Before I started canning, I had never head of Clear Jel.
It wasn’t until I wanted to can apple pie filling that I first heard the term.
Turns out, Clear Jel is an important ingredient for pie fillings.
What Is Clear Jel?
Clear Jel is a modified corn starch that serves as an excellent thickening agent for pie fillings, soups, and sauces.
Unlike regular cornstarch or flour, Clear Jel is made to withstand the high temperatures associated with the canning process.
This ensures that it won’t break down or clump when heated, providing a smooth and consistent texture. Additionally, Clear Jel can handle a range of pH levels, resulting in a more stable end product.
There are two types of Clear Jel—regular and instant.
For canning, you should use the non-instant or regular type, as it is specifically formulated to hold up to the high temperatures involved.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Instant Clear Jel, while still useful for various culinary applications, is not suitable for canning due to its inability to maintain its thickening properties when heated to such high temperatures.
Why Clear Jel Is Used in Canning
Clear Jel as a Thickener
Clear Jel is a popular thickening agent used in canning recipes, as it offers consistent results when compared to alternatives like flour or cornstarch.
Its properties offer a smooth, clear consistency during the canning process, which can withstand high temperatures and maintain its texture.
Since it doesn’t clump, your canned products will maintain their quality and viscosity, ensuring a visually appealing finished product.
Heat Penetration and Clear Jel
A key aspect of the canning process is achieving proper heat penetration to kill bacteria and other contaminants. Clear Jel allows for better heat penetration due to its resistance to clumping.
This ensures that the heat is evenly distributed throughout the contents of the jar, enhancing the safety and efficiency of the canning process.
Effects on Consistency
Clear Jel ensures that your canned items have a smooth texture. The modified corn starch in Clear Jel does not break down during the canning and eventual baking process—which means no runny pies!
Applications of Clear Jel in Home Canning
One of the primary applications for Clear Jel is in creating delicious fruit pie fillings, such as apple pie filling, peach pie filling, and other fruit-based dessert fillings.
As a thickener, it’s natural to wonder if you can use Clear Jel for jams and jellies, but the answer is no. Clear Jel is not an adequate substitute for pectin.
Although you won’t see me buying many “one use” products, Clear Jel is an exception. It really is only good for one purpose as it relates to canning—and that purpose is pie filling.
With that said, Clear Jel does have applications in baking. In fact, baker’s love it for creating creamy toppings for cakes and pastries. If you were to use it for that, you’d want to buy the instant kind.
How Clear Jel Compares to Other Thickeners & Why They May Not Be Safe for Canning
Clear Jel and Cornstarch
Regular cornstarch tends to clump when heated, resulting in an uneven distribution of heat and a potentially unsafe product (because heat may not be able to penetrate it thoroughly).
Tapioca vs Clear Jel
Tapioca is another thickener sometimes used in cooking, but like cornstarch, it is not recommended for canning. The issue with tapioca is that it can break down during the canning process, losing its thickening properties.
Clear Jel’s stable consistency, even when heated, makes it a more reliable option for thickening in canning.
Clear Jel and Gelatin
Gelatin, commonly used for gelling and thickening in recipes, is not suitable for canning. The reason for this is that gelatin’s structure weaken over time, resulting in a liquidy product.
Permaflo, Thermflo, and Clear Jel
Permaflo® and Thermflo® are alternative thickeners used in various applications. While they may be suitable in certain situations, it’ i’s important to note that Clear Jel is specifically recommended by the USDA and the National Center for Home Food Preservation for canning pie fillings.
FREE FOOD STORAGE PLAN!
Does gathering and storing a year’s worth of food for your family seem overwhelming and unachievable?
Make it easy with our step-by-step plan. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter & we’ll send it to you FREE!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between Clear Jel and pectin?
Yes, there is a difference between Clear Jel and pectin. Clear Jel is a modified corn starch made to withstand the heat of canning, and is used as a thickener in recipes, especially for pie fillings. It creates a smooth and thick consistency, with no clumping issues. On the other hand, pectin is a natural gelling agent derived from fruits, commonly used in making jams and jellies. Pectin helps jam set and maintain its texture.
Are Clear Jel and Sure Jell interchangeable?
Clear Jel and Sure Jell are not interchangeable. Clear Jel is a modified corn starch used as a thickener in canning recipes, particularly for pie fillings. Sure Jell, also known as fruit pectin, is a gelling agent used in making jams and jellies to help them set. Each serves a specific purpose, and substituting one for the other will likely result in an undesirable outcome in your canning project.
What can be used as a Clear Jel substitute in canning recipes?
For canning purposes, there is no tested, proven-safe substitute for Clear Jel. If you’re using Clear Jel for regular baking and cooking, you can use other thickeners such as regular cornstarch, tapioca, or even all-purpose flour as a substitute.
