Powdered Sugar Substitute Guide

Substitutes for Powdered Sugar

1. 2Granulated Sugar + Arrowroot Powder

   Use 1 cup powdered sugar for every 1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp arrowroot powder

   Natural alternative to cornstarch-based powdered sugar.

   What changes

   Arrowroot provides similar anti-caking properties without corn.

   Best for

   corn-free diets, natural recipes, allergen-free baking, frosting, icing, when avoiding cornstarch

   Taste

   identical sweetness

   Texture

   fine powder, identical to powdered sugar

   Prep. Blend granulated sugar with arrowroot powder in a food processor for 1-2 minutes until very fine. Sift to ensure smooth texture.

   Arrowroot works just like cornstarch to prevent clumping. Slightly more expensive but natural alternative.

2. 3Coconut Sugar (Ground Fine)

   Use the same amount by volume

   Natural, less processed alternative with subtle caramel flavor.

   What changes

   Must be ground very fine to achieve powdered sugar texture.

   Best for

   healthier baking, natural recipes, when you want less processed sugar, frosting with caramel notes, glazes

   Taste

   caramel notes, less sweet

   Texture

   fine powder when ground properly

   Prep. Grind coconut sugar in a high-speed blender or food processor for 2-3 minutes until very fine powder. Sift to remove any remaining granules.

   Slightly different flavor and color. May affect the appearance of white frostings. Less sweet than regular powdered sugar.

3. 4Stevia + Cornstarch

   Use 1 cup powdered sugar for every ¼ cup stevia powder + ¾ cup cornstarch

   Sugar-free alternative perfect for diabetic-friendly and low-carb recipes.

   What changes

   Much sweeter than sugar, so use sparingly.

   Best for

   diabetic-friendly recipes, low-carb baking, keto diets, sugar-free frosting, when avoiding sugar completely

   Taste

   very sweet, slight aftertaste

   Texture

   fine powder

   Prep. Mix stevia powder with cornstarch until well combined. Sift to ensure even distribution. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.

   Much sweeter than sugar - start with less and adjust. May have slight aftertaste. Perfect for sugar-free diets.

4. 5Erythritol + Cornstarch

   Use 1 cup powdered sugar for every 1 cup erythritol + 1 tbsp cornstarch

   Sugar-free alternative with minimal calories and no blood sugar impact.

   What changes

   Has cooling effect when consumed in large amounts.

   Best for

   keto diets, low-carb baking, sugar-free frosting, diabetic-friendly recipes, when avoiding sugar

   Taste

   slightly less sweet, cooling effect

   Texture

   fine powder

   Prep. Blend erythritol with cornstarch in a food processor for 1-2 minutes until very fine. Sift to ensure smooth texture.

   May have cooling effect in large amounts. Less sweet than sugar - may need to increase amount slightly.

5. 6Monk Fruit + Cornstarch

   Use 1 cup powdered sugar for every ¼ cup monk fruit powder + ¾ cup cornstarch

   Natural sugar-free alternative with no calories and no blood sugar impact.

   What changes

   Very sweet, so use sparingly.

   Best for

   keto diets, diabetic-friendly recipes, sugar-free frosting, natural sugar alternatives, low-carb baking

   Taste

   very sweet, no aftertaste

   Texture

   fine powder

   Prep. Mix monk fruit powder with cornstarch until well combined. Sift to ensure even distribution. Adjust sweetness as needed.

   Very sweet - start with less and adjust. Natural alternative with no aftertaste. More expensive than other options.

6. 7Maple Sugar (Ground Fine)

   Use the same amount by volume

   Natural sweetener with distinctive maple flavor.

   What changes

   Must be ground very fine to achieve powdered sugar texture.

   Best for

   maple-flavored recipes, fall baking, natural recipes, frosting with maple notes, glazes

   Taste

   maple flavor, less sweet

   Texture

   fine powder when ground properly

   Prep. Grind maple sugar in a high-speed blender for 2-3 minutes until very fine powder. Sift to remove any remaining granules.

   Adds maple flavor and may affect color. More expensive than regular powdered sugar. Less sweet than regular sugar.

7. 8Splenda + Cornstarch

   Use 1 cup powdered sugar for every ½ cup Splenda + ½ cup cornstarch

   Artificial sweetener alternative for sugar-free recipes.

   What changes

   Provides sweetness without calories or blood sugar impact.

   Best for

   sugar-free recipes, diabetic-friendly baking, low-calorie frosting, when avoiding sugar, artificial sweetener preference

   Taste

   sweet with slight aftertaste

   Texture

   fine powder

   Prep. Mix Splenda with cornstarch until well combined. Sift to ensure even distribution. Adjust sweetness as needed.

   May have slight aftertaste. Less sweet than sugar - may need to increase amount. Check for any dietary restrictions.

8. 9Lakanto Powdered Sweetener

   Use the same amount by volume

   Pre-made sugar-free powdered sweetener that mimics powdered sugar.

   What changes

   Contains erythritol and monk fruit extract.

   Best for

   keto diets, sugar-free recipes, convenience, frosting, icing, when you want pre-made option

   Taste

   sweet with slight cooling effect

   Texture

   fine powder, identical to powdered sugar

   Prep. Use directly as powdered sugar substitute. No additional preparation needed. May need to adjust sweetness.

   Ready to use. May have cooling effect. More expensive than making your own. Check ingredients for dietary restrictions.

9. 10Swerve Confectioners

   Use the same amount by volume

   Pre-made sugar-free powdered sweetener specifically designed to replace powdered sugar.

   What changes

   Contains erythritol and natural flavors.

   Best for

   keto diets, sugar-free recipes, convenience, frosting, icing, when you want pre-made option

   Taste

   sweet with slight cooling effect

   Texture

   fine powder, identical to powdered sugar

   Prep. Use directly as powdered sugar substitute. No additional preparation needed. May need to adjust sweetness.

   Ready to use. May have cooling effect. More expensive than making your own. Popular in keto community.