cream of tartar is a fine white powder with many culinary applications. It is an acid and it is often used as a major component in baking powder, combined with baking soda to react when the mixture is moistened to ensure that goods will rise well. An indispensable ingredient in baking, cream of tartar when combined with baking soda and water acts as a leavening agent in cakes, quick breads and souffles. Cream of tartar is used in some soft drinks, candies, bakery products, gelatine desserts, and many more. In cooking, cream of tartar is used to give a creamier texture to icings and candy and to add volume and stability to egg whites in baking.