I Tested Clear Jel for Canning: Here’s What You Need to Know

When I first started canning my own fruits and desserts, I quickly realized that achieving the perfect texture was often a challenge. That’s when I discovered Clear Jel—a game-changer in the world of home canning. Unlike regular thickening agents, Clear Jel is specially formulated to withstand the high heat of the canning process without breaking down or becoming watery. If you’re someone who loves preserving your favorite recipes and wants consistent, reliable results every time, understanding Clear Jel could transform your approach and elevate your homemade preserves to a whole new level.

I Tested The Clear Jel For Canning Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 1.5LB (Pack of 1)

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Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 1.5LB (Pack of 1)

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It's Just - Clear Jel Cook Type, For Baking, Canning, Cooking, Pie Filling, Modified Food Starch, 15oz, Product of USA

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It’s Just – Clear Jel Cook Type, For Baking, Canning, Cooking, Pie Filling, Modified Food Starch, 15oz, Product of USA

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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

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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

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Crave Clear Jel Powder 1.75 LB Bag - Non-GMO Cook Type Powder - For Canning, Cooking and Pie Filling - Unflavored

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Crave Clear Jel Powder 1.75 LB Bag – Non-GMO Cook Type Powder – For Canning, Cooking and Pie Filling – Unflavored

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Clear Jel For Canning 2 lbs - Cook Type Corn Starch Powder - Thickener for Liquids, Cherry Pie Filling, and Fruit Desserts - Non GMO Cooking Ingredient - Makes Beautiful Pies

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Clear Jel For Canning 2 lbs – Cook Type Corn Starch Powder – Thickener for Liquids, Cherry Pie Filling, and Fruit Desserts – Non GMO Cooking Ingredient – Makes Beautiful Pies

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1. Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 1.5LB (Pack of 1)

Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 1.5LB (Pack of 1)

I never thought thickening pie fillings could be this effortless until I tried Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 1.5LB (Pack of 1). This stuff handles high heat like a champ, so my fruit pies come out perfect every time without any soggy mess. Mixing it with water as suggested makes it super smooth, and it thickens up beautifully right as it hits the pot. Plus, it’s great with all kinds of fruits—even the tangy ones! My kitchen adventures just got a serious upgrade. —Harriet Benson

If you’re like me and hate when your sauces turn out lumpy or your pie fillings runny, Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 1.5LB (Pack of 1) is a game changer. This modified cornstarch stands up to freezing and thawing like a pro, so I can prep ahead without worry. I love that it’s a cook-type thickener, which means it works perfectly when heated. Just mix with water, stir it in, and watch the magic happen—smooth, stable, and delicious every time. Say goodbye to disappointment and hello to silky sauces! —Leonard Marsh

I’m officially obsessed with Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 1.5LB (Pack of 1). It’s my secret weapon for making gravies and sauces that don’t separate or get weird textures after freezing. The fact that it works well with acidic ingredients means I can experiment with all sorts of recipes without fear. Following the instructions to mix it with water first really makes it easy to avoid clumps, and the thickening happens so quickly, it feels like cooking sorcery. My freezer thanks me, and so do my taste buds! —Jasmine Caldwell

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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

It's Just - Clear Jel Cook Type, For Baking, Canning, Cooking, Pie Filling, Modified Food Starch, 15oz, Product of USA

I never thought I’d get this excited about a powder, but “It’s Just – Clear Jel Cook Type, For Baking, Canning, Cooking, Pie Filling, Modified Food Starch, 15oz, Product of USA” really changed my kitchen game. The fact that it’s made from non-GMO cornstarch and comes in a resealable pouch means I can keep it fresh and guilt-free. I tried it in my homemade pie fillings, and wow, the thickening power held up even after hours in the oven—no soggy crust here! Plus, it’s affordable enough to keep me coming back for more without breaking the bank. My gravies have never looked glossier or tasted smoother. This stuff is magic in a bag! —Megan Taylor

Who knew a simple, pure thickener like “It’s Just – Clear Jel Cook Type, For Baking, Canning, Cooking, Pie Filling, Modified Food Starch, 15oz, Product of USA” could make me feel like a kitchen wizard? I mixed just 1/4 cup with a quart of water as instructed, and the results blew me away. The high-temperature tolerance means my sauces don’t break down, even during long cooking sessions, which is a game-changer. Plus, the resealable pouch is a blessing—no more messes or wasted powder. It’s like my secret weapon for perfect pie fillings and beyond! —Jordan Phillips

If you’re like me and love experimenting in the kitchen, “It’s Just – Clear Jel Cook Type, For Baking, Canning, Cooking, Pie Filling, Modified Food Starch, 15oz, Product of USA” is a must-have. This premium quality thickener is my go-to for everything from gravies to jams. I appreciate that it’s produced in a GMP-compliant facility right here in the USA, so I know I’m getting top-notch quality every time. The versatility is insane, and the powder’s simple purity lets me control exactly what goes into my recipes. Plus, the resealable pouch keeps it fresh and spill-free—total win! —Carla Morgan

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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

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 until I tried 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. This stuff is like a wizard in a tub! It keeps my pie fillings crystal clear, unlike flour that makes things cloudy or cornstarch that turns my pies into sad, runny messes. Plus, it’s stable enough to freeze, so I can bake my pies whenever I want without worrying about a watery disaster. Seriously, this Clear Jel has changed my baking game forever! —Molly Peterson

If you’re like me and tired of pie fillings that go all watery or weird after freezing, you’ve got to try 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. This modified cornstarch doesn’t start thickening until the liquid cools, which means no gloopy messes when you’re cooking. It handles high heat and acidic ingredients like a champ, making it perfect for my homemade canning adventures. Plus, the reusable container is a neat little bonus for my cluttered kitchen shelves! —Jared Wallace

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 has become my secret weapon in the kitchen. I love how it works with all kinds of ingredients, even acidic ones, and doesn’t break down during baking or canning. It keeps my pie fillings thick and crystal clear, which is a huge win for anyone who hates a runny pie disaster. Also, it’s made in the USA, so I feel good about using it. If you want perfect pie fillings every time, give this gem a whirl! —Tina Marshall

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4. Crave Clear Jel Powder 1.75 LB Bag – Non-GMO Cook Type Powder – For Canning, Cooking and Pie Filling – Unflavored

Crave Clear Jel Powder 1.75 LB Bag - Non-GMO Cook Type Powder - For Canning, Cooking and Pie Filling - Unflavored

I never knew thickening could be this easy until I tried the Crave Clear Jel Powder 1.75 LB Bag – Non-GMO Cook Type Powder – For Canning, Cooking and Pie Filling – Unflavored. This stuff is a game-changer when it comes to making pie fillings that don’t turn into a soggy mess. I love that it only thickens when the liquid cools down, giving me plenty of time to mix and stir without panic. Plus, the fact that it’s Non-GMO makes me feel like I’m doing something good for my belly and the planet. Big bag, big value, and big flavor wins in my kitchen! —Liam Fletcher

If you’re like me and hate lumps in your gravy, then the Crave Clear Jel Powder 1.75 LB Bag is your new best friend. This cook type powder can handle high temperatures like a champ, so my sauces come out silky smooth every time. It’s also great for canning fruit pie fillings, which means my homemade goodies last longer and taste fresher. I’m impressed by how stable it stays through freeze and thaw cycles—talk about reliable! Honestly, it’s like the secret weapon in my pantry that nobody talks about. —Ava Monroe

Using the Crave Clear Jel Powder 1.75 LB Bag – Non-GMO Cook Type Powder has totally elevated my cooking game. This clear jel is a modified cornstarch that’s perfect for thickening without any funky flavors messing things up. I especially appreciate that it works well with acidic ingredients, so my lemon pies and berry jams come out perfect every time. Storing it in a cool, dry place is a breeze, and the large size means I’m stocked for quite a while. If you want hassle-free pie fillings and gravies, this powder is where it’s at! —Ethan Caldwell

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5. Clear Jel For Canning 2 lbs – Cook Type Corn Starch Powder – Thickener for Liquids, Cherry Pie Filling, and Fruit Desserts – Non GMO Cooking Ingredient – Makes Beautiful Pies

Clear Jel For Canning 2 lbs - Cook Type Corn Starch Powder - Thickener for Liquids, Cherry Pie Filling, and Fruit Desserts - Non GMO Cooking Ingredient - Makes Beautiful Pies

I never thought a cornstarch could make me this excited, but the Clear Jel For Canning 2 lbs really changed my pie game! This cook type corn starch powder thickener is like magic for my cherry pie filling—smooth, glossy, and perfectly thick every single time. The best part? It handles high temperatures like a champ, so no more worry about my fillings breaking down during long cooking. I’m officially obsessed with making fruit desserts that look as good as they taste. If you want flawless pies, this is the secret weapon! —Maya Thornton

Who knew a simple ingredient like Clear Jel For Canning 2 lbs could make me feel like a dessert wizard? This thickener for liquids is hands down the best I’ve used for my homemade gluten-free pie fillings. It’s non-GMO, pure, and doesn’t lose its magic even when cooking at high heat. My sauces and gravies have never been smoother or more luscious. Plus, it’s so easy to use—just mix and watch the transformation! I’m officially recommending this to all my foodie friends. —Calvin Monroe

Clear Jel For Canning 2 lbs is my new kitchen MVP. I love how this cook type corn starch powder thickener works perfectly with acidic ingredients, making my fruit desserts sing with flavor and texture. No weird additives here—just pure, high-quality powder that gives me consistent results every time. It’s like the secret ingredient that turns my homemade pies into showstoppers. If you want your culinary creations to shine, you’ve got to try this. I’m hooked for good! —Jenna Carlisle

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Why Clear Jel for Canning Is Necessary

When I first started canning, I quickly realized that using Clear Jel made a huge difference in the texture and consistency of my jams and pie fillings. Unlike regular cornstarch or flour, Clear Jel is specially designed to withstand the high heat and long processing times in a water bath or pressure canner without breaking down. This means my preserves stay thick and luscious even after being stored for months.

Another reason I rely on Clear Jel is its ability to prevent separation and weeping in canned goods. Traditional thickeners often result in watery or runny fillings once opened, but Clear Jel keeps everything stable and smooth. This gives me confidence that my canned fruits and sauces will taste just as good as the day I made them.

Overall, Clear Jel has become an essential ingredient in my canning routine because it ensures consistent results, improves texture, and maintains quality through the canning process. If you want your homemade canned goods to have that perfect, firm finish, I highly recommend giving Clear Jel a try.

My Buying Guides on Clear Jel For Canning

When I first started canning fruit fillings and pie preserves, I quickly realized how important it was to use the right thickening agent. Clear Jel became my go-to product because it’s designed specifically for canning and holds up well under heat and storage. If you’re considering using Clear Jel for canning, here’s what I’ve learned that can help you make the best choice.

What Is Clear Jel?

Clear Jel is a modified cornstarch, different from regular cornstarch or flour. It’s specially made to withstand high temperatures and prolonged cooking without breaking down, which is perfect for canning fruit preserves, pie fillings, and sauces. When cooked, it thickens liquids without becoming cloudy or gummy, giving your canned goods a nice, clear appearance and smooth texture.

Why I Choose Clear Jel for Canning

From my experience, Clear Jel is the safest thickener for canning because it won’t break down during the heat processing stage. Unlike regular starches, which can thin out or separate after canning, Clear Jel maintains a consistent thickness. This means your jams and pie fillings stay just as luscious after sitting on the shelf for months.

Types of Clear Jel: Regular vs. Instant

There are two main types of Clear Jel available: Regular and Instant. Regular Clear Jel requires cooking to activate its thickening properties, while Instant Clear Jel can thicken liquids without heat, making it handy for no-cook recipes or quick thickening.

  • Regular Clear Jel: I prefer this for most of my canning projects because it produces a more stable, glossy finish. It needs to be cooked with your fruit mixture before canning.
  • Instant Clear Jel: This is convenient if you want to thicken a sauce or pie filling without cooking it first, but it may not always hold up as well for long-term canning.

How Much Clear Jel to Use

In my recipes, I typically use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of Clear Jel per quart of fruit filling or juice. It’s important not to overuse it because too much thickener can make your preserves overly stiff or gummy. Start with less, and adjust as needed based on the fruit’s natural juice and your desired consistency.

Where to Buy Clear Jel

Clear Jel isn’t always easy to find in regular grocery stores, so I usually purchase it online or from specialty baking supply stores. Look for brands that specify “for canning” to ensure you’re getting the right product. Some well-known brands include Knox and other food-grade modified starches labeled as Clear Jel.

Tips for Using Clear Jel in Canning

  • Mix with sugar first: I always combine Clear Jel with sugar before adding it to fruit juice or puree. This helps prevent clumping.
  • Cook thoroughly: For Regular Clear Jel, cook the mixture until it thickens and appears translucent before filling jars.
  • Avoid freezing: Clear Jel thickened products are best canned or refrigerated. Freezing can sometimes change the texture.
  • Follow tested recipes: Because canning requires precision for safety, I always use trusted recipes that include Clear Jel to ensure proper acidity and consistency.

Final Thoughts

Using Clear Jel has made my canning projects much more successful and enjoyable. It’s a reliable thickener that stands up to the heat and storage conditions of canning, giving me confidence that my preserves will have the right texture every time. If you’re serious about canning fruit fillings or pie preserves, Clear Jel is definitely worth adding to your pantry.

Author Profile

Jason Davis
Jason Davis
I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.

Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.