Clear Jel is sold at grocery stores, restaurant supply shops, and online retailers

Clear Jel is a modified cornstarch thickener made specifically for canning. Unlike regular cornstarch, it stays clear when heated and does not break down during the long storage times that canned goods sit on shelves. You can find it at most places that stock canning supplies, though availability varies by location and season.

The most reliable sources are grocery stores with dedicated canning sections (especially during summer months), online retailers that ship nationwide, and restaurant supply stores that sell to home canners. Prices typically range from $4 to $8 per pound, depending on where you shop and whether you buy in bulk.

Key Takeaways

  • Clear Jel is stocked year-round at online canning suppliers like Lehman's and Homesteading Family, with shipping to all states.
  • Grocery stores carry it most reliably during canning season (May through September), often in the baking aisle or canning section near pectin and jars.
  • Restaurant supply stores like Sysco and US Foods sell Clear Jel in bulk and sometimes to home canners, though policies vary by location.
  • Walmart and some Target locations stock Clear Jel seasonally, but availability is inconsistent and you may need to call ahead.
  • If your local stores are out of stock, online ordering takes three to seven business days and costs less per unit when you buy larger quantities.

Grocery stores and supermarkets

Most chain grocery stores carry Clear Jel during peak canning season, which runs from May through September. Look in the baking aisle near the flour and cornstarch, or in a dedicated canning section alongside pectin, lemon juice, and canning salt. Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and regional chains typically stock at least one brand during these months.

Availability drops sharply in winter and early spring. If you cannot find it on the shelf, ask the store manager—some locations keep it in the back or can order it for you. Calling ahead saves a trip. Expect to pay $5 to $7 per pound at most supermarkets.

Online canning suppliers

Online retailers are the most consistent source, especially if you live in an area where local stores do not stock it year-round. Lehman's Hardware (lehmans.com) carries multiple brands and ships within three to five business days. Homesteading Family (homesteadingfamily.com) and Backwoods Home Magazine's store also stock Clear Jel and ship nationwide.

Amazon carries Clear Jel from various sellers, though prices fluctuate and shipping times vary. Read the reviews carefully—some sellers list it as "in stock" when it is actually a pre-order. Buying in bulk (2 to 5 pounds at once) usually lowers the per-unit cost by $1 to $2 compared to single-pound purchases.

Restaurant supply stores

Sysco and US Foods are the largest restaurant suppliers in North America. Some locations sell to home canners without a business license, though policies differ by branch. Call ahead to confirm they carry Clear Jel and whether they accept walk-in customers. Prices are often lower than grocery stores because you are buying in larger quantities.

Smaller local restaurant supply shops may also stock it. These stores typically require you to show a business license or membership card, but some make exceptions for home canners. The advantage is that you can inspect the product before buying and avoid shipping costs.

Walmart and discount retailers

Walmart carries Clear Jel in many locations during canning season, usually in the baking or seasonal aisle. Availability is unpredictable—some stores stock it consistently, while others carry it only sporadically. Check the Walmart website or app to see if your local store has it in stock before you go.

Target stocks Clear Jel at some locations, but selection is limited and seasonal. Dollar General and similar discount chains rarely carry it. If you find it at these stores, prices are competitive with grocery stores, but do not count on it being there when you need it.

Bulk and specialty food stores

Natural food stores like Whole Foods and local co-ops sometimes stock Clear Jel, though not always. Bulk food stores that sell flour, sugar, and spices by the pound may carry it or be able to order it for you. Call ahead, as these stores often stock canning supplies only during peak season.

Specialty stores focused on home food preservation—if you have one in your area—are worth visiting. Staff at these shops understand canning and can answer questions about which brand works best for your recipe.

What to check before you buy

Clear Jel comes in two main types: Clear Jel (the standard version) and Clear Jel Cook-Up (which requires heating before adding to fruit). Make sure you buy the type your recipe calls for. The package label will specify which one it is.

Check the expiration date, especially if you are buying from a store's clearance shelf. Clear Jel stays fresh for several years in a cool, dry place, but older stock may have lost some thickening power. If you are buying online, confirm the seller ships to your state—a few states have restrictions on certain food additives, though Clear Jel is permitted in all 50 states for home canning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular cornstarch instead of Clear Jel?

No. Regular cornstarch breaks down during the long heating and storage times that canned goods go through. It will turn cloudy and may separate from the fruit. Clear Jel is chemically modified to withstand these conditions, so it is the only cornstarch product safe for canning.

How much Clear Jel do I need to buy?

Most pie and fruit recipes use 2 to 4 tablespoons per quart of fruit. A one-pound bag contains about 16 tablespoons, so one bag makes roughly four to eight quarts of canned fruit. Buy based on how much you plan to can this season—it stores well for years in a sealed container in a cool cupboard.

What if I cannot find Clear Jel anywhere locally?

Order online from Lehman's, Homesteading Family, or Amazon. Shipping takes three to seven business days. If you need it urgently, call local restaurant supply stores—they often have it in stock and may sell to home canners same-day if you visit in person.

Is there a difference between brands of Clear Jel?

The most common brand is Certo Clear Jel, made by the same company that produces liquid pectin. Other brands like Hoosier Hill Farm and store brands work the same way. All are modified cornstarch and perform identically in recipes. Choose based on price and availability.

Do I need to order in bulk to save money?

Buying 2 to 5 pounds at once usually costs $0.50 to $1.50 less per pound than single-pound packages. If you can with fruit regularly, bulk buying makes sense. If you only can once a year, a single pound is usually enough and the savings do not justify the extra storage space.