INS 334 is the code for tartaric acid
A grape-derived acid used in baking powder, boiled sweets and jellies.
- What it does
- Controls acidity An acidity regulator
- Also printed as
- L(+)-Tartaric acid
- Vegetarian?
- Vegetarian From plants
- In the Zabel score
- Takes no points off Method 1.0.0
- In our catalogue
- 58 packs List it in their ingredients
Is INS 334 vegetarian?
INS 334 is from plants, so it does not by itself make a food non-vegetarian. The green or brown mark on the pack is still the declaration to go by, because it covers every other ingredient too.
| Food category | Share | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Chips and crisps | 39% | |
| Namkeen and savoury snacks | 15% | |
| Other snacks | 13% | |
| Sauces and condiments | 11% | |
| Biscuits and cookies | 11% | |
| Everything else | 11% |
Counted from the 58 packs in Zabel's catalogue that list INS 334, 46 of which have a food category so far. Counted 4 Nov 2026.
What does the evidence say about INS 334?
We grade an additive by the evidence about it, not by whether it sounds like a chemical, and we make no claim about whether a pack complies with FSSAI rules.
JECFA sets an ADI of 30 mg/kg body weight for L(+)-tartaric acid. No concern at food levels.
Does Zabel mark INS 334 down?
No. On the evidence we hold it takes nothing off the score (method 1.0.0). Read the method.
Questions people search
What is INS 334?
INS 334 is the code for tartaric acid, an acidity regulator. A grape-derived acid used in baking powder, boiled sweets and jellies.
Is INS 334 vegetarian?
INS 334 is from plants, so it does not by itself make a food non-vegetarian. The green or brown mark on the pack is still the declaration to go by, because it covers every other ingredient too.
What does the evidence say about INS 334?
JECFA sets an ADI of 30 mg/kg body weight for L(+)-tartaric acid. No concern at food levels.
Does Zabel mark INS 334 down?
No. On the evidence we hold it takes nothing off the score (method 1.0.0).
What other names is INS 334 printed under?
Packs also print it as L(+)-Tartaric acid, or as the bare number 334 in brackets after the ingredient.
Sources
- 01 Evaluations of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) WHO / FAO, 2024
- 02 Zabel catalogue - pack counts, food categories and the codes printed alongside 4 Nov 2026
Entry updated 19 Sep 2026 · Not reviewed by a dietitian yet · Report an error on this page
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