mine dry to a whitish, clearish,,,,,occasionally they will dry yellow, depending on the stick,,,,
which is one of the reasons I use them sparingly if at all, usually only on altered projects as opposed to scrapping,,,,,,,,they're not acid free either,,,,,
someone would make a fortune if they could come up with an acid free clear drying hot glue!
when the glue stick has been out and about for a long time (as in the stick is taking too long to sell) it loses the white color and begins to get yellow when it dries. it's supposed to dry clear, but after some time (months) it gets a yellow tinge to it...
I don't know because I don't like to use hot glue! BUT, wanted to post this: If you want a good, fast-grab, colorless alternative in a bottle you need to try Fabri Tac by Beacon Adhesives. I use it for everything!