At least in Ireland and the UK it is possible to buy instant royal icing powder which you just mix with water and use as normal royal icing. Does anyone use this and what are the disadvantages? I assume there must be some because it would seem so much more convenient than having to mix up batches of scratch RI. What do you think?

Any opinions welcome. I still have a lot to learn about these things!

Hi Jennifer,

I haven't used a RI mix, but i imagine the advantage to making it from scratch is that it is cheaper.

Maybe someone who has used it could tell you if it is as effective as scratch RI.

I use RI mix here in the US--for stringwork, both Australian & Oriental.

I find that sifting the mix 2 or 3 times before making it, you eliminate the crusty bits and it works very well. For very fine tips, sieve it thru a clean nylon stocking.

You can add a bit of gum arabic to it to increase it's strength, when necessary.

Rae