Wikipedia Article About Powdered sugar on Wikipedia Powdered sugar (in Britain, icing sugar) is a very finely ground form of sugar that is synonymous with confectioners' sugar. In industrial food production it is used where a quick dissolving sugar is required or as in domestic use principally to make frosting, (British English: icing) and other cake decorations. It is often lightly dusted onto a baked good to add light sweetness and subtle decoration. It is generally mixed with cornstarch or wheat flour, or calcium phosphate to improve its flowing ability and is not generally used to sweeten a beverage.