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Powdered sugar substitute

Sugar and sweeteners · Checked against 4 sources · Updated November 4, 2026

Quick answer

Blend three-quarters cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in a blender or food processor until powdery. Extension charts differ on the starch, from 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon per cup of granulated sugar. It dissolves less well than store-bought, so avoid it in smooth frosting.

How much do you need?

Fractions work: 1 1/2, ¾, 0.5. The amounts below update as you type.

What to use

  1. Granulated sugar and cornstarch, blended

    • Vegan
    • Dairy-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Nut-free
    • Egg-free
    • ¾ cup 150 g granulated sugar
    • 2 tsp 10 ml cornstarch
    How
    Blend on high 1 to 2 minutes, until powdery. Let the dust settle before opening.
    Best for
    Dusting, whipped cream, cooked icings.
    What changes
    Not as fine as store-bought.
    Skip it when
    Smooth buttercream and glazes, which can turn grainy.

Diet labels describe the ingredients as normally made. Check packages for gluten and allergens. Some refined sugar is filtered with bone char, which matters if you eat vegan.

Which swap for which job

UsePickWhy
DustingHomemadeNo one will see a difference.

Do not substitute here

  • Smooth frosting. Homemade powdered sugar. It stays gritty.

Questions

Why add cornstarch?

It keeps the sugar from clumping back together.

Sources

Ratios come from these sources, in our words. Where they disagree, we say so or pick the amount that matches tested results. Ratios are a starting point. Taste and adjust.