Ingredient

Confectionery Sugar

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add confectionery sugar primarily as a sweetener and to create a smooth texture …

What it is

Confectionery sugar, also known as powdered sugar or icing sugar, is a finely ground form of granulated sugar (sucrose). It is typically produced by milling granulated sugar to a very fine powder, often with a small amount of cornstarch added to prevent caking.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add confectionery sugar primarily as a sweetener and to create a smooth texture in various food products. It is commonly used in frostings, glazes, and icings, as well as for dusting baked goods and candies.

Health notes

Confectionery sugar is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food ingredient. As a form of added sugar, the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no specific amount of added sugars, advising consumers to limit intake to at most 10 grams per meal. Excessive intake of added sugars can contribute to health issues. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has not set an acceptable daily intake for sucrose, as it is considered a basic food ingredient rather than an additive requiring such evaluation.

Allergen info

Confectionery sugar itself is not a major allergen. The cornstarch sometimes used as an anti-caking agent is also not a major allergen.

Products containing Confectionery Sugar

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Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.