Icing Sugar — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 6, 2024
Icing sugar nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 389 kcal
| Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 100 g | 36.36% |
| Fiber | 0 g | - |
| Sugars | 100 g | 200% |
| Glycemic Index | 80 | - |
| Protein | 0 g | - |
| Sodium | 1 mg | 0.04% |
| Total Fat | 0 | - |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Icing sugar facts & tips
Health benefits
- Provides quick energy due to its high sugar content, making it useful for a rapid energy boost.
- Enhances flavor and texture in various desserts and baked goods, making them more enjoyable and palatable.
Health risks
- High sugar content which can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and increased risk of diabetes when consumed frequently, particularly in baked goods and desserts.
- Low nutrient density as icing sugar provides no vitamins, minerals, or fiber, offering only empty calories.
- Potential for overconsumption due to its sweet and palatable nature, leading to excessive calorie and sugar intake if not mindful of portion sizes.
- Risk of blood sugar spikes particularly concerning for diabetics, as icing sugar is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing sharp increases in blood glucose levels.
How to choose icing sugar
Look for icing sugar that is fine and powdery, a key attribute for achieving smooth frostings and icings. The powder should be free from clumps, ensuring it has been kept in a dry environment.
Avoid icing sugar that is discolored or has a stale smell, which could impact the taste of your desserts. Packages that are torn or have been exposed to moisture should also be avoided, as the sugar may have absorbed odors or contaminants.
How to store icing sugar
Icing sugar should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This helps maintain its fine texture and prevents clumping. Proper storage keeps it fresh and ready for use.
Moisture exposure can cause icing sugar to clump and lose quality. Avoid storing near heat sources or in humid environments. Ensuring the container is tightly sealed keeps it free-flowing. Proper storage maintains its suitability for baking and decorating.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Icing sugar can last indefinitely when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Proper storage helps maintain its quality and prevents clumping, ensuring it is always ready for baking and decorating.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover icing sugar, also known as powdered sugar, can be used in a variety of culinary and non-culinary ways. In the kitchen, icing sugar is perfect for making frostings, glazes, and dusting desserts. It can also be used to sweeten whipped cream, dust over cookies, or add a smooth texture to confections like marshmallows and fudge.
Beyond cooking, icing sugar has several creative uses. It can be used in DIY beauty treatments, such as mixing it with oil or honey to create an exfoliating body scrub. Icing sugar can also be used in craft projects, such as making edible decorations for cakes and cookies or creating homemade play dough. Additionally, icing sugar can be used to create a snowy effect on holiday decorations or in dioramas. Its fine texture and versatility make it useful in both culinary and creative applications.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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