Calories in Cream of Tartar

Among the many magic ingredients that help in fixing the various physical aspects of food, cream of tartar is one name that comes to the rescue, and has been effectively molding food in its best texture and form. Tartar cream also known as potassium hydrogen tartrate, potassium acid tartrate, potassium bitartrate. It is a type of acidic salt, which is a result of combining potassium hydroxide and tartaric acid. Half neutralized tartaric acid when blended with potassium hydroxide makes this acidic salt. Tartaric acid is found naturally in grapes, and the cream is usually the remaining sediment in the barrels of wine, which is scraped off. This sediment is then purified, that gives you fine white powder, that is called tartar cream.

Among the many uses of this cream, some of the most common ones are - it is used in egg whites to give them more of volume, it is also used in desserts and sugar creams, candies and other delicacies to create a smooth and creamy texture. Some of the commercial foods also have tartar cream, like in baking powders, bakery products and gelatin desserts. It is also used in some photography products, while also being used for cleaning copper and brass vessels. With so many uses, it is also wise to know the composition of the nutritional facts of tartar, and most importantly the calories in cream of tartar. Let's check the facts below.

Cream of Tartar Calories

Serving	Calories
1 teaspoon	8
1 ounce	72
100 grams	258

So we know the calorie content, and now let us see the distribution of calories and nutritional value of tartar cream.

Calorie Distribution (per 100 gm)
Carbohydrate	61.50
Water	1.70
Ash	36.80
Protein	0
Sugar	0
Fat	0

The calorie density is 2.58 calories/gram, while the complete source of calories is carbohydrates. It earns 5 points at the weight watchers counter. The following describes the mineral content in cream of tartar. Take a look.

Mineral Content (mg/100 grams)
Calcium	8
Zinc	0.42
Magnesium	2
Phosphorus	5
Iron	3.72
Potassium	16500
Copper	0.195
Selenium	0.2
Sodium	52
Manganese	0.205

With its many uses, it also has no hassles of preservation. If you seal the container well, and keep away from heat, this cream will give you an infinite shelf life. Most of its common uses are in the kitchen, which are not considered unhealthy. However excess use of tartar cream is not good for the body. You might want to take care of certain things while you use it in the house. It may irritate the eyes, as it has high acidic content, it can also irritate the throat, in case you happen to inhale the dust. Tartar cream is also known to have laxative properties, so excess consumption may lead to bowel issues.

Cream of tartar can be used when required but in adequate quantities. Avoid excess use, and if you happen to use it frequently, there are many other natural substances that can be used as tartar substitutes. These are ingredients that you may find easily in your kitchen. Most of the recipes demand cream of tartar with baking powder. You can simply avoid using it and use only baking soda instead. White vinegar too is a good substitute, it will not give you the same effect like tartar cream, but it will work closer to it.

So the next time you have to bake cookies or beat egg whites to the fullest, you know the magic ingredient that is used. And now, you also know the number of calories it adds to the platter!