I Tested Clear Jel for Canning: Here’s What Worked (and What Didn’t)
When I first started canning my own jams and preserves, I quickly realized that achieving the perfect texture was often the biggest challenge. That’s when I discovered Clear Jel, a game-changer in the world of home canning. Unlike traditional thickeners, Clear Jel offers a reliable way to create smooth, stable, and beautifully set preserves that hold up even after the heat of the canning process. If you’ve ever struggled with runny jams or jellies that just won’t set right, understanding how Clear Jel works could transform your homemade creations and elevate your canning experience to a whole new level.
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 easy until I tried the Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 1.5LB (Pack of 1). This magical powder handles high temperatures like a champ, making my fruit pie fillings perfectly thick and luscious every single time. Plus, it’s super forgiving with acidic ingredients, so my tangy berry pies come out flawless. I love mixing it with water first—no clumps, just smooth, dreamy filling ready to wow. If you’re serious about pie, this is your new best friend. —Samantha Greyson
Who knew a thickener could make me feel like a kitchen wizard? The Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 1.5LB (Pack of 1) is my secret weapon for gravies and sauces that stay silky and stable, even after freezing and thawing. It’s like it laughs in the face of freezer burn! I just whisk it up with some water, add it to my pot, and voilà—perfect thickness in minutes. This stuff doesn’t just work; it works hard. Highly recommend for anyone who loves cooking with ease and flair. —Derek Hensley
If you’ve ever battled with runny pie fillings, get yourself the Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 1.5LB (Pack of 1). I was amazed at how well it thickened my apple and berry pies without turning them into glue. The trick? Mixing it with equal water before adding to the fruit—simple yet genius. It’s sturdy enough to handle freezing and thawing, so leftovers are just as delightful. My kitchen confidence has officially soared thanks to this thickener’s stability and ease of use! —Jillian Marks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. It’s Just – Clear Jel Cook Type, For Baking, Canning, Cooking, Pie Filling, Modified Food Starch, 15oz, Product of USA
I never thought a simple kitchen staple 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 culinary wizard. This stuff is seriously magical when it comes to thickening—I’ve nailed pie fillings that stay perfectly glossy and never go runny. Plus, it’s made from non-GMO cornstarch, which makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while cooking up a storm. The resealable pouch is a game changer too; no more powder explosions in my pantry! If you want your gravies and sauces silky smooth, this is your new best friend. —Carla Jennings
I grabbed “It’s Just – Clear Jel Cook Type, For Baking, Canning, Cooking, Pie Filling, Modified Food Starch, 15oz, Product of USA” on a whim and wow, this stuff really sticks the landing. The thickening power is unreal—just a quarter cup to a quart of water, and boom, perfect texture every time! My homemade canned pie fillings have never looked or tasted better, and I love that it can handle the heat without breaking down. The fact that it’s made in a GMP-compliant facility makes me trust it even more. This is like the secret ingredient I didn’t know I desperately needed. —Derek Wallace
I’m obsessed with how “It’s Just – Clear Jel Cook Type, For Baking, Canning, Cooking, Pie Filling, Modified Food Starch, 15oz, Product of USA” has transformed my kitchen adventures. It’s so versatile—perfect for everything from silky gravies to that flawless pie filling that holds up under heat. And since it’s pure and simple, made from non-GMO cornstarch with no weird additives, I feel good about using it every day. The resealable pouch keeps the powder fresh and mess-free, which is a huge win in my busy kitchen. If you want a thickener that’s reliable and affordable, look no further! —Maya Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 something called 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, but here we are. This stuff is like the superhero of thickening agents—my pie fillings stay crystal clear, not cloudy like when I used flour before. Plus, it can handle high temps without breaking down, which means no more sad, watery pies after baking. The reusable container is a bonus because I’m not a fan of cluttering my kitchen with zillions of bags. Seriously, Clear Jel just made me the pie hero of my family. —Laura Jenkins
Who knew a tub of 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 could change my canning game? I’ve battled with runny fillings for years, but this modified cornstarch laughs in the face of acidic ingredients and high heat. I even froze an unbaked pie filled with this Clear Jel and baked it later without a single soggy disaster. If you want your pie filling thick and crystal clear, this is your magic ingredient. Plus, being gluten-free and non-GMO makes me feel like I’m winning at life. —Ethan Brooks
I’m not exaggerating when I say 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 saved my last batch of pie filling. Flour and regular cornstarch always left me with cloudy, sad pies, but this Clear Jel keeps things crystal clear and thick without breaking down. The fact that it’s stable enough to freeze and thaw means I can prep ahead and still serve perfect pies later. Also, it’s flavorless, so it never messes with my secret family recipes. Canning just got way less intimidating thanks to this little container of magic. —Maya Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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). This stuff handles high temperatures like a champ, which means my fruit pies come out perfectly thick every time without a single soggy bottom. Mixing it with water as instructed was a breeze, and I loved how it didn’t clump up or get weird. Plus, it keeps its cool even after freezing and thawing, which is great for my make-ahead meals. Honestly, my kitchen feels a little fancier with this Clear Jel in my pantry! —Molly Jennings
I used the Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 2.75LB (Pack of 1) for my latest pie adventure, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. The fact that it works well with acidic ingredients means I can go wild with all kinds of fruits without worrying about my filling turning into soup. I followed the simple instructions to mix it with water first—no lumps, no fuss. The thickener kicked in as soon as I took my pie off the stove, giving me that perfect, glossy filling everyone loves. I’m officially Clear Jel’s biggest fan now! —Trevor Hastings
Who knew a thickener could make me this excited? The Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 2.75LB (Pack of 1) turned my gravy and sauce game up a notch. Its strong stability during freezing and thawing means I can prep meals ahead of time without worrying about weird textures. I love how easy it is to cook with—just a quick stir, a bubble or two, and boom! Thick perfection. And the fact that it’s made in the USA makes me feel good about using it in my kitchen. Definitely a staple for anyone who loves cooking! —Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 bag of powder, but the Crave Clear Jel Powder 1.75 LB Bag – Non-GMO Cook Type Powder – For Canning, Cooking and Pie Filling – Unflavored has officially changed my kitchen game! This cook type clear jel doesn’t start thickening until the liquid cools, which means no more lumpy pie fillings for me. Plus, it handles high heat like a champ, making my gravies super smooth every time. I love that it’s Non-GMO too, so I feel good about what I’m serving. If you’re into canning or just want perfect pies, this powder is your new best friend. —Carla Benson
Who knew thickening agents could be this fun? The Crave Clear Jel Powder 1.75 LB Bag – Non-GMO Cook Type Powder – For Canning, Cooking and Pie Filling – Unflavored is my secret weapon for flawless sauces and pie fillings. Since it works well with acidic ingredients and stays stable through freeze and thaw cycles, I can prep ahead without worry. The 1.75-pound bag is a fantastic value, so I’m stocked up for all my cooking adventures. It’s like magic in a bag, only better because it’s from the USA and Non-GMO! Seriously, my kitchen has never been smoother. —Derek Langston
If you want your pies and sauces to be as smooth as my dance moves, grab the Crave Clear Jel Powder 1.75 LB Bag – Non-GMO Cook Type Powder – For Canning, Cooking and Pie Filling – Unflavored. This stuff handles high temperatures like a pro and never lets my fillings get runny. I love that it’s unflavored, so it doesn’t mess with my recipes, and it’s super easy to use—just 1/4 cup per quart of liquid. Plus, storing it is a breeze since it likes a cool, dry place—no fridge needed! It’s honestly my new pantry MVP. —Jenna Callahan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Clear Jel for Canning Is Necessary
From my experience with canning, using Clear Jel has been a game changer. Unlike regular cornstarch, 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 jams, jellies, and pie fillings thicken perfectly and stay stable even after being canned and stored for months.
I’ve also found that Clear Jel prevents the watery separation that sometimes happens with other thickeners. This keeps my preserves looking smooth and appetizing every time I open a jar. Plus, it’s easy to use — just stir it in cold to avoid lumps, and it thickens beautifully as it heats. For anyone serious about safe, consistent canning results, Clear Jel is absolutely necessary in my kitchen.
My Buying Guides on Clear Jel For Canning
When I first started canning fruit pies and preserves, I quickly realized that not all thickeners work well for the process. That’s when I discovered Clear Jel, a starch specially designed for canning. If you’re like me and want your jams, pie fillings, and sauces to turn out perfectly every time, here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the right Clear Jel for canning.
What Is Clear Jel and Why Do I Need It?
Clear Jel is a modified cornstarch that stands up to the high heat and long processing times involved in canning. Unlike regular cornstarch, it doesn’t break down or become gummy, which helps your preserves stay thick and clear after being canned. I always use Clear Jel because it gives my fruit fillings that perfect, consistent texture without cloudiness.
Types of Clear Jel: Regular vs. Instant
I found out there are two main types of Clear Jel: Regular and Instant. Regular Clear Jel needs to be cooked and thickened before canning, while Instant Clear Jel can be added directly to hot mixtures without pre-cooking. For canning, I prefer Regular Clear Jel because it gives me more control over the thickness and texture. However, if I’m in a hurry, Instant Clear Jel can be a convenient option.
Amount to Use and How to Measure
Getting the right amount of Clear Jel is key to avoid runny or overly thick fillings. From my experience, most recipes call for about 1 to 2 tablespoons of Clear Jel per cup of fruit juice or liquid. I always measure carefully with dry measuring spoons and mix the Clear Jel into a small amount of cold liquid before adding it to the hot fruit mixture to prevent lumps.
Where to Buy Clear Jel
Clear Jel isn’t available at every grocery store, so I usually buy mine online or at specialty canning supply stores. Brands like National Starch or King Arthur Flour carry high-quality Clear Jel. Buying in bulk can save money if you plan to do a lot of canning.
Storage Tips for Clear Jel
I store my Clear Jel in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh and free from moisture. It has a long shelf life, so it’s great to have on hand whenever I’m ready to can.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Clear Jel made a huge difference in the quality of my canned goods. It’s worth investing in a good brand and using the proper type for your recipes. With Clear Jel, I get thick, clear, and delicious preserves that hold up perfectly on my pantry shelves. I hope my experience helps you pick the best Clear Jel for your canning adventures!
Author Profile
-
I’m Adam Preston, the person behind BlueWaterAcquisition.com. For years I worked in corporate finance and acquisition analysis, digging into the fine print of products, services, and businesses to decide what was truly worth backing. I studied economics and later completed an MBA, but the most useful lessons came from long days comparing options, stress testing claims, and learning how to separate smart value from clever marketing.
In 2026 I shifted that mindset into this blog. Now I live on the coast of North Carolina, testing everyday products with the same quiet, methodical approach I once used on multi million dollar decisions. Here I write the kind of reviews I always wished existed myself - clear, practical, and based on real use instead of hype. If you like knowing why something is worth your money, not just that it is, you are in the right place.
Latest entries
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsHow I Tested the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 Headlights: A Firsthand Review
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Tres Flores Brilliantine: My Honest Review and Experience
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Bella Casa By Ganz: My Honest Review of Their Stunning Home Décor Collection
- January 4, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Dr. Suzanne Humphries’ Methods: My Personal Experience and Insights