Ready-to-use Icing: Confectioners' Sugar

Confectioners' sugar is a finely ground granulated sugar, also known as powdered sugar or icing sugar. It is made by milling granulated sugar with a small amount of cornstarch to prevent clumping. This process creates a smooth, powdery texture.

Manufacturers use confectioners' sugar primarily as a sweetener and texturizer in frostings, icings, and glazes due to its fine consistency. It dissolves easily, creating smooth, lump-free coatings and fillings. It is also used in baked goods like cookies, cakes, and pastries to add sweetness and a tender crumb.

Confectioners' sugar is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. It is primarily a source of calories from carbohydrates. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated sugar and its derivatives. Excessive intake of added sugars, including those from confectioners' sugar, is linked by health organizations to increased risk of weight gain and other health concerns.