They are somewhat the same thing, modified and reprocessed corn starch. Just different types of corn are used and the refinement process is a little different.

The waxy maize varieties used to make the Thermflo are higher in carbs and pH. Clear Jel is manufactured from standard corn varieties and so lower in carbs, a bit higher in sugar content, and slightly lower in pH. It is the brand used in all the USDA testing and the recipe measurements specify the Clear Jel. But the choice is yours as to which you use. Note : there is some question as to whether they will measure the same given the difference in particle size.

Because the Clear Jel is more acidic and reported to be more refined it is supposedly less likely to break down during processing, has a bit more free-water binding ability, and it provides a bit more pH stability during long term storage. Otherwise, AFAIK they can be used interchangeably in most applications.

Both products seem to have their advocates and their detractors and then there are those of us who prefer to avoid using either because of the resulting texture and mouth feel. So what do you plant to use it for if you don't mind me asking?

Dave

Thanks for the advice! I had some in my canning cabinet that i picked up at an Amish bulk store. I usually use Clearjel for pie fillings but I am going to try the Thermflo since it is basically the same and since I have it on hand.

I agree with Dave, I don't much care for the "gelatinous goo" that I get with ClearJel or Thermflo. I usually just can the fruit without the thickener and then thicken the juice when I want to use the fruit.

However, I've used both and they both work fine, I couldn't really tell a difference in them, other than ClearJel has a "regular" and an "instant", but I only found one Thermflo, the cooked kind.

Annie

I am hoping to be able to use it to can food for my son who is a long haul trucker. I need to have the carb counts to compare. Although it would be difficult for me to send anything as bad for him as the fast food places in our truck stops these days.

My recipe for ketchup calls for cups of thermo flo but i have clear jel in my cubbard, can i use the clear jel cup for cup instead? Claudia

I really wish there was an answer to your question, as I have the same predicament as you. Want to make ketchup, recipe calls for thermflo, & I have Clear Jell on hand. I'm also wondering if you'd use equal amounts?