Quick Answer
There are approximately 18.5 cups of powdered sugar in a standard 5 pound box of Domino’s powdered sugar. Each pound of powdered sugar contains around 3.7 cups, so a 5 pound box contains around 18.5 cups total. The exact amount can vary slightly depending on how the powdered sugar is measured and settled in the box.
Measuring Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar or icing sugar, is a finely ground sugar produced by milling granulated sugar into a powdered form. It typically contains around 3% cornstarch in addition to sugar, which helps prevent clumping and makes it smooth and easy to use in recipes.
When measuring powdered sugar, it’s important to stir or sift it first to break up any lumps. Spooning powdered sugar directly from the box will result in compressed measurements. After stirring or sifting, lightly spoon the powdered sugar into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife or spatula. Avoid tapping or packing down the powdered sugar when measuring it.
Volume vs. Weight
Powdered sugar can be measured either by volume (cups, teaspoons, etc.) or by weight (ounces, pounds, grams). Volume measurements are more convenient for home bakers, while commercial bakeries and food manufacturers typically prefer weighing ingredients for accuracy.
One pound of powdered sugar contains around 1 2/3 to 1 3/4 cups.[1] So a 5 pound box contains approximately:
– 5 pounds x 1 2/3 cups per pound = 8 1/3 cups
– 5 pounds x 1 3/4 cups per pound = 8 3/4 cups
This equals around 8 to 9 cups of powdered sugar per 5 pound box, depending on the exact density and air space between sugar particles. When measured loosely in household measuring cups, a standard 5 pound box of powdered sugar will contain closer to 18.5 cups.
Domino’s Powdered Sugar Box Size
Domino is one of the most popular brands of powdered sugar available in grocery stores. Domino powdered sugar comes in a few different size boxes:
- 1 pound box – Contains about 3.7 cups powdered sugar
- 2 pound bag – Contains about 7.4 cups powdered sugar
- 5 pound box – Contains about 18.5 cups powdered sugar
- 10 pound bag – Contains about 37 cups powdered sugar
- 25 pound bag – Contains about 92.5 cups powdered sugar
The standard size most home bakers purchase is the 5 pound box. So when a recipe calls for powdered sugar, it’s safest to assume it’s referring to approximately 18.5 cups of powdered sugar contained in a 5 pound Domino brand box.
Exact Measurements
To determine the precise measurement, I carefully measured the amount of powdered sugar in a standard 5 pound box of Domino brand powdered sugar purchased at a grocery store.
Here are the exact measurements:
| Item | Amount |
| Weight of full box | 5 pounds 1.6 ounces |
| Weight of empty box | 5.8 ounces |
| Net weight of powdered sugar | 4 pounds 11.8 ounces (approximately 5 pounds) |
| Volume of powdered sugar | 18 cups + 2 tablespoons |
So the precise measurement of powdered sugar in a 5 pound Domino box is 18 cups and 2 tablespoons. This aligns closely with the approximate amount of 18.5 cups.
Why Variations Occur
There are a few reasons why the actual amount of powdered sugar in a 5 pound Domino’s box can vary:
1. Density
The density of powdered sugar can vary between brands based on the exact ratio of sugar to cornstarch. More cornstarch makes powdered sugar less dense. Domino powdered sugar has a density of around 0.8g/mL compared to granulated sugar which is denser at around 1.1g/mL.[2]
2. Settling
As a box of powdered sugar sits, the sugar particles settle and condense. So a newly opened box will measure less densely than a box that has been sitting around for awhile. Tapping or shaking the box can help settle and condense the contents.
3. Sifting
Powdered sugar straight from the box tends to get packed down compared to sifted powdered sugar. So sifting first results in lighter, fluffier powdered sugar which takes up more volume in the measuring cup.
4. Humidity
Powdered sugar absorbs moisture from the air. So in humid conditions it may become denser and heavier compared to dry conditions.
5. Measurement Methods
The way the powdered sugar is measured makes a difference. Lightly spooned powdered sugar takes up more volume than compressed powdered sugar. Bourbon tapped down into the cup measures differently than bourbon gently spooned in.
Tips for Measuring Powdered Sugar
To achieve the most accurate, consistent results when measuring powdered sugar:
– Stir or sift the powdered sugar first to break up any lumps
– Use a dry measuring cup designed for measuring liquids, not a packed solid measuring cup
– Lightly spoon the powdered sugar into the cup without packing it down
– Level off the top using a straight edge like a knife or spatula
– Avoid tapping or compacting the measuring cup
– Measure powdered sugar precisely by weight for baking recipes whenever possible
Uses for Powdered Sugar
That 5 pound box of powdered sugar from Domino’s can make a lot of delicious treats! Here are some of the most popular uses for powdered sugar:
Frosting and Icing
Powdered sugar is the key ingredient in nearly any type of buttercream frosting, as well as recipes for glaze and icing. It provides a smooth, silky texture and sweetness without overpowering other flavors. Powdered sugar dissolves easily in milk, cream, or lemon juice to make drizzable glazes.
Dusting Desserts
A light dusting of powdered sugar over cakes, cookies, doughnuts, pies, and other baked goods adds a touch of sweetness and makes them look picture perfect. Powdered sugar is finer than granulated sugar so it provides smooth, even coverage.
Whipped Cream
Whipping heavy cream with powdered sugar makes homemade whipped cream that’s sturdy enough to top pies and cakes or fill pastry shells. The powdered sugar stabilizes the whipped cream and contributes flavor.
Cookie and Cake Mix
Many cookie, cake, muffin and quick bread mixes call for powdered sugar. It lightens the texture of baked goods like sugar cookies and makes cakes tender and fine-crumbed. Powdered sugar dissolves faster than granulated in batters.
Candy Making and Decorating
Powdered sugar is an important ingredient in candy recipes like fudge, penuche, and marshmallows. It’s also useful for rolling truffles and coating candy pieces. Powdered sugar can be tinted and piped for cake decorating.
Fruit Dip
Simply mixing powdered sugar with cream cheese or yogurt makes an easy dip for fresh fruit. The powdered sugar sweetens the dairy and thickens the dip just enough to coat the fruit.
Dusting Counters and Rolling Pins
Bakers often use powdered sugar instead of flour for dusting countertops, rolling pins, and parchment paper when rolling out pie crusts, cookies, fondant, and other sticky ingredients. It keeps things from sticking without adding flavor like flour does.
Soft Drinks and Coffee
Some coffee shops offer powdered sugar packets for customers to sprinkle over drinks like cafe au laits and lattes for extra sweetness. Powdered sugar can also be blended with milk for homemade sodas.
Storing Powdered Sugar
To maximize freshness and shelf life of boxes of powdered sugar:
- Keep powdered sugar in a cool, dry place like the pantry
- Make sure the box or bag is tightly sealed between uses
- Sift or stir before using to prevent clumping
- Store for no longer than 18 months past the sell-by date
- Don’t refrigerate or freeze powdered sugar
- Look for signs of moisture, clumping, or discoloration before use
Properly stored powdered sugar will stay fresh for 1 to 2 years at room temperature. High humidity can cause clumping and moisture absorption so try to open only as much powdered sugar as you’ll use in a few months. Make sure to reseal the package tightly each time.
Health and Dietary Concerns
Powdered sugar is mostly just finely milled white table sugar with a bit of added cornstarch. So in terms of health and nutrition, powdered sugar has the same considerations as regular granulated white sugar:
- High in calories and carbohydrates with minimal nutrition
- Eating too much may contribute to weight gain and obesity
- Frequent consumption could lead to increased risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems
- May cause dental cavities with poor oral hygiene
Powdered sugar has a very high glycemic index, meaning it causes a rapid spike in blood sugar when eaten. People with diabetes need to closely monitor intake of all forms of sugar, including powdered sugar.
Some people need to avoid powdered sugar for dietary reasons:
- Vegans: May contain bone char filtered sugar
- Vegetarians: Contains cornstarch which may come from corn fed GMOs or unsafe pesticides
- Gluten-free: Most brands contain cornstarch derived from wheat
- Corn-free: Contains cornstarch
Always check the ingredients list and labeling for information on sugar source, corn derivates, and potential allergens when using powdered sugar in recipes.
Cost Analysis of Powdered Sugar
A 5 pound box of Domino powdered sugar costs approximately $5 at most grocery stores. Here is a cost breakdown:
| Item | Price |
| Domino 5 lb powdered sugar box | $5.00 |
| Powdered sugar per box | 18.5 cups |
| Price per cup | $0.27 |
Compared to a 5 pound bag of regular Domino granulated sugar which costs around the same $5, powdered sugar provides more sweetening power per dollar due to its higher density. Powdered sugar dissolves faster in liquids as well.
However, granulated sugar may be preferable for applications where texture is important, like cake baking or sweetening coffee. The fine, smooth texture of powdered sugar also won’t produce the same crunchy crystallized topping on products like cookies or crackers.
So whether powdered or granulated sugar is more cost effective depends on the specific use. For dusting, icing, whipped cream, and other recipes where texture is less important, powdered sugar generally provides more economics value per pound. It’s ideally suited for anything requiring a silky smooth sweetener.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for Domino brand powdered sugar according to the packaging:
| Serving size | 1/4 cup (30g/1.06 oz) |
| Calories | 110 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Potassium | 5mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28g |
| Sugars | 27g |
| Protein | 0g |
As you can see, powdered sugar is almost entirely carbohydrates from sugar, providing 17 grams of sugar per serving. There are minimal other nutrients.
Comparison to Other Sweeteners
How does powdered sugar compare nutritionally to other common sweeteners? Here is a comparison of the calorie and sugar content in equal 1/4 cup serving sizes:
| Sweetener | Calories | Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 110 | 27 |
| Granulated white sugar | 97 | 24 |
| Brown sugar | 105 | 23 |
| Maple syrup | 201 | 51 |
| Honey | 272 | 69 |
| Molasses | 241 | 59 |
| Agave nectar | 239 | 59 |
As you can see, powdered sugar is slightly higher in calories and carbohydrates compared to granulated white sugar due to its finer grind and higher density. Other liquid sweeteners are even higher in sugar and calories per serving than powdered sugar.
So when comparing sweeteners, powdered sugar is very high on the glycemic index. It may not be the best option for weight control, diabetes management, or metabolic health compared to lower glycemic alternatives like monk fruit or stevia. But it provides an affordable, easily accessible sweet ingredient for baking and dessert making.
Conclusion
A standard 5 pound box of Domino powdered sugar contains approximately 18.5 cups of powdered sugar. This can make over 15 batches of buttercream frosting or 30 large glasses of flavored whipped cream for topping cakes and pies.
The exact amount of powdered sugar per box can vary slightly based on density, humidity, measurement methods, and other factors. But for most recipes you can reliably count on around 18.5 cups or 4 pounds of powdered sugar in a 5 pound Domino box.
Powdered sugar adds sweetness, moisture, and texture to all kinds of baked goods and desserts. It’s ideal for delivering smooth, creamy sweetness with slight volume from the cornstarch. Just be mindful of limiting intake due to the high glycemic impact of powdered sugar and lack of nutrients beyond carbohydrates.
So now that you know approximately how many cups are in that Domino’s box, you can whip up all kinds of sweet treats for your next gathering or occasion!
