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If you’ve ever made homemade pie filling for canning, you’ve probably come across Clear Jel.
Clear Jel is a modified food starch that is specifically designed for canning. Unlike flour or cornstarch, it holds up to high heat and long processing times without breaking down.
If you want thick, glossy pie fillings that stay safe for shelf storage, Clear Jel is the ingredient you need.
What Is Clear Jel?
Clear Jel is a modified corn starch that has been specially processed to remain stable during canning.
Regular thickeners like flour and cornstarch can:
- break down during processing
- become watery over time
- interfere with safe heat penetration
Clear Jel, on the other hand:
- stays thick after processing
- creates a smooth, glossy texture
- is safe for water bath canning recipes
Why You Need Clear Jel for Canning
1. It Holds Up During Processing
Clear Jel won’t break down when exposed to high heat, which means your filling stays thick after canning.
2. It Prevents Runny Pie Filling
No more watery or separated filling—Clear Jel gives you that perfect consistency.
3. It’s Approved for Canning Recipes
Unlike cornstarch and flour, Clear Jel is considered safe for tested canning recipes.
Types of Clear Jel
There are two types of Clear Jel, and it’s important to use the right one:
Regular Clear Jel
- Best for canning
- Thickens when heated
- Used in pie fillings and sauces
Instant Clear Jel
- Thickens without heat
- Used for no-cook recipes
For canning, always use regular Clear Jel
How to Use Clear Jel
Clear Jel is typically mixed with sugar and then combined with liquid before heating.
Basic tips:
- Mix with sugar first to prevent clumping
- Stir constantly while heating
- Follow tested recipes for correct amounts
Where to Buy Clear Jel
Clear Jel isn’t usually found in regular grocery stores, but it’s easy to find online.
You can buy Clear Jel in bulk online, which is often more affordable if you do a lot of canning.
You can buy Clear Jel in bulk here
Recipes That Use Clear Jel
Clear Jel is most commonly used in:
- fruit pie fillings
- cobbler fillings
- fruit sauces for canning
Some of my favorites include:
- Strawberry pie filling
- Strawberry rhubarb pie filling
- Blackberry pie filling
- Blueberry pie filling
- Peach pie filling
More Canning Ingredient Guides
If you’re learning to can, these guides will help:
You can also browse all of my canning and preserving recipes here.
Follow my canning and preserving board on Pinterest.
