What Are the Ingredients in Comstock Blueberries?

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Most Comstock blueberry pie fillings typically contain between five and six core ingredients, centered around preserved fruit. A precise understanding of what are the ingredients in Comstock blueberries is crucial for consumers mindful of sugar content, preservatives, and thickeners.

Quick Summary

The ingredients for Comstock blueberry pie filling vary by product line, but generally include blueberries, water, sugar or high fructose corn syrup, a starch-based thickener, and citric acid. Ingredient specifics differ between varieties like 'Original,' 'Simply,' and 'More Fruit.'

Key Points

Primary Components: The most common ingredients are blueberries, water, sugar, and a starch-based thickener.
Ingredient Variations: Comstock offers different product lines like 'Simply' and 'More Fruit,' which have slightly different formulations.
Sweetener Types: Depending on the product version, the sweetener can be sugar, liquid sugar, or high fructose corn syrup, while some options explicitly state 'no high fructose corn syrup'.
Thickener: Modified food starch or corn starch provides the desired pie filling consistency.
Flavor and Preservation: Citric acid is added to balance the sweetness with a tart flavor and extend shelf life.
Dietary Information: Some Comstock products are Kosher certified and emphasize no artificial flavors or preservatives.

Core Ingredients in Comstock Blueberry Pie Filling

At its foundation, Comstock blueberry pie filling is built on a simple list of ingredients, designed to create a sweet, thick, and flavorful product. While specific ingredient lists can vary slightly by product line (e.g., "Simply," "More Fruit"), the foundational components remain consistent. These generally include:

Blueberries: The primary ingredient, these are picked at their peak and preserved to provide the bulk of the product.
Water: Used to create the syrupy base that coats the fruit and helps achieve the right consistency.
Sweeteners: Sugar is a standard sweetener, but different versions may use various forms. Some older or different formulations might contain High Fructose Corn Syrup, while certain modern versions specifically advertise containing "no high fructose corn syrup".
Thickening Agents: Modified food starch or corn starch is used to thicken the mixture into the classic pie filling consistency.
Acidity Regulator: Citric acid is a crucial ingredient, added for both flavor and preservation. It provides a tartness that balances the sweetness and helps prevent spoilage.

Variations in Comstock's Blueberry Products

Comstock offers several blueberry pie filling variations, and the ingredients list for each can differ slightly. It's important to check the label for the specific product you're purchasing.

Comstock Simply Blueberry

This version often touts a more minimalist ingredient list, sometimes swapping out modified food starch for corn starch and typically avoiding high fructose corn syrup. This makes it an appealing option for those seeking a product with fewer processed additives.

Comstock More Fruit Blueberry

As the name suggests, this variant is formulated with a higher proportion of fruit compared to the original recipe. The ingredients generally include blueberries, water, sugar, modified food starch, and citric acid, often explicitly stating "no high fructose corn syrup".

Comstock Original Royal Blueberry

This version may differ in its sweetener. For example, some formulations of the "Original Royal" have included high fructose corn syrup. It's a reminder that checking the specific product's label is essential, as manufacturers can update formulas over time.

Comparison of Comstock Blueberry Product Ingredients


Ingredient	Original	Simply	More Fruit
Blueberries	Yes	Yes	Yes (Higher Quantity)
Water	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sugar	Varies (often sugar, but sometimes HFCS)	Yes	Yes
High Fructose Corn Syrup	May contain	No	No
Thickener	Modified Food Starch	Corn Starch	Modified Food Starch
Citric Acid	Yes	Yes	Yes
Artificial Colors	Varies by specific formulation	No	No
Artificial Flavors	Varies by specific formulation	No	No

The Role of Each Ingredient in Pie Filling

Understanding why each ingredient is included can help a baker appreciate the science behind a quality canned product.

Blueberries: Provide the central flavor, texture, and color. By using fruit picked at its peak, the product aims for a consistent, high-quality flavor profile.
Sweetener (Sugar/HFCS): Sweeteners are vital for flavor and act as a preservative. The type of sweetener can influence sweetness levels and texture. For example, liquid sugar (a simple syrup) is sometimes used for a smooth consistency.
Modified Food Starch/Corn Starch: These starches prevent the filling from becoming a watery mess. They thicken the liquid as it heats, creating a cohesive, gel-like texture perfect for baking.
Citric Acid: This is an acidulant that performs two critical functions. First, it enhances the fruit's natural tartness, balancing the sweetness. Second, its acidity helps preserve the filling and prevents bacterial growth.

How to Use Comstock Blueberry Filling

Comstock blueberry filling is a versatile pantry staple, ready to be used in a variety of recipes. Here are just a few ideas:

Classic Blueberry Pie: Simply pour the filling into a prepared crust, top with a lattice or a solid crust, and bake.
Cheesecake Topping: Spoon the filling over a chilled cheesecake for an instant, colorful, and fruity topping.
Pancakes and Waffles: Warm the filling slightly and drizzle it over breakfast items for a decadent treat.
Blueberry Crumble or Crisp: Use the filling as the fruit base for a crumble or crisp recipe, topped with a buttery oat mixture.
Ice Cream Topping: For a quick and easy dessert, serve the filling over vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

While the specific ingredient list can change between product variations like 'Simply,' 'More Fruit,' and 'Original,' the foundational components of Comstock blueberry pie filling are straightforward: blueberries, water, a sweetener, a starch-based thickener, and citric acid. Understanding these core elements and their function empowers consumers to make informed choices based on dietary needs and recipe requirements. Always check the specific product label to confirm the exact contents. For those interested in home canning or other preservation methods, the principles of using a thickening agent and an acid to balance flavor are transferable.

For more detailed information on food additives and ingredients, the FDA website is an excellent resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the specific product. While some older or 'Original' formulations may have contained high fructose corn syrup, newer versions like 'More Fruit' and 'Simply' specifically state they do not.

The 'More Fruit' version contains a higher percentage of blueberries compared to the original formula. The 'Simply' version often uses corn starch as a thickener instead of modified food starch.

Yes, Comstock pie fillings are made with real blueberries picked at their peak ripeness. Some cheaper products from other brands have been known to use artificial 'blueberry bits,' but this is not the case with Comstock pie filling.

Based on the ingredients listed (blueberries, water, sugar, starch, citric acid), the product does not typically contain gluten. However, manufacturing processes can introduce cross-contamination. Always check the product label for specific allergen information or certifications.

Modified food starch is a processed food additive derived from corn, potatoes, or wheat that is altered to improve its thickening ability and stability. It gives the pie filling its characteristic gel-like consistency.

Before opening, the can should be stored in a cool, dry place. After opening, any unused portion should be refrigerated in a sealed container and used within a few days to maintain freshness.

Yes, it is a versatile product suitable for many uses. It can be used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, cheesecake, and ice cream, or as a fruit layer in crumbles and cobblers.