Why is cream of tartar so expensive?

[Diamond_Dog]

$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!

[EYESORE 9001]

1. I would look for a substitute based on what role cream of tartar plays in the dish

and find the substitute ingredient that most closely matches the desired characteristics in the dish. I can’t remember the last time I used cream of tartar, but it sounds like the price has gone through the roof. Can’t blame you for scouting substitutes.

[NewHendoLib]

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

[Kali]

3. everything in the spice rack/area has gotten insane

so you are wanting something acidic to use - any of your suggestions will work. on the other hand that jar of cream of tartar will last forever.

[GentryDixon]

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

Useful info:
https://www.mccormick.com/blogs/how-to/about-cream-of-tartar-uses-pairing-and-recipes

[Wonder Why]

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

[Marthe48]

6. I've used baking powder as a sub

in snickerdoodles and other recipes. I don't add salt to any cookie recipes, but if you do, you might want to reduce it a little.

[Diamond_Dog]

7. Thanks, Marthe.

I want to have these cookies for Sunday, so time is running out for me to make up my mind!

[Marthe48]

8. You're welcome!

Cream of tartar is a by product of wine production. My daughter gave me a jar of cream of tartar that explains where it comes from. Climate affected grape production and so on. Probably why it costs so much!

[Diamond_Dog]

9. I never knew that.

That makes sense, if it’s a by-product of wine production. But we still don’t have to like the price tag!

[Marthe48]

10. No we don't!

Hope your cookies turn out the way you want them to.