Is royal icing sugar gluten free?

What is royal icing sugar?

Royal icing sugar, also known as 10x confectioners’ sugar, is a finely milled sugar that is commonly used for decorating cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. It has a very smooth, powdery texture that makes it easy to pipe detailed decorations.

Royal icing gets its name because it was originally used for decorating elaborate cakes for royalty and aristocracy. The “royal” designation refers to its fine texture rather than any association with monarchs. It is made from pure cane or beet sugar that has been ground to a superfine consistency.

Royal icing powder contains no fat, milk solids, or egg whites. It is simply pure powdered sugar. This makes it different from other icing types like buttercream or ganache that contain fats, oils, milk, and eggs. Royal icing derives its smooth consistency solely from the finely milled sugar.

Is royal icing sugar naturally gluten free?

Yes, royal icing sugar is naturally gluten free. Since it contains no ingredients beyond pure powdered sugar, it does not contain any gluten.

Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It gives elasticity to dough, helping baked goods rise and keep their shape. Pure sugar does not contain gluten.

Some common ingredients that do contain gluten include:

  • Wheat flour
  • Barley malt
  • Rye
  • Malt vinegar
  • Soy sauce

None of these gluten-containing ingredients are present in regular royal icing sugar. The powdered sugar used to make it comes from sugarcane or sugar beets, both naturally gluten free plants.

Therefore, untreated royal icing sugar straight from the package can be considered certified gluten free. It does not need any additional testing or certification to confirm the absence of gluten.

Why do some royal icing sugars have a “gluten free” label?

Though royal icing sugar contains no gluten in its normal natural form, some brands choose to add a “gluten free” label on their packaging. This may lead some consumers to wonder if royal icing sugar can contain gluten.

There are a few reasons a “gluten free” label may be added:

  • The facility that manufactures the royal icing sugar also processes gluten-containing foods. The “gluten free” label indicates that procedures are in place to avoid cross-contamination.
  • It provides reassurance for gluten-sensitive consumers who want confirmation about the product’s gluten free status.
  • The brand has tested the product to verify non-detectable levels of gluten as an extra precaution.

So in summary, the “gluten free” label on some royal icing sugars does not imply that standard royal icing contains gluten. It is simply an added assurance of the already gluten-free nature of pure powdered sugar.

Is all purpose flour sometimes added to royal icing sugar?

No, all purpose flour is not an ingredient in standard royal icing powder. Adding flour to royal icing sugar would change its texture significantly.

Royal icing powder is gluten free specifically because it is made from 100% refined sugar. Introducing flour would incorporate gluten and alter the finely powdered consistency that gives royal icing its name.

All purpose flour may be confused with powdered sugar because they are both finely ground white powders. But they are completely different ingredients.

Here is a comparison:

Powdered Sugar All Purpose Flour
Made from pure refined sugar Made from wheat flour
Does not contain gluten Contains gluten from wheat
Sweet flavor Neutral flavor
Dissolves easily in liquid Absorb liquid to form dough
Smooth, powdery texture Grainy texture

As this table demonstrates, their sources and properties are completely different. All purpose flour would fundamentally change the texture and function of royal icing sugar if added.

Does cornstarch contain gluten?

No, cornstarch does not contain gluten. It is made from corn, which is a naturally gluten-free grain.

Like royal icing sugar, cornstarch is sometimes added as an anticaking agent in powdered sugar to prevent clumping. Up to 3% cornstarch may be added for this purpose.

But cornstarch is free of gluten. So its occasional presence does not affect the gluten-free status of powdered sugar.

Some other thickening agents and anticaking agents that may be gluten-free include:

  • Tapioca starch
  • Potato starch
  • Rice starch
  • Xanthan gum

As long as the additives are derived from gluten-free sources, they will not introduce gluten into the powdered sugar. The sugar itself remains 100% gluten free.

What about bone char filtered sugar in royal icing?

Bone char filtering is a refining process that uses charred cattle bones to decolorize sugar. Though it does not affect the gluten content of the sugar, some strict gluten-free consumers wish to avoid bone char filtered products.

Whether royal icing sugar has been bone char filtered depends on the brand and country of origin. Sugar processed in the United States frequently uses bone char filtering. Other areas like Europe often use alternate refining methods.

If bone char filtering is a concern for you, look for organic powdered sugar. Organic sugar regulations prohibit the use of bone char filtration. Beet sugar is also naturally white, so does not require decolorization.

You can also check with manufacturers about their refining methods. More brands are moving away from bone char filtering due to shifting consumer preferences.

Is royal icing suitable for gluten-free and celiac diets?

Yes, standard royal icing made with pure powdered sugar is safe for gluten-free and celiac diets.

The Celiac Disease Foundation and other reputable organizations confirm that pure powdered sugar is gluten-free. Consuming it will not cause reactions in people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Royal icing made from powdered sugar along with liquid food coloring is fully gluten-free. It can be enjoyed without concern by those avoiding gluten.

Be aware that some royal icing recipes add marginally gluten-containing ingredients like Meringue Powder, cream of tartar, or flour. Always check the ingredients if using someone else’s recipe. But basic royal icing with powdered sugar, liquid coloring, and water is completely gluten free.

Should equipment be sanitized before making royal icing?

If you are preparing royal icing in a kitchen where gluten is also handled, best practice is to thoroughly sanitize equipment first.

Clean all surfaces and utensils with hot soapy water before making royal icing. If available, sanitize them with a dilute bleach solution.

This helps avoid any chance of cross-contamination from traces of gluten left on equipment from prior use.

It’s simple to sanitize mixing bowls, spatulas, piping bags, and any other royal icing supplies. Take these steps:

  1. Wash equipment in hot soapy water
  2. Rinse with clean water
  3. Spray equipment with a dilute bleach solution. Let sit briefly.
  4. Rinse thoroughly
  5. Allow to fully air dry before use

This sanitizing process removes any lingering traces of gluten and provides reassurance that equipment is clean for gluten-free use.

What about airborne wheat flour in the kitchen?

Airborne flour particles from other baking are not a high risk for royal icing. Royal icing has a smooth, stiff consistency unlike typical bread or cake batters.

Any potential airborne particles would remain on the surface of the icing and not be incorporated in. They can be washed off if desired for extra assurance.

The larger contamination risk comes from direct contact with utensils, countertops, and surfaces. Sanitizing these provides protection from residual gluten traces.

Airborne flour is more concerning for softer batters that get continuously mixed and aerated. It can get whipped directly into the batter itself.

But due to its thick texture, royal icing has very minimal airborne contamination risks. Sanitizing equipment is the most important preventive step.

Can royal icing be colored with liquid food coloring?

Yes, royal icing can absolutely be colored with liquid food coloring. This is the most common way to add color to royal icing.

Liquid food colorings provide vivid colors while keeping the icing consistency smooth. Gel food colorings are also an option but tend to thicken the icing more.

The most popular brand of liquid food coloring is Americolor. Their colorings are free of gluten and safe for gluten-free diets. A few drops of liquid coloring quickly tints a whole batch of icing.

Choosing gluten-free food coloring is important for gluten-free royal icing. Check that no wheat or barley derived colors are included on the label.

For convenience, some ready made royal icing mixes contain powdered food coloring. But if preparing from scratch, liquid coloring is ideal for gluten-free royal icing.

What precautions are needed for rolling out fondant on gluten-free cakes?

When covering a gluten-free cake with fondant, extra care must be taken to avoid cross-contamination. Here are some tips:

  • Make sure fondant and any fillings or frostings contacting the cake are completely gluten-free.
  • Use a mat or thoroughly cleaned counter surface to roll out fondant.
  • Avoid kneading fondant with floured hands. Opt for cornstarch instead.
  • Carefully smooth fondant onto cake to prevent tearing.
  • Make sure any cake boards or supports are clean and gluten-free.
  • Store decorated cake away from sources of airborne flour.

With attention to detail, beautiful gluten-free cakes can be decorated with fondant. Rolled fondant acts as a protective barrier against potential airborne contamination.

Choose gluten-free brands like Satin Ice or Fondo. Rolled fondant avoids the spreading risks associated with softer icings piped directly on cakes.

Can royal icing be substituted for buttercream on cakes?

Yes, royal icing can substitute for buttercream as a cake decorating icing while keeping the cake gluten-free.

Royal icing holds its shape well when piped or spread onto cakes. It dries hard and provides a sweet decorative coating.

Some differences include:

  • Buttercream contains dairy. Royal icing is dairy-free.
  • Buttercream is soft and creamy. Royal icing is stiff.
  • Royal icing hardens fully when dry. Buttercream stays somewhat soft.
  • Buttercream has a rich, buttery taste. Royal icing is sweet with neutral flavor.

For the best results substituting royal icing for buttercream:

  • Pipe royal icing details in advance and allow to dry before stacking cake layers.
  • Avoid intricate details that can crumble or crack as royal icing dries.
  • Consider “soft peak” royal icing for a firmer but less brittle texture.

With testing, the two can often be interchanged. But the differences in texture and flavor should be considered.

Conclusion

In summary, standard royal icing made from pure powdered sugar is reliably gluten-free. Gluten-containing ingredients like wheat flour are not used in making royal icing powder.

Look for reputable gluten-free brands of powdered sugar with transparent ingredient labeling. Be aware that some recipes add potentially gluten-containing ingredients, so modify as needed.

With 100% gluten-free ingredients and sanitized equipment, royal icing is perfectly safe for gluten-free and celiac diets. It can help create beautiful cake decorations free of gluten exposure.

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