For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, eating gluten-free is a necessity. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, it damages their small intestine and prevents nutrient absorption. Even small amounts of gluten can cause issues, so reading ingredient labels carefully and choosing certified gluten-free products is important.
Powdered sugar, also called confectioners’ sugar, is frequently used in baking. It’s made by grinding granulated sugar into a fine powder and mixing in a small amount of cornstarch to prevent clumping. The cornstarch can be concerning for the gluten-free diet, but there are several brands of powdered sugar that are safe.
Quick Answers:
– The majority of standard powdered sugars contain corn starch and are gluten-free. Some specialty powdered sugars may contain wheat starch.
– Major gluten-free friendly brands include Domino, C&H, Great Value, Sweetex, and Anthony’s. Organic brands like Wholesome and Florida Crystals are also gluten-free.
– Powdered sugars are considered gluten-free if they are certified gluten-free, made with corn starch, or specifically labeled as gluten-free. Double check labels to confirm gluten-free status.
– Powdered sugar ingredients will typically list sugar and corn starch. Watch out for wheat starch, barley malt, and ambiguous terms like “starch.”
Evaluating Powdered Sugar Ingredients
When determining if a powdered sugar is gluten-free, it’s essential to read the ingredient list closely. Fortunately, most national brands use corn starch as the anti-caking agent in their powdered sugars and can be considered gluten-free:
- Domino
- C&H
- Great Value
- Sweetex
- Anthony’s
- Dixie Crystals
- Florida Crystals
- Wholesome Organic
These brands clearly list “sugar” and “corn starch” on the label, without any gluten-containing ingredients. As long as the brand is using corn starch and not wheat starch, barley malt, or other gluten sources, the powdered sugar can be considered gluten-free.
Some people also look for powdered sugar explicitly labeled “gluten-free.” Brands like C&H, Domino, and Dixie Crystals indicate gluten-free status right on the packaging. Opting for one of these brands provides extra assurance the product is gluten-free.
What to Watch Out For
When evaluating powdered sugar labels, there are a few key things to watch out for:
- Wheat starch – Some specialty powdered sugars use wheat starch instead of corn starch. Wheat starch will always contain gluten.
- Barley malt – Powdered sugar made with barley malt extract is not gluten-free, since barley contains gluten.
- Ambiguous starch terms – Beware of ingredients like “starch” without specifying the source. It could potentially come from wheat.
- No ingredient list – Powdered sugar sold from bulk bins will not have a label. Inquire about the brand and ingredients before using.
If the ingredients raise any questions or concerns about gluten, it’s best to avoid that brand and choose one that’s clearly labeled gluten-free or corn starch-based.
Are Organic/Specialty Powdered Sugars Gluten-Free?
In addition to regular powdered sugar, many stores now carry specialty versions like organic and ultra-fine. Thankfully, these tend to be gluten-free as well.
For example, brands like Wholesome and Florida Crystals make certified organic powdered sugar with no gluten ingredients. Wholesome uses organic tapioca starch instead of corn starch, but this is still perfectly gluten-free.
Companies like India Tree and Coconut Secret sell alternative powdered sugars made from dehydrated cane juice and tapioca starch. These unique options are free of any gluten-containing grains.
There are also super-fine “baker’s sugar” options that dissolve more smoothly in recipes. Brands like C&H, Domino, and Anthony’s Almond Pro offer extra-fine powdered sugar that replaces corn starch with tapioca starch, another gluten-free starch.
As long as the ingredients comply with a gluten-free diet, these specialty powdered sugars provide more options for gluten-free baking. Checking the label is still important though, especially if the brand is less common.
Are All Store Brand Powdered Sugars Gluten-Free?
Generic store brands of powdered sugar also typically use corn starch and are gluten-free. However, it’s still advisable to verify the ingredients each time before purchase.
Large chain grocery stores like Walmart, Target, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Costco sell their own house brands of powdered sugar, often at cheaper prices compared to name brands. In most cases, these affordable options are gluten-free and safe, listing ingredients like sugar and corn starch.
The ingredient labels still need to be evaluated though, especially in smaller independent grocery stores. Generic brands can vary in formulations, and there’s a possibility of seeing questionable ingredients like wheat starch. As with any product, inspecting the powdered sugar ingredients provides confirmation that it’s gluten-free.
In general, most powdered sugar sold at major retailers under private label brands tend to be gluten-free. But verifying the ingredient list remains an important step for gluten-free consumers. Calling the manufacturer with any questions can also help determine if store brand powdered sugar contains gluten.
Are Restaurant/Bakery Powdered Sugars Gluten-Free?
Dining out while gluten-free involves additional precautions. Since restaurants and bakeries make food from scratch, the ingredients in menu items are not always known. Powdered sugar is commonly used to decorate cakes, donuts, and other baked goods. So is the powdered sugar served at restaurants safe?
Unfortunately, restaurants are less transparent about their powdered sugar ingredients and gluten status. But there are some steps you can take when questioning the powdered sugar at a restaurant or bakery:
- Ask the staff at the restaurant which brand they use.
- Request to view the container’s ingredient list if possible.
- Inquire if they have confirmation the powdered sugar is gluten-free.
- Check restaurant allergen information online for powdered sugar details.
- Stick to items that are labeled gluten-free on menus.
Unless your server can verify the powdered sugar is gluten-free, it’s generally safer to avoid it. Many restaurants do use gluten-free corn starch brands, but gluten ingredients may sneak in during food preparation in shared kitchens. Use your best judgment asking questions and determining risk when dining out gluten-free.
How to Substitute Gluten-Free Powdered Sugar
If you encounter powdered sugar with questionable ingredients, all is not lost. There are a few simple substitutions to provide the sweet dusting of powdered sugar without the gluten:
Granulated Sugar
Plain white granulated sugar makes an easy 1:1 replacement in recipes. Simply blend regular granulated sugar in a food processor or blender until it reaches a fine powdery texture. The end result mimics powdered sugar, minus the added corn starch.
Granulated sugar has a slight graininess compared to ultra-smooth powdered sugar. But the sweetness and amount stays the same. Granulated sugar works well for dusting baked goods or whipping up glazes.
Granulated Sugar and Corn Starch
For a closer match to traditional powdered sugar, mix 2 cups granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons cornstarch. The small amount of corn starch compensates for the missing anti-caking agent and makes the granulated sugar less clumpy in the bag.
This gluten-free substitution behaves nearly identically to regular powdered sugar in recipes and frostings. Corn starch can be left out if preferred, but it does improve the texture.
Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is a popular alternative sweetener made from coconut palm sap. With a subtle caramel flavor, coconut sugar can be ground into a fine powder just like regular sugar. Simply blend it up in a blender or food processor until smooth.
The resulting powder contains no starches or gluten and works beautifully to sweeten and dust desserts. Keep in mind that coconut sugar does have a slightly different taste and appearance.
Maple Sugar
For another unique flavor, maple sugar makes an excellent gluten-free powdered sugar replacement. Maple sugar is simply dehydrated maple syrup ground into a silky powder.
Like coconut sugar, maple sugar can be processed into a powder at home. The end result pours and tastes similar to powdered sugar, with a hint of maple flavor. Maple sugar adds sweetness as well as visual appeal when dusted on chocolate, cookies, scones, and more.
Is Powdered Sugar Safe on a Gluten-Free Diet?
The verdict on powdered sugar and gluten-free diets is that it’s generally safe in mainstream brands containing corn starch. But due to the risk of certain manufacturing processes, some sources advise avoidance just to be 100% certain.
According to the FDA, foods labeled “gluten-free” must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. Most national brands meet this criteria with their corn starch-based powdered sugars.
However, experts point out that cross-contamination is still possible during manufacturing if facilities also process wheat starch on shared equipment. The minuscule amounts of gluten could potentially build up for sensitive individuals.
For this reason, some gluten-free consumers and Celiac support groups recommend avoiding powdered sugar unless it’s explicitly certified gluten-free. For maximum safety, they suggest confectioner’s sugar alternatives made with rice starch, tapioca starch or no starch at all.
This is up to each person’s individual sensitivity. Many people do tolerate regular powdered sugar made with corn starch. But others prefer sticking to guaranteed gluten-free options for peace of mind. Reading labels and contacting manufacturers directly can provide the information needed to make an informed decision.
Tips for Cooking and Baking with Gluten-Free Powdered Sugar
Here are some helpful tips for selecting and working with gluten-free powdered sugar:
– Check every label each time before buying powdered sugar. Even the same brand could change formulations occasionally.
– Look for the major brands that specifically state “gluten-free” on the label for added assurance.
– When using powdered sugar in recipes, sift it first to break up any clumps and ensure even distribution.
– Store opened powdered sugar in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This prevents moisture from causing clumping.
– Be extra careful using powdered sugar in shared kitchens where sources could cross-contaminate. Wipe surfaces thoroughly after use.
– Ask about ingredients at restaurants and bakeries before consuming any powdered sugar-topped items. Avoid unless the source is known.
– Opt for gluten-free alternatives like coconut sugar or maple sugar to add unique flavors while remaining worry-free.
– Contact manufacturers directly if ever unsure about an ingredient source, processing practices, or testing procedures.
The Bottom Line
Most standard powdered sugars contain no gluten ingredients and are considered gluten-free. However, specialty powdered sugars may include wheat starch, barley malt, or ambiguous starch sources. Carefully reading ingredient lists on powdered sugar brands provides confirmation that the product is gluten-free. When in doubt, reaching out to manufacturers directly can also help determine a powdered sugar’s gluten status. With so many clearly labeled gluten-free options available today, powdered sugar can still be enjoyed without gluten by taking simple precautions.
