Thickener | Gluten Free Vegan Vegetarian Low Fat Low Sodium

Clear Jel

Modified Food Starch Allergen-Free
Clear Jel

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae (corn)
  • Primary Cuisine Western
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Corn starch

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

A modified corn starch used as a superior thickener for pies and sauces, offering clarity and stability without breaking down.

Sensory Profile

TasteNeutral
TextureSilky (when cooked), Powder
AromaNone
AcidityNeutral

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 tbsp (8g)
Calories357 kcal
Total Fat0 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0 g
Total Carbohydrate89 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium1 mg
Iron0.05 mg
Potassium3 mg

Chef’s Secret

For fruit pies, Clear Jel prevents weeping and maintains a clear, glossy filling, even after freezing and thawing.

Substitutions

Best Match

Cornstarch

2:1 (Clear Jel:Cornstarch)

Good for thickening, but sauces may become cloudy and break down under acidity/freezing.

Tapioca Starch

1:1

Provides good clarity and slight chewiness, but less tolerant to prolonged heat than Clear Jel.

Arrowroot Powder

1:1

Great for clear, glossy sauces, but breaks down with prolonged high heat and dairy.

All-Purpose Flour

3:1 (Clear Jel:Flour)

Requires longer cooking to remove raw flour taste; makes sauces opaque.

Buying Guide

Purchase food-grade Clear Jel, typically found in canning or specialty baking sections.

Flavor Pairings

Fruit pies gravies sauces jams preserves

Recipes Using Clear Jel

Apple Pie Filling With Clear Jel image 124
60 Minutes Or Less Pies Canning Water Bath

Apple Pie Filling With Clear Jel

This legendary apple pie filling recipe, perfected by Penn State home cooks, is a game-changer! Say goodbye to messy prep work – this recipe makes a HUGE batch, saving you time and effort. Perfect for holiday baking or whenever you crave that warm, comforting taste of homemade apple pie. Get ready for the most delicious, perfectly thickened apple pie filling you've ever tasted!

See Complete Recipe