’s generally used in baking while whipping egg whites – it accelerates the development of foam while maintaining the fluffy texture ideal for meringues and other similar desserts.
2. Unpretentious Baker Cream of Tartar
Unpretentious Baker Cream of Tartar Contains a Baking Staple that Adds Volume and Thickness to Meringues and Soufflés. It can also be used for a variety of cleaning tasks around the house. It is % Pure Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate, all-natural, and Kosher and Vegan certified.
It gives candies, frostings, icings, and syrups a creamier texture. It also helps to stabilize egg whites while beating them, which improves texture and volume. It is frequently used in recipes as an alternative to buttermilk and to prevent sugar crystal formation in homemade candy.
3. Judee’s Vegan and Gluten Free Cream of Tartar
Judee’s Cream of Tartar is packed in a dedicated gluten-free facility and shipped in a standup, resealable pouch to ensure freshness. It enhances the acidic and citric flavors and the fluffy texture of baked goods.
Make a paste to brighten dulled aluminum or use it in crafts like play-dough. Judee’s Vegan and Gluten Free Cream of Tartar is a multi-purpose item that can be used in the kitchen and around the house.
4. Pure Organic Vegan Cream of Tartar
Pure Cream of Tartar is a baking necessity that can be used for everything, including baking to egg white stabilization to creating your own baking powder or bath bombs.
It is packaged in an eco-friendly standup, resealable pouch, free of additives, fragrances, and animal products. Pure Organic Vegan Cream of Tartar is an all-natural, non-GMO Potassium Bitartrate that is also vegan-certified.
5. Anthony’s Premium Cream of Tartar
Anthony’s Premium Cream of Tartar is a versatile acidic by-product of wine production. It is certified vegan and contains no additives, fragrances, animal products, or MSG. When steaming vegetables, lower the pH of the water by mixing in a small amount of Anthony’s Premium Cream of Tartar.
This keeps the color of the vegetables you’re steaming. It is an excellent tool for a wide range of household cleaning tasks. Cream of Tartar can be used to remove rust stains, remove that bothersome gunk on your metal pots and pans, and keep your drains flowing efficiently.
Conclusion
According to the criteria accepted by the majority of vegans, cream of tartar is vegan. It is completely derived from fruit, making it a plant-based, vegan substance that can be used in a variety of applications.
However, the use of animal products in the manufacturing process may subject it to public scrutiny. Not to worry, many brands make vegan and gluten-free cream of tartar. The vegan cream of tartar listed above is a good example.
If you are a vegan, it is always good to do some preliminary research before purchasing any ingredients.
