Acidulants & Acidity Regulators

Sodium Tartrate E335

Sodium Tartrate is a food-grade tartaric acid salt used in industrial food manufacturing for acidity regulation, buffering, flavour balance, process stability and acid-salt system design. It is commonly evaluated in beverages, confectionery, sauces, dressings, dairy systems, jellies, fruit preparations, fillings, emulsions and products where controlled pH and tartaric flavour balance are important.

For professional purchasing, Sodium Tartrate should be reviewed by exact identity, hydrate form, assay, pH in solution, solubility, particle size, moisture, optical form where relevant, heavy metals, food-grade status, destination-market compliance, label declaration and supplier documentation. The same product name may be used for anhydrous or hydrated grades, so the buyer should compare the supplier specification against the final application and dosage calculation.

Sodium Tartrate food additive food additive ingredient illustration

Product identity

ProductSodium Tartrate
CategoryAcidulants & Acidity Regulators
FunctionAcidity regulator / buffering ingredient / tartaric acid salt / flavour-balancing ingredient
E / INS numberE335 / INS 335; confirm exact identity by destination market and supplier documentation
CAS / identity868-18-8 for anhydrous sodium tartrate; hydrate identity may vary by supplier grade
Common namesDisodium tartrate, sodium L-tartrate, sodium tartrate, tartrate of soda
Chemical familySodium salt of tartaric acid
Molecular formulaC4H4Na2O6 for anhydrous sodium tartrate; hydrate grades should be confirmed by specification
Typical formWhite crystalline powder, crystal or granule; liquid grades are supplier-specific if offered
Technical characterWater-soluble tartrate salt used for buffering, acidity regulation and process-stability support

Application fit

Potential use areas may include:

  • Beverages, beverage concentrates and acidified drink systems
  • Confectionery, gummies, jellies, hard candy and fruit-flavoured systems
  • Sauces, dressings, condiments and culinary preparations
  • Dairy systems, dairy alternatives and fermented-product adjustments
  • Fruit preparations, jams, toppings and dessert bases
  • Fillings, creams, glazes and moisture-containing sweet systems
  • Emulsions and products requiring pH buffering or metal-ion interaction control
  • Dry blends, premixes and tartaric acid buffering systems

Industrial functionality

Sodium Tartrate is selected when a formulation needs a tartaric-acid-derived salt that can support pH control, buffer capacity, flavour balance and process consistency. In acidified food and beverage systems, it can help moderate acidity impact and support a stable acid-salt profile. In confectionery and fruit systems, it may contribute to tartaric flavour balance, crystallization behaviour and controlled sourness perception. In complex formulations, tartrate salts may also be evaluated for interaction with minerals and trace metals that can affect colour, flavour, haze or process stability.

Functional contribution

  • Acidity regulation: helps adjust and stabilize finished-product acidity where sodium tartrate is permitted.
  • Buffering: supports pH consistency in acidified systems, sauces, dressings, beverages and fruit preparations.
  • Flavour balance: can moderate sharp acidity and support tartaric acid flavour profiles in confectionery and beverages.
  • Process stability: helps maintain repeatable pH behaviour during mixing, heating, filling, cooling or storage.
  • Mineral interaction: may support formulation stability where calcium, magnesium or trace metals influence haze, colour or texture.
  • Dry-blend functionality: can be used in premixes where controlled acid-salt balance and dry dosing are required.

Application engineering notes

  • Beverages: evaluate pH, titratable acidity, flavour sharpness, clarity, mineral stability, precipitation and storage haze.
  • Confectionery: check sourness profile, sugar crystallization, gel behaviour, moisture control, colour stability and finished texture.
  • Sauces and dressings: validate pH, emulsion stability, preservative support, heat process, flavour and separation risk.
  • Dairy systems: review protein compatibility, pH adjustment, mineral balance, heat stability and sensory impact.
  • Fruit systems: test pH control, flavour balance, gel setting, colour retention, water activity and microbial stability.
  • Dry blends: review particle size, segregation risk, hygroscopicity, dusting, flowability and reaction with acidulants or leavening agents.

Acidity and buffering design factors

Sodium Tartrate should be evaluated in the finished food matrix, not only in water. The same dosage can perform differently depending on the product’s starting pH, acidulant system, sugar solids, salt level, proteins, minerals, heat process, packaging, water activity and storage temperature. Where acidity has a preservation role, Sodium Tartrate should be considered part of the full hurdle system rather than a substitute for validated pH, thermal process, sanitation or packaging controls.

FactorWhy it matters industrially
Finished-product pHDetermines flavour profile, microbial stability, protein behaviour, colour performance and regulatory compliance.
Titratable acidityHelps quantify perceived sourness and acid reserve beyond pH alone.
Acidulant systemInteraction with tartaric, citric, malic, lactic, acetic or phosphoric acid changes taste and buffering profile.
Mineral contentCalcium, magnesium and trace metals can affect haze, gel behaviour, protein stability and precipitation risk.
Solids and sugar levelHigh solids can alter dissolution, flavour release, crystallization and water activity.
Heat treatmentThermal processing can affect colour, flavour, protein stability, gel setting and ingredient interactions.
Packaging and storageOxygen exposure, temperature and shelf-life conditions can influence colour, haze, flavour and pH drift.
Regulatory use levelPermitted use depends on country, food category and additive rules, so formulation must be checked before launch.

Typical specification points to compare

Exact limits vary by manufacturer, hydrate form and applicable food-additive standard. The following parameters are practical checkpoints for procurement, R&D and QA teams when comparing suppliers or approving a new Sodium Tartrate grade.

ParameterWhy it matters industrially
Assay / purityConfirms active sodium tartrate content and enables accurate dosage calculation.
Hydrate formAnhydrous and hydrated grades differ in molecular weight, water content and dosage equivalency.
pH in solutionRelevant for buffering performance, beverage pH, dairy compatibility and process consistency.
Solubility and dissolution rateCritical for beverages, syrups, premixes, sauces, dressings and high-solids systems.
Particle sizeAffects dry blending, dusting, segregation, dissolution speed and dosing accuracy.
Moisture / loss on dryingImportant for caking, storage stability, hydrate confirmation, flowability and concentration control.
Appearance and odourIndicates grade consistency and helps identify contamination, moisture exposure or off-odour risk.
Chlorides and sulphatesUseful inorganic impurity checks for food-grade quality and process sensitivity.
Heavy metals, lead and arsenicRequired for food safety, customer approval and destination-market compliance.
Optical form where relevantImportant when a customer specification requires L-tartrate identity or optical purity documentation.
Microbiological limitsRelevant for ready-to-eat products, dry blends, direct addition and supplier approval.
Food-grade declarationsConfirm suitability for food use and support regulatory and customer documentation review.
Important: Sodium Tartrate is not automatically interchangeable with tartaric acid, potassium sodium tartrate, potassium tartrate or other tartrate salts. Performance, sodium contribution, buffering profile, pH impact, label declaration and permitted use depend on the exact ingredient identity, food category, dosage and destination market.

Formulation and processing considerations

Sodium Tartrate may be added directly, dissolved into a liquid phase, dry blended into premixes or used as part of an acid-salt buffering system. Manufacturers should confirm dissolution behaviour, hydration state, addition point, mixing time, pH response, flavour effect and compatibility with acids, sweeteners, colours, flavours, proteins, starches, gums, preservatives and minerals. In high-solids systems, incomplete dissolution or poor distribution can create local pH differences, crystallization defects or inconsistent flavour perception.

Production checkpoints

  • Confirm whether the selected grade is anhydrous, dihydrate or another supplier-specific hydrate form.
  • Validate the dosage calculation using the actual assay and water of hydration from the supplier specification.
  • Check dissolution at the process temperature, solids level and pH used in the production line.
  • Review addition order with acids, sugars, salts, colours, flavours, preservatives, gums and proteins.
  • Monitor finished-product pH, titratable acidity, flavour, haze, colour and texture during pilot trials.
  • Test storage stability for pH drift, crystallization, precipitation, gel changes, flavour shift or packaging interaction.

Quality-control checkpoints

  • Compare each COA against the approved internal specification before release to production.
  • Inspect packaging integrity, odour, colour, foreign matter, caking and moisture exposure at receipt.
  • Keep lot traceability from goods receipt through finished product batches.
  • Run internal solution checks where critical, such as pH, clarity, dissolution time or conductivity.
  • Use retention samples for supplier-change investigations and shelf-life troubleshooting.
  • Request trend data if Sodium Tartrate is critical to beverage pH, confectionery flavour, gel texture or customer compliance.

Application-specific value

The value of Sodium Tartrate depends on the target food matrix. In beverages, it can support acidity management and flavour rounding. In confectionery and fruit systems, it can help create a tartaric acid profile while supporting pH control. In sauces and dressings, it may contribute to buffering, preservation-support systems and flavour consistency. In dairy and emulsion systems, it should be tested carefully for pH, mineral and protein interactions.

ApplicationTechnical objectiveTrial focus
Beverages and concentratesSupport pH control, flavour balance and acid-salt profile.pH, titratable acidity, clarity, haze, mineral stability, flavour, heat process and storage stability.
Confectionery and gummiesBalance tartness, gel behaviour and crystallization.Sourness profile, gel strength, sugar crystallization, colour, moisture, texture and shelf-life stability.
Sauces and dressingsSupport buffering, flavour consistency and preservation hurdle design.pH, emulsion stability, viscosity, heat process, separation, flavour and microbial stability.
Dairy systemsAdjust acidity while maintaining protein and mineral stability.pH, heat stability, protein precipitation, texture, flavour and mineral interaction.
Fruit preparations and fillingsImprove acid balance, colour and gel performance.pH, soluble solids, gel set, fruit particulate distribution, colour retention and water activity.
Dry blends and premixesProvide controlled acid-salt functionality in powder systems.Particle size, flowability, segregation, caking, dissolution, dusting and packaging barrier.
Emulsions and prepared foodsSupport pH consistency and process stability.Emulsion stability, pH drift, colour, flavour, heat stability and storage performance.

Regulatory and label review

Sodium Tartrate is associated with E335 / INS 335, but approval and permitted use are not identical in every country, every food category or every formulation. Before commercial production, buyers should verify destination-market legislation, food category permissions, maximum use levels where applicable, carry-over rules, sodium contribution, ingredient declaration, nutrition impact and customer restricted-ingredient policies.

Documents to request

For industrial procurement, the best supplier approval process combines product identity documents, batch documents, regulatory declarations and logistics information. Document availability can vary by manufacturer and market, so buyers should list mandatory documents at the inquiry stage.

Packaging, storage and logistics

Sodium Tartrate is commonly supplied in bags, cartons, drums or other manufacturer-specific packaging depending on grade and order volume. Because it is a dry crystalline acidity regulator, buyers should consider moisture protection, dust control, pallet condition, warehouse hygiene, odour pickup, caking risk and suitability for manual or automated dosing systems.

Packaging questions

  • What is the standard net weight per bag, carton, drum or pallet?
  • Is the inner liner food-grade and moisture-protective?
  • Can the supplier provide batch coding on each unit and pallet?
  • Is the product supplied as powder, fine crystal, granular grade or customer-specific particle size?
  • What are the recommended loading quantity and container conditions?
  • Are sample, partial pallet, mixed container or full-container options available?

Storage guidance

  • Store in closed original packaging in a clean, dry, food-grade warehouse.
  • Protect from moisture, direct sunlight, excessive heat and strong odours.
  • Keep away from non-food chemicals and materials that may create taint or contamination risk.
  • Apply FIFO or FEFO stock rotation according to the declared shelf life.
  • Seal opened packaging carefully and avoid foreign matter or water contamination.
  • Review dust-control and operator-protection procedures according to the safety data sheet and site rules.

Commercial sourcing checklist

When requesting Sodium Tartrate, provide enough technical and commercial detail to avoid unsuitable offers. The same product name can correspond to different hydrate forms, particle sizes, assay bases, label declarations, packaging formats, document sets and application performance.

Quotation itemRecommended buyer input
Target gradeFood grade Sodium Tartrate, E335 / INS 335, anhydrous or hydrate grade, supplier reference grade or buyer specification.
ApplicationBeverage, confectionery, sauce, dressing, dairy, fruit preparation, filling, dry blend, emulsion or other use.
Required specificationAssay, hydrate form, pH, solubility, particle size, moisture, chlorides, sulphates, heavy metals and microbiology.
Functional targetpH control, buffering, tartaric flavour balance, acidity regulation, process stability or mineral interaction control.
QuantitySample, trial order, bag quantity, pallet quantity, container quantity, annual demand or call-off schedule.
PackagingBag, carton, drum, pallet format or site-specific handling preference.
DestinationCountry, port, city, warehouse address and import-document requirements.
Delivery termEXW, FCA, FOB, CFR, CIF, DAP or another requested Incoterms basis.
DocumentationCOA, TDS, SDS, origin, halal, kosher, allergen, GMO, food-grade and regulatory declarations.
TimingRequired shipment date, target lead time, validity period and expected repeat demand.

Supplier comparison checklist

When approving a new source, compare technical performance and documentation reliability, not only price per kilogram. Sodium Tartrate can affect finished-product pH, tartness, mineral stability, dry-blend behaviour, sodium contribution, label declaration and customer compliance.

How to request this product

Send the product name, target grade or reference specification, application, required quantity, destination country, packaging preference, expected shipment date, delivery term and required documents. If you already purchase Sodium Tartrate, attach or describe your current specification, supplier grade, COA, label declaration, pH target, acidulant system or customer document checklist so available sourcing options can be compared more accurately.

For faster technical review: include your application type, target dosage range, required hydrate form if known, pH target, acidulant system, process temperature, packaging format, annual volume estimate and mandatory documents. This helps Global Food Additives check technical and commercial suitability before preparing a quotation.
Questions

Useful answers

What is Sodium Tartrate used for in food manufacturing?

Sodium Tartrate is typically used for pH control, acidity regulation, flavour balance, buffering and process stability. It is evaluated in beverages, confectionery, sauces, dressings, dairy systems, fruit preparations, fillings and dry blends. Exact suitability depends on grade, application, process, regulations and supplier documents.

Is Sodium Tartrate the same as tartaric acid?

No. Sodium Tartrate is a sodium salt of tartaric acid and has different buffering behaviour, sodium contribution, pH impact and label declaration. Buyers should not substitute it one-to-one with tartaric acid without formulation testing and regulatory review.

Which specification parameters should buyers compare?

Buyers commonly compare assay, hydrate form, pH in solution, solubility, appearance, particle size, moisture or loss on drying, chlorides, sulphates, heavy metals, lead, arsenic, optical form where relevant, microbiology, shelf life, storage conditions and food-grade declarations.

Can Global Food Additives source Sodium Tartrate?

Global Food Additives can review sourcing options for Sodium Tartrate according to target specification, application, quantity, destination, packaging preference, delivery term and required documentation.

Which documents should be requested?

Buyers commonly request a technical data sheet, product specification, certificate of analysis, safety data sheet where applicable, food-grade statement, origin statement, shelf-life information, storage guidance, allergen declaration, GMO statement, halal or kosher certificate where required, packaging details and market-specific regulatory declarations.

Is this product permitted in every country?

No. Food additive use depends on destination-market rules, food category, use level, label requirements and buyer responsibility. Buyers should verify regulatory status and final suitability for the intended application before commercial production.

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