Ingredient

Powered Sugar

Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add powdered sugar primarily for its sweet taste and smooth texture. It is …

What is Powered Sugar?

Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners' sugar, is granulated sugar that has been finely ground into a powder. A small amount of cornstarch is typically added to prevent the sugar from clumping together. It is derived from sugarcane or sugar beets.

Is Powered Sugar a major allergen?

Not a major allergen.

What is Powered Sugar used for?

Manufacturers add powdered sugar primarily for its sweet taste and smooth texture.

Is Powered Sugar safe?

Powdered sugar is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add powdered sugar primarily for its sweet taste and smooth texture. It is widely used to create smooth icings, glazes, and frostings for baked goods like cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. It also serves as a decorative dusting on various desserts.

Health notes

Powdered sugar is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. As a form of added sugar, it contributes calories to the diet. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no amount of added sugars. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises limiting free sugars to less than 10% of daily energy intake. JECFA has evaluated sucrose (sugar) and did not set a numeric limit (ADI not specified), recognizing it as a common food ingredient.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen. While powdered sugar often contains cornstarch, corn is not classified as one of the nine major food allergens by the FDA.

Foods that contain Powered Sugar

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Schwartz Brothers Bakery Peccan Pie Dessert Bars Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 537kcal 4.9Protein 39.0Fat 51.2Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. The Bakery, Lemon Gooey Butter Bar Cookies & Biscuits 571kcal 7.1Protein 25Fat 89.3Carbs The Kroger Co. Orange Blossom & Olive Oil Ice Cream, Orange Blossom & Olive Oil Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in added sugars — 40% DV per serving 252kcal 2.8Protein 14.0Fat 29.0Carbs Friendly Ice Cream Corp. Peanut Butter Fudge Dessert Cups, Peanut Butter Fudge Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 80% DV per serving High in added sugars — 78% DV per serving 355kcal 7.1Protein 23.1Fat 33.1Carbs
Sugar (183532 products) Corn Syrup (57154 products) Dextrose (50085 products) High Fructose Corn Syrup (27813 products) Cane Sugar (20787 products) Brown Sugar (17260 products) Honey (17044 products) Molasses (15927 products)

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Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: October 6, 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.