Cream of tartar powder is a versatile stabilizer and thickener used in baking and dessert making. This guide highlights five reliable options, detailing who they’re best for, and practical considerations. The top picks range from bulk restaurant-grade to convenient small bottles, helping home bakers, professionals, and DIY foodies choose the right one for egg whites, meringues, angel food cake, and sugar work. Use this quick comparison to decide which product fits your pantry and your recipes.
Quick product snapshot
| Product | Best For | Container Size | |
|---|---|---|---|
| McCormick Culinary Cream of Tartar | Professional bakers, large batches | 25 oz | Stabilizing, versatile, restaurant quality |
| Anthony’s Premium Cream of Tartar | Gluten-free, non-GMO home bakers | 2 lb | High-quality, USA-made |
| 365 By Whole Foods Market Cream of Tartar | Everyday baking, non-GMO | 3.62 oz | Non-GMO verified, pack option available |
| Olive & Vine Cream of Tartar | Cooking and garnishing, reusable jar | 1 lb | Great for kitchen convenience and garnish |
| Tone’s Cream of Tartare | Budget-friendly, general baking | 1 oz | Compact, versatile for smaller recipes |
Amazon Grocery Cream of Tartar, 5 Oz
Brand: Amazon Grocery. Size: 5 oz. Features: One container of cream of tartar; use to whip egg whites for light desserts; acts as an anti-caking, anti-crystallizing, and thickening agent. Best for: home bakers who want a ready-to-use, small pantry option. Limitation: not a bulk option, may require frequent repurchase for heavy use.
McCormick Culinary Cream of Tartar, 25 oz
Brand: McCormick Culinary. Size: 25 oz. Features: Dense powder for multipurpose use; stabilizing agent to create fluffy egg whites; helps prevent sugar syrup crystallization and reduces discoloration of boiled vegetables; kosher and no added MSG. Best for: chefs and serious bakers who need a reliable, restaurant-grade stabilizer. Limitation: larger container may be more than needed for casual cooks with limited baking projects.
McCormick Cream Of Tartà r, 1.5 oz
Brand: McCormick. Size: 1.5 oz. Features: All-natural ingredient essential to holiday baking; stabilizes beaten egg whites for light, fluffy desserts; suitable for angel food cake, meringues, and 7-minute frostings. Best for: casual bakers who focus on classic holiday treats. Limitation: small size may require frequent restocking for larger batches.
Anthony’s Premium Cream of Tartar, 2 lb
Brand: Anthony’s. Size: 2 lb. Features: Premium cream of tartar; batch tested and verified gluten-free, non-GMO; FCC and USP compliant. Best for: home bakers and health-conscious households seeking a trusted, larger supply. Limitation: bulk size may be unnecessary for small-scale cooks or infrequent bakers.
365 By Whole Foods Market, Cream of Tartar, 3.62 Oz
Brand: 365 by Whole Foods Market. Size: 3.62 oz. Features: No hydrogenated fats or high-fructose corn syrup; no bleached or bromated flour. Best for: everyday bakers who prefer clean-label ingredients and non-GMO verification. Limitation: not a bulk option, best for moderate use rather than high-volume production.
365 by Whole Foods Market Cream of Tartar, 3.62 OZ
Brand: 365 by Whole Foods Market. Size: 3.62 oz. Features: Essential baking ingredient for stabilizing egg whites and preventing sugar crystallization; Non-GMO verified. Best for: shoppers who want a reliable, store-brand option with non-GMO assurance. Limitation: single small container may require frequent repurchase for larger projects.
Olive & Vine Cream of Tartà r, 1 Lb
Brand: Olive & Vine. Size: 1 lb. Features: Reusable shaker jar; adds subtle tang to dishes; ideal for meringues, stabilizing egg whites, and baking fluffy cakes. Best for: cooks who value packaging convenience and a versatile kitchen staple. Limitation: may be less recognized for bulk professional use.
Tone’s Cream of Tartà r, 1.00 Oz
Brand: Tone’s. Size: 1 oz. Features: Stabilizes beaten egg whites; makes angel food cake, meringue shells, and meringue for pies light and fluffy; helps keep pickles crisp and can assist with canning jars. Best for: budget-conscious bakers and occasional canning projects. Limitation: smallest size among options; plan for frequent restocks if used often.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when choosing cream of tartar powder include container size, intended use, and ingredient quality. For frequent bakers, a larger, restaurant-grade container (like McCormick Culinary 25 oz or Anthony’s 2 lb) reduces reordering frequency and often supports more stable egg whites in large batches. If you primarily bake small desserts or try new recipes, smaller options (1 oz or 3.62 oz) provide flexibility without waste. Non-GMO, kosher, or gluten-free labeling matters for dietary preferences or restaurant use. Packaging convenience, such as resealable jars or shaker-friendly bottles, can improve everyday kitchen workflow.
What to look for in a cream of tartar product
- Purity and labeling: ensure it is pure cream of tartar without added fillers.
- Allergen and dietary considerations: check for gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher, and USP/FCC compliance as needed.
- Size and cost efficiency: balance usage rate with container size to avoid frequent repurchase or waste.
- Packaging: resealable containers or shaker jars help with dosing during baking.
- Brand trust: established brands often offer consistent quality for stabilizing egg whites.
Frequently asked questions
- What does cream of tartar do in baking? It stabilizes beaten egg whites, helping achieve volume and stability in meringues, angel food cake, and frostings.
- Can cream of tartar be used for cleaning or preserving? It has minor non-culinary uses, but this guide focuses on baking and cooking applications.
- Is cream of tartar gluten-free? Most are gluten-free, but verify the label to be sure, especially if cross-contamination is a concern.
- How should I store cream of tartar? Store in a cool, dry place in a tightly closed container to maintain potency.
- What size should I buy for a beginner baker? A small to medium bottle (1 oz to 3.62 oz) is typically sufficient for initial recipes and testing new desserts.
- Is cream of tartar necessary for all recipes? No, many recipes that rely on stabilizers or sugar crystallization control can succeed with alternative stabilizers or careful technique.