Powdered Sugar Ingredients: Sugar

Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners' sugar or icing sugar, is a finely ground form of granulated sugar. It is typically made from sugar cane or sugar beets and often contains a small amount of an anti-caking agent, such as cornstarch, to prevent clumping.

Manufacturers add powdered sugar primarily as a sweetener and to achieve a smooth texture in various food products. It is commonly used in frostings, glazes, icings, and as a dusting for baked goods like cakes, cookies, and pastries.

Powdered sugar is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no amount of added sugars, and at most 10 grams per meal. Excessive intake of added sugars, including powdered sugar, is a public health concern due to its association with increased calorie intake without providing essential nutrients. JECFA has not set an acceptable daily intake for sugar itself, as it is a fundamental food ingredient rather than an additive.