Sweetheart Quins: Icing Sugar

Icing sugar, also known as confectioners' sugar or powdered sugar, is finely ground granulated sugar mixed with a small amount of cornstarch to prevent caking. The fine powder gives icings and frostings a smooth texture.

Manufacturers use icing sugar primarily as a sweetener and texturizer. Its fine powder dissolves easily, making it ideal for creating smooth glazes, frostings, and icings for cakes, cookies, and pastries. It is also used in dusting baked goods and as a key ingredient in decorative elements like royal icing.

Icing sugar is recognized as safe by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is essentially pure sugar, and like other sugars, excessive consumption can contribute to increased calorie intake. Regulatory bodies such as JECFA and EFSA have evaluated sugars and their additives. Evidence regarding the health effects of sugar consumption is extensive, with major health organizations recommending limiting added sugars in the diet.