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Cooking & Baking

Diamond_Dog

(40,238 posts) Tue Feb 24, 2026, 10:08 AM Tuesday

Why is cream of tartar so expensive? [View all]

$8 for a little jar of it and that’s at Walmart.

I Googled “substitutes for cream of tartar” and found 5 suggestions but I don’t know which one would work best for Snickerdoodles. Suggestions include: Yogurt, buttermilk, baking powder, lemon juice, vinegar.
Vinegar in cookies just doesn’t sound right. Do any expert cookie bakers here have a suggestion for me?
TY in advance!

10 replies

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Highlight:

Why is cream of tartar so expensive? [View all] Diamond_Dog Tuesday OP

I would look for a substitute based on what role cream of tartar plays in the dish EYESORE 9001 Tuesday #1

Many brands in the 3-4.00 range on Amazon - that Walmart price looks way too high NewHendoLib Tuesday #2

everything in the spice rack/area has gotten insane Kali Tuesday #3

My mom always added cream of tartar to her biscuits. 💕 GentryDixon Tuesday #4

They died out centuries ago. You know how hard it is to find one - and worse, one that is willing to get creamed? Wonder Why Tuesday #5

I've used baking powder as a sub Marthe48 Tuesday #6

Thanks, Marthe. Diamond_Dog Tuesday #7

You're welcome! Marthe48 Tuesday #8

I never knew that. Diamond_Dog Tuesday #9

No we don't! Marthe48 Tuesday #10