What is the difference between Ultratex and Instant Clear Jel?

February 25, 2024 1:00 PM

Is Instant Clear Jel the same product as Ultratex , or are they different types of thickener?

They are both thickeners that don't require heating, but the ingredients just say "modified starch". It seems impossible to order Instant Clear Jel in the UK, but easy to obtain Ultratex, so I don't want to jump through hoops to get hold of the former if the latter is essentially the same thing.

I will be using it to thicken pie fillings that I don't want to heat up again, for reference.

posted by fanlight to Food & Drink (4 answers total)

It looks like Instant Clear Jel is generally corn (maize) starch where Ultra Tex is tapioca based. They're a little different but it depends on application, per this WaPo article that breaks it down.
posted by cobaltnine at 4:31 PM on February 25

Ultra Tex is tapioca based

The Ultratex that OP linked to is not tapioca. It's made from waxy maize (E1442), the same as Instant Clear Jel.

It looks like there are other products with similar names (like "Ultra-Tex 3") which are tapioca-based, though.
posted by bcwinters at 5:09 PM on February 25

They all seem to be "modified cornstarch" so you're probably okay, although the Hoosier Instant Clear Jel seems to be more modified than their normal Clear Jel. Maybe start with the non-instant form first?
posted by JoeZydeco at 5:24 PM on February 25

Ingredion makes both and has a contact option and chat function on their website, so you have the option of going straight to the source.

How they're described on the site:

INSTANT CLEARJEL® modified food starch is pregelatinized and derived from waxy maize. It has good heat and acid tolerance making it well suited for applications containing acid or those that require cooking or baking.

ULTRA-TEX® 1 starch is a cold water swelling starch derived from corn. Dispersions have a smooth, short texture, and outstanding stability for native thickener.
posted by jocelmeow at 12:04 PM on February 26