1 tablespoon (medium) of Powdered sugar (8 g) has 31 calories. That works out to 389 calories per 100 g. It contains 8 g of carbs, 0 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 65 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.

What is Powdered sugar?

Powdered sugar is granulated sugar ground to a fine, soft powder. It blends easily into batters, frostings and glazes, and can be sifted over baked goods for a neat finish. Some varieties include a small amount of an anti-caking ingredient to help keep the powder loose. Its taste is simply sweet, while its fine texture dissolves quickly and leaves no crunchy crystals.

It is widely used in cakes, cookies and icing, and dusted over pastries, waffles or other desserts. In Turkey, it is also a familiar finishing touch on homemade biscuits served with tea. Nutritionally, it is almost entirely carbohydrate, with no protein, fat or fibre. For a lighter topping, sift on a thin layer rather than coating the whole dessert.

Powdered sugar Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

389

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

99.8g

· 36% DV

Protein

· 0% DV

Fat

· 0% DV

Fiber

· 0% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 100% · Protein 0% · Fat 0%

Powdered sugar Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamin A

0µg · 0% DV

0mg · 0% DV

Minerals

Calcium

1mg · 0% DV

Iron

0mg · 0% DV

Magnesium

0mg · 0% DV

Zinc

0mg · 0% DV

How Nutritious Is Powdered sugar?

Nutrient density

Low

1/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Low

1/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Powdered sugar Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

High

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

High

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Powdered sugar

To burn the 389 calories in 100 g:

🚶

96min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

40min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

53min

Cycling

🏊

45min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Powdered sugar Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Powdered sugar Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Powdered sugar Good For?

Vegan

✓ Suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

✓ Suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Powdered sugar Fat Profile

SATURATED

MONOUNSATURATED

POLYUNSATURATED

Compare Powdered sugar

🍬vs🍬

Powdered sugar vs Rose Turkish delight59 kcal more per 100 g

→🍬vs🍯

Powdered sugar vs Caramel sauce69 kcal more per 100 g

→🍬vs🍫

Powdered sugar vs Dark chocolate151 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍬vs🍮

Powdered sugar vs Höşmerim69 kcal more per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Powdered sugar

🍬

Rose Turkish delight

330 kcal

🍯

Caramel sauce

320 kcal

🍫

Dark chocolate

540 kcal

🍮

Höşmerim

320 kcal

🍫

Chocolate sauce

210 kcal

🍬

Fruit Leather

320 kcal

🍬

Pistachio Turkish Delight

370 kcal

🍮

Kazandibi

145 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Powdered sugar

What is powdered sugar?

Powdered sugar is granulated sugar ground into a very fine powder. Many commercial versions include a little starch to keep the powder from clumping, which is why recipes sometimes recommend sifting it before use.

Is powdered sugar the same as icing sugar or confectioners’ sugar?

Usually, yes: the names commonly refer to finely ground sugar used for icing and decoration. Formulations vary by country and brand, though; some include starch to prevent clumping, while others are simply finely milled sugar.

How do you make powdered sugar at home?

Blend granulated sugar in a powerful blender or spice grinder until it becomes a fine powder. Let the dust settle before opening the lid. Sifting the homemade powdered sugar helps remove any coarse grains.

Can you substitute powdered sugar for granulated sugar?

Not reliably in a one-to-one swap. Powdered sugar has a finer texture and may contain starch, so it can change the structure of cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. Use it when the recipe specifically calls for it.

Why does powdered sugar contain cornstarch?

Cornstarch is added to many powdered sugars to absorb moisture and reduce clumping during storage. Not every product contains it, so check the ingredient list if you need a starch-free version.

How should you store powdered sugar?

Keep powdered sugar in an airtight container in a cool, dry cupboard. Moisture can make it clump, so avoid storing it near a steaming stove or sink. Sift any small lumps before measuring or decorating.

Can you use powdered sugar to make frosting?

Yes, powdered sugar is a common base for buttercream and simple icing because it blends smoothly with butter or liquid. Add liquid gradually: a small excess can make frosting too loose to spread or pipe.

How do you stop powdered sugar from dissolving on a cake?

Let the cake cool completely before dusting it, since heat and surface moisture make powdered sugar disappear. For a longer-lasting finish on moist desserts, use a non-melting decorating sugar rather than ordinary powdered sugar.

Can you use powdered sugar to sweeten whipped cream?

Yes, powdered sugar works well in whipped cream because its fine texture blends in quickly. Add it while whipping, then stop when the cream reaches the desired consistency so it does not become grainy or turn into butter.

Can powdered sugar be used in coffee?

Yes, powdered sugar can sweeten hot coffee and dissolves readily. Some brands contain starch, which may make the drink slightly cloudy, so granulated sugar is a better choice if you want a clear-looking coffee.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 30, 2026