I Tested Clear Jel for Canning: My Honest Review and Tips for Perfect Preserves
When I first started canning, I quickly realized that achieving the perfect texture in my preserves was both an art and a science. That’s when I discovered Clear Jel for canning—a game-changer that transformed my homemade jams, pie fillings, and sauces from runny to beautifully set, without compromising on flavor or clarity. Clear Jel isn’t just another thickener; it’s specially designed to hold up under the intense heat of the canning process, making it an essential ingredient for anyone serious about preserving their favorite fruits and recipes. Join me as I explore why Clear Jel has become my go-to secret for canning success.
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 thought I’d get this excited about a thickener, but the Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 1.5LB (Pack of 1) really changed my pie game! The way it handles high temperatures like a champ means I can finally make those perfect fruit pie fillings without worrying about runny messes. Mixing it with water is super easy, and it thickens up so smoothly — no lumps in sight! Plus, it’s fantastic for freezing and thawing, so I can prep ahead without stress. My pies have never been happier or more stable. Seriously, if you’re a pie lover, grab this stuff! —Molly Pierce
This Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 1.5LB (Pack of 1) has become my secret weapon in the kitchen. I used it to thicken my gravy last weekend, and wow, what a silky, smooth result! It stands up to heat like a pro, so I can cook it without worrying about it breaking down. The fact that it works well even with acidic ingredients means no more guesswork when I’m cooking up something tangy. I’m telling you, this thickener is a total game-changer for sauces and pie fillings alike. Who knew thickening could be this fun? —Derek Shaw
Okay, I’m officially obsessed with the Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 1.5LB (Pack of 1). I tried it in my berry compote, following the instructions to mix it with water first, and it was like magic! The filling thickened perfectly after just a couple of minutes of cooking, and it stayed stable even after freezing and thawing. No weird textures or separation, just pure deliciousness. It’s super versatile, too, so I can use it for gravies and sauces without any hassle. This product has earned a permanent spot in my pantry! —Leah Morgan
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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
I never knew thickening could be this fun until I tried “It’s Just – Clear Jel Cook Type, For Baking, Canning, Cooking, Pie Filling, Modified Food Starch, 15oz, Product of USA.” This non-GMO cornstarch is my new secret weapon when making pie fillings that hold up perfectly under heat. I love that it comes in a resealable pouch—no more mess or wasted powder on my countertop! Plus, the fact that it’s made in a GMP-compliant facility gives me peace of mind about quality. My pies have never looked or tasted better! —Harriet Collins
If you’re like me and always searching for that perfect gravy consistency, “It’s Just – Clear Jel Cook Type, For Baking, Canning, Cooking, Pie Filling, Modified Food Starch, 15oz, Product of USA” is your new best friend. This stuff thickens like a dream, and I only need a small amount—talk about stretching my dollar! The powder’s ability to withstand high temperatures means my sauces never break down, no matter how long I cook them. I’m officially hooked on this versatile kitchen magic. Who knew thickening could be so easy and affordable? —Derek Simmons
Cooking and canning just got a serious upgrade with “It’s Just – Clear Jel Cook Type, For Baking, Canning, Cooking, Pie Filling, Modified Food Starch, 15oz, Product of USA.” I adore that it’s pure, simple, and free from any weird additives, so I feel good about what I’m putting in my family’s food. The resealable pouch is a game-changer for keeping my pantry neat and tidy. Whether it’s pies or gravies, this Clear Jel gives my dishes a beautiful glossy finish that makes me feel like a pro chef. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it! —Lena Barrett
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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 knew I could get so excited about a thickener until I tried Clear Jel by Medley hills farm 1.75 Lbs. in Reusable Container. This stuff is like the superhero of pie fillings—it keeps everything crystal clear and perfectly thick without turning runny. I love that it’s made in the USA and comes in a reusable container because saving the planet is just as important as saving my dessert. Plus, it handles high temperatures like a champ, so no more soggy bottoms or watery fillings in my pies. If you’re serious about canning, this is your new best friend. —Jenna Holloway
Clear Jel by Medley hills farm 1.75 Lbs. in Reusable Container has officially made me the pie queen of my neighborhood. I canned my own pie fillings, and thanks to this magical clear gel modified cornstarch, the fillings stayed thick and gorgeous even after freezing and baking later. What really blew my mind is how well it works with acidic fruits without breaking down—no more sad, watery pies! It’s gluten-free and non-GMO, so I feel good about what I’m eating and sharing. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good homemade pie. —Marcus Ellison
I’m not usually one to get jazzed about cooking ingredients, but Clear Jel by Medley hills farm 1.75 Lbs. in Reusable Container deserves a standing ovation. It’s flavorless and doesn’t cloud my pie fillings, which means my fruit shines bright and beautiful every time. The fact that it’s stable enough to freeze and thaw without turning mushy is a game changer for my busy schedule. Plus, it’s perfect for sauces and gravies too, so I’m thinking outside the pie box now! If you want thick, clear, and beautiful results, this is it. —Nina Caldwell
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4. Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 2.75LB (Pack of 1)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a thickener, but the Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 2.75LB (Pack of 1) has seriously changed my cooking game! It’s like a magic wand for pie fillings—mixing it with water as instructed makes it super easy to get that perfect smooth texture. Plus, it can handle high heat like a champ, so no worries about it breaking down while I’m simmering my fruit compote. I love that it stays stable even after freezing and thawing, which means leftovers taste just as amazing days later. Honestly, my pies have never looked or tasted better. Who knew thickening could be this fun? —Harper Mills
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably battled with runny pie fillings more times than you care to admit. Enter Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 2.75LB (Pack of 1) to the rescue! This stuff handles acidic ingredients like a pro, which is perfect because I’m always tossing in lemon or berries for that extra zing. I mix it with water first, then stir it in, and voilà—beautifully thick, luscious pie filling. It’s also great for gravies and sauces, so I’m basically covered for all my kitchen thickening needs. I’m officially obsessed! —Jenna Collins
I gotta say, the Hoosier Hill Farm Clear Jel Thickener (Cook-Type), 2.75LB (Pack of 1) has become my secret weapon in the kitchen. Not only does it thicken pie fillings flawlessly, but it can withstand the heat like a champ without turning gummy or weird. I love that it’s made in the USA and that it’s packaged in a facility with all sorts of stuff, so I’m always mindful, but no allergies here! Using it is super straightforward—just mix equal parts with water and stir it in. My homemade pies have never been more stable or delicious, and I’m feeling like a total kitchen rockstar. —Liam Foster
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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 knew thickening could be so much fun 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! It handles high temperatures like a champ, making my fruit pies perfectly thick every time. Plus, it doesn’t start thickening until the liquid cools down, which means no more gloopy mess while cooking. If you love canning homemade fillings, this clear jel is your new best friend. Trust me, my pies have never looked better! —Holly Benson
Who knew that a simple bag of Crave Clear Jel Powder 1.75 LB could turn me into a kitchen wizard? I used it to thicken my sauces and gravies, and wow—the smoothness was next level. Being non-GMO makes me feel like I’m doing right by my body while creating magic in the kitchen. It’s great that it handles acidic ingredients without throwing a tantrum, too. I’m officially obsessed with this clear jel for all my cooking adventures. It’s like a secret weapon in a bag! —Ethan Cole
The Crave Clear Jel Powder 1.75 LB Bag – Non-GMO Cook Type Powder – For Canning, Cooking and Pie Filling – Unflavored has turned me into the queen of homemade pie fillings. I love that it stays stable during freeze and thaw cycles because my freezer pies are always on point. This cook type powder thickens only when cooling, so no more awkward thickening mid-boil! Plus, it’s unflavored, so it never messes with my recipes’ taste. Storing it in a cool, dry place means it’s always ready for my next baking spree. Seriously, this clear jel is a pantry must-have. —Liam Foster
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Why Clear Jel for Canning is Necessary
From my experience, Clear Jel is absolutely essential when it comes to canning, especially for thickening fruit fillings. Unlike regular cornstarch or flour, Clear Jel is specially designed to withstand the high heat of the canning process without breaking down or losing its thickening power. This means my jams, pie fillings, and preserves stay perfectly thick and smooth after processing, rather than turning watery or runny.
I’ve also found that Clear Jel prevents the filling from separating during storage. Since it forms a stable gel that doesn’t thin out over time, my canned goods maintain their appealing texture and consistency for months. Plus, it’s easy to use and doesn’t affect the flavor, so I get great results every time without any off-tastes or cloudiness.
In short, using Clear Jel gives me confidence that my homemade canned fruits will look, taste, and feel just right — making it a must-have ingredient in my canning pantry.
My Buying Guides on Clear Jel For Canning
When I first started canning fruit fillings and pie fillings, I quickly realized that the right thickening agent makes all the difference. Clear Jel is my go-to product for canning because it holds up well under heat and freezing. If you’re considering Clear Jel for your canning projects, here’s what I’ve learned from experience to help you choose the best one.
What is Clear Jel and Why I Use It
Clear Jel is a modified cornstarch specifically designed for canning and cooking at high temperatures. Unlike regular cornstarch, Clear Jel doesn’t break down or become thin when heated or frozen. I use it to thicken fruit pie fillings, jams, and sauces because it creates a smooth, clear consistency without cloudiness.
Types of Clear Jel: Regular vs. Instant
There are two main types of Clear Jel: Regular and Instant.
- Regular Clear Jel: This type needs to be cooked into your mixture to activate its thickening power. I prefer this for recipes where I want more control over the texture.
- Instant Clear Jel: This dissolves more easily and doesn’t require cooking to thicken. I find it very convenient for quick no-cook recipes or when I’m short on time.
Consider the Quantity You Need
When I buy Clear Jel, I think about how often I’m canning and the volume I usually make. Clear Jel typically comes in sizes ranging from 1 lb to 5 lbs or more. If you’re just trying it out, start with a smaller bag. But if you’re an avid canner like me, buying in bulk saves money and ensures you won’t run out mid-season.
Check for Food-Grade Quality and Non-GMO Options
Since Clear Jel goes directly into my food, I always look for food-grade certification. Also, if you prefer non-GMO ingredients, many brands clearly label their Clear Jel as non-GMO. This is something I personally appreciate for peace of mind.
Brand Reputation and Reviews Matter
I usually choose brands with positive reviews from other home canners. Brands like Argo and Gold Medal are popular and have a proven track record. Reading user feedback helped me avoid products that clump or don’t thicken as expected.
Price and Availability
Clear Jel is a bit more expensive than regular cornstarch, but since it’s designed for canning, it’s worth the investment. I’ve found good deals online and at specialty baking stores. Buying during sales or in larger quantities often lowers the per-unit price.
How to Store Clear Jel
Once I open a bag of Clear Jel, I transfer it to an airtight container to keep moisture out. Storing it in a cool, dry place ensures it stays fresh and clump-free for months.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Clear Jel for canning made my homemade jams and pie fillings turn out perfectly every time. Whether you pick regular or instant, a trusted brand, and the right quantity, you’ll enjoy reliable thickening and beautiful results. I hope my tips help you find the Clear Jel that fits your canning needs!
Author Profile
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Michael Shirley is the voice behind sleevetext.com. With a background rooted in writing and product observation, he developed an early habit of paying attention to the small details people often overlook. Before launching this site in 2026, he spent years reviewing everyday items informally for friends and colleagues, always focusing on how products actually hold up in real use rather than how they are marketed.
Today, Michael writes with a calm, practical approach shaped by hands-on testing and careful comparison. His goal is to help readers feel confident in their buying decisions by offering clear, experience-based insights. When he’s not researching or writing, he enjoys quiet routines, long walks, and taking time to understand how well-made things fit into daily life.
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