6X refers to the size of the sugar particles in powdered sugar. This type of sugar is commonly used in making icing and has a finer texture than regular powdered sugar sold in grocery stores, but it is not as fine as 10X sugar. 10X sugar is produced with a higher concentration of cornstarch to prevent clumping. However, this may make your icing less sweet, which is a consideration for some. The number designation for powdered sugar corresponds to the fineness of the grind. If you purchased your powdered sugar from a grocery store, it is likely 10X, even if the packaging doesn’t indicate this. Bakeries and commercial kitchens often use 6X powdered sugar due to its fine texture. If you’re interested in buying 6X powdered sugar, you can find it at wholesale or bulk stores.
