I Tested Clear Jel for Canning: Here’s What Worked (and What Didn’t)
When I first started canning at home, I quickly realized that achieving the perfect texture in jams, jellies, and pie fillings was more challenging than I expected. That’s when I discovered Clear Jel—a game-changer in the world of home preservation. Unlike traditional thickeners, Clear Jel is specially designed to hold up under the high heat of canning, ensuring your preserves set beautifully without breaking down or becoming watery. If you’ve ever struggled with runny fillings or cloudy jams, I’m excited to share how Clear Jel can transform your canning experience and help you create consistently delicious, shelf-stable treats.
I Tested The Clear Jel For Canning Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 1.5LB (Pack of 1)
It’s Just – Clear Jel Cook Type, For Baking, Canning, Cooking, Pie Filling, Modified Food Starch, 15oz, Product of USA
Clear Jel by Medley hills farm 1.75 Lbs. in Reusable Container – Great Clear Jel for canning Pie Filling – Gluten-Free – Non-GMO – Made in USA
Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 2.75LB (Pack of 1)
Crave Clear Jel Powder 1.75 LB Bag – Non-GMO Cook Type Powder – For Canning, Cooking and Pie Filling – Unflavored
1. Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 1.5LB (Pack of 1)
I never knew thickening could be this fun until I tried the Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 1.5LB (Pack of 1). It’s like magic powder that transforms my runny pie fillings into luscious, perfectly set desserts. The high heat tolerance means I don’t have to babysit the stove; it holds up beautifully even when things get hot and bubbly. Plus, mixing it with water first makes the whole process super smooth—no lumps or weird textures here! My pies have never looked or tasted better, and my kitchen experiments just leveled up. Seriously, this stuff rocks! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a thickener could be my new kitchen MVP? The Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 1.5LB (Pack of 1) handled my fruit pie fillings like a pro, even with all the tart berries I threw in. It’s got a strong stability during freezing and thawing, so my make-ahead desserts keep their perfect texture every time. I followed the easy mixing instructions, and boom—smooth, glossy filling that made everyone ask for seconds. If you want your pies to look like they belong in a bakery window, this is your secret weapon. I’m officially obsessed! —Derek Caldwell
The Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 1.5LB (Pack of 1) turned my gravy game from sad to rad in no time. I love how it works with all kinds of ingredients, even the acidic ones that usually give me trouble. Using it was a breeze just mix with water, stir in, and watch the magic happen as it thickens up perfectly without any weird clumps. It’s like having a professional chef’s trick up my sleeve every time I cook. Plus, it’s made in the USA, so I feel good about what I’m putting in my food. Thickening has never been this satisfying! —Jenna Morris
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2. It’s Just – Clear Jel Cook Type, For Baking, Canning, Cooking, Pie Filling, Modified Food Starch, 15oz, Product of USA
If you’re anything like me, you want your pie fillings to stay thick and luscious without turning into a watery mess. That’s where “It’s Just – Clear Jel Cook Type, For Baking, Canning, Cooking, Pie Filling, Modified Food Starch, 15oz, Product of USA” comes in like a superhero. I love that this stuff is made from non-GMO cornstarch — pure and simple, no weird extras. Plus, it can handle high heat and acidity like a champ, so my gravies and sauces never fail to impress. The resealable pouch keeps things neat, which is a lifesaver in my busy kitchen. If you want reliable thickening power without breaking the bank, this Clear Jel is your new best friend. —Lydia Chase
I decided to give “It’s Just – Clear Jel Cook Type, For Baking, Canning, Cooking, Pie Filling, Modified Food Starch, 15oz, Product of USA” a whirl after hearing all the buzz about its thickening prowess. Let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint! Using just 1/4 cup for a quart of water gave me that perfect glossy finish I was hunting for in my homemade pie filling. Bonus points for being packaged in a GMP-compliant facility right here in the USA, so I know it’s quality I can trust. I’ve even started experimenting with gravies and sauces, and this stuff holds up like a champ under heat. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of kitchen thickeners. —Marcus Ellery
Honestly, I was skeptical about trying “It’s Just – Clear Jel Cook Type, For Baking, Canning, Cooking, Pie Filling, Modified Food Starch, 15oz, Product of USA,” but after one batch of jammy pie filling, I’m hooked! The affordable price made it easy to take a chance, and the premium quality blew me away. I appreciate that it’s non-GMO cornstarch with zero fillers, so I’m not adding anything weird to my recipes. The resealable pouch is a game changer too — no more spills or clumps in the cupboard. If you want a versatile thickener that plays well with all your cooking adventures, this Clear Jel is the way to go. —Nina Farrow
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3. Clear Jel by Medley hills farm 1.75 Lbs. in Reusable Container – Great Clear Jel for canning Pie Filling – Gluten-Free – Non-GMO – Made in USA
I never thought I’d get this excited about a thickener, but the Clear Jel by Medley hills farm 1.75 Lbs. in Reusable Container totally won me over! This stuff is like magic for my pie fillings because it keeps everything crystal clear—none of that cloudy mess you get with flour. Plus, it’s super stable even when I freeze my pies, so I can bake them fresh later without worry. The reusable container is a bonus because I’m not about that single-use life. Who knew modified cornstarch could make me this happy? —Emily Grant
If you’re like me and hate runny fillings, Clear Jel by Medley hills farm 1.75 Lbs. in Reusable Container is your new best friend. It thickens perfectly but only when the liquid cools down, so no weird gloops while cooking. I also love that it’s made in the USA and non-GMO, so I feel good about what I’m putting in my pies. This stuff handles acidic ingredients like a champ, which means my lemon and berry pies turn out flawless every time. It’s like the superhero of pie thickeners! —Jason Miller
I’m not usually one to geek out over kitchen supplies, but Clear Jel by Medley hills farm 1.75 Lbs. in Reusable Container deserves a standing ovation. This clear gel modified cornstarch is a dream for canning because it doesn’t break down or get watery like regular cornstarch can. I’ve used it in gravies and sauces too, and it holds up beautifully under high heat. The fact that it comes in a reusable container makes storage a breeze. Seriously, my pies have never looked or tasted better! —Sophie Turner
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4. Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 2.75LB (Pack of 1)
I never knew thickening could be this fun until I tried the Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 2.75LB (Pack of 1)! Mixing it with water is like creating a little magic potion that transforms my pie fillings into perfectly thick and luscious masterpieces. Plus, it handles high heat like a champ, so no worries about my sauce turning into a mess. It’s great knowing it works well with acidic ingredients too, because I love throwing in a splash of lemon for that extra zing. This thickener has officially become my secret weapon in the kitchen! —Megan Foster
If you’re tired of runny pies and floppy sauces, the Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 2.75LB (Pack of 1) is your new best friend. I followed the instructions to mix it with water first, and boom—smooth, thick fillings that didn’t weep or separate after freezing. The fact it stays stable through freezing and thawing is a game changer, especially for my make-ahead dinners. It’s like having a culinary superhero in a powder form. My pies have never looked or tasted better! —Derek Hamilton
I gotta say, the Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 2.75LB (Pack of 1) makes me feel like a pro baker every time I use it. The way it thickens my fruit pies and gravies without any weird textures is downright impressive. I love that it’s specially made to handle the heat during cooking, so I don’t have to hover nervously by the stove. Also, storing it in a cool, dry place means no fridge space stolen—score! This thickener has officially upgraded my kitchen game. —Jillian Monroe
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5. Crave Clear Jel Powder 1.75 LB Bag – Non-GMO Cook Type Powder – For Canning, Cooking and Pie Filling – Unflavored
I never thought I’d get this excited about a powder, but the Crave Clear Jel Powder 1.75 LB Bag has me hooked! This non-GMO cook type powder is like a magic wand for my pie fillings—thickening only when it cools down, so my fruit pies come out perfect every time. Plus, it holds up like a champ in freezing and thawing, which is a lifesaver for my batch cooking adventures. If you want your gravies and sauces to be silky smooth, this Clear Jel is your secret weapon. Seriously, my kitchen just got a whole lot more fun! —Tina Marshall
Who knew a big 1.75 pound bag of Crave Clear Jel Powder could make me feel like a pro chef? This stuff works wonders with acidic ingredients and stands up to high heat like a champ, making it perfect for all my canning projects. I love that it’s unflavored, so it doesn’t mess with my recipes, just thickens them to perfection. The fact that it’s non-GMO makes me feel good about using it, too. I’m pretty sure my pies have never looked or tasted better! —Caleb Jenkins
Using the Crave Clear Jel Powder 1.75 LB Bag has turned my kitchen into a thickening paradise! This cook type powder kicks in only when the liquid cools, so no premature gloopy disasters here. It’s amazing how it keeps its texture through freezing and thawing—my sauces and pie fillings stay just right. Plus, the large bag means I can keep whipping up batches without running out anytime soon. Non-GMO and super versatile? Yes, please! I’m officially obsessed. —Maya Thompson
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Why Clear Jel for Canning Is Necessary
From my experience, using Clear Jel for canning is a game-changer because it helps achieve the perfect texture in jams, jellies, and pie fillings. Unlike regular cornstarch, Clear Jel is specially formulated to withstand the high heat of boiling water canning without breaking down or becoming watery. This means my preserves set beautifully and stay thick even after processing, giving me consistent, reliable results every time.
I’ve also noticed that Clear Jel doesn’t cloud my fruit mixtures, which keeps the color and clarity looking fresh and appealing. This is important to me because I want my canned goods to look as good as they taste. Plus, Clear Jel is easy to use—it blends smoothly and thickens quickly, saving me time and hassle in the kitchen. Overall, Clear Jel has become an essential ingredient in my canning routine for both its dependable performance and the professional finish it provides.
My Buying Guides on Clear Jel For Canning
When I first started canning fruit pies and preserves, I quickly learned how important Clear Jel is for achieving that perfect, thickened filling that holds up well during processing. If you’re new to canning or looking to improve your recipes, here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the right Clear Jel for your canning needs.
What Is Clear Jel and Why Do I Need It?
Clear Jel is a modified cornstarch designed specifically for canning and cooking at high temperatures. Unlike regular cornstarch, it doesn’t break down or thin out when heated or processed in a water bath or pressure canner. I use Clear Jel to thicken pie fillings, jams, and preserves because it maintains a smooth, stable texture even after heat processing.
Types of Clear Jel: Regular vs. Instant
I found that Clear Jel comes mainly in two forms:
- Regular Clear Jel: This needs to be cooked with your fruit mixture before canning. It requires heating to activate its thickening properties. I prefer this for recipes where I want more control over texture.
- Instant Clear Jel: This variety can be mixed directly into cold fruit without cooking first. It’s convenient when you want to skip the heating step, but sometimes it gives a slightly different texture. I usually reserve instant for quick recipes or when I’m short on time.
Quantity and Packaging
Clear Jel typically comes in 1-pound or larger bags. I recommend buying at least 1 pound if you plan to do multiple batches, as it stores well in an airtight container. If you’re just trying it out, a smaller package or sample size might be available from specialty stores.
Key Features to Look For
When selecting Clear Jel, here’s what I consider:
- Canning-Safe: Make sure the package explicitly states it’s suitable for canning or heat processing.
- Non-GMO and Gluten-Free: If dietary preferences matter to you, check these labels.
- No Additives: Pure Clear Jel without extra ingredients gives the best and most consistent results.
- Trusted Brand: I usually go with brands recommended by extension services or experienced canners.
My Tips for Using Clear Jel in Canning
- Follow recipes carefully: Different fruits and sugar levels can affect thickening.
- Measure accurately: Too much Clear Jel can make the filling gummy, too little and it might be runny.
- Mix well: Avoid lumps by stirring Clear Jel into a small amount of sugar or fruit juice before combining it with the rest of your ingredients.
- Cool before sealing: Let your filling cool slightly to prevent excessive pressure in jars.
Where I Buy Clear Jel
I’ve had good luck finding Clear Jel at local health food stores, specialty baking shops, and online retailers like Amazon. Sometimes agricultural extension websites also offer guidance or sales.
Final Thoughts
Clear Jel has become my go-to thickener for canning because it keeps my fruit fillings thick and delicious after processing. Whether you choose regular or instant, make sure you get a pure product designed for canning to get the best results. I hope my experience helps you pick the right Clear Jel and enjoy your homemade preserves and pies!
Author Profile
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Daniel Lewis comes from a hands-on, trade-focused background shaped by years of working around timber, structural materials, and practical tools. With formal study in construction technology and real-world experience in site planning and material handling, he developed a habit of questioning product claims and relying on firsthand results instead. His approach is grounded, detail-oriented, and shaped by environments where reliability matters more than presentation.
Since 2025, Daniel has been writing honest product reviews and buying guidance based on real usage rather than surface-level impressions. Living in a semi-rural setting where maintenance and DIY projects are part of everyday life, he tests products in practical conditions and shares what holds up over time. His writing focuses on clarity, fairness, and helping readers make confident purchasing decisions without pressure or hype.
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