Why Mason Jars Are the Only Food Storage Container for Me (2024)

I hate to be that millennial, but I would be nothing without Mason jars. Don't roll your eyes at me! These airtight glass jars can stir a visceral reaction for some people because my generation turned this common canning tool into a chic, just-add-string-lights Pinterest aesthetic. Well, I am here to defend these jars, not only because I find them stylish and attractive, but because they are practical, functional, affordable, sustainable, and multi-purposeful. Those are a lot of positive adjectives, huh? Let me explain.

They're Affordable

It's easy to get a little carried away with your storage containers. In fact, they can start to cost you a pretty penny if you're buying a few different sets. A basic 12-count package of pint-sized Mason jars costs less than $15 (though prices can vary depending on where you buy), whereas fancy Tupperware-style storage sets can run upwards of $40 or $50.

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They're Easy to Store

One of my biggest grievances with plastic container sets is that it is borderline impossible to keep track of all the corresponding lids and containers. Regardless of how organized you are in other areas, it is tricky to keep an orderly Tupperware cabinet. This is just a fact of life. Mason jars are great because all of the lids are the same size (except for the wide-mouth jars, which have a different sized lid). This means it's much easier for me to pair a lid with a jar and get on with my day. Personally, I store my Mason jars in a cabinet with their lids already screwed on so that when I need one, I don't have to spend 30 minutes digging through my kitchen to find a matching lid.

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They're Versatile

One perk of Mason jars that we don't discuss near enough is their versatility. Fancy Tupperware sets are good for one thing and one thing only — storing or transporting food. Mason jars can not only store and transport food, but they can also act as a co*cktail shaker, a co*cktail/water glass, table decor, or an airtight vessel for canning/pickling. You can even make butter or whipped cream in a Mason jar. Get crafty with your jars and use them as a pencil holder on your desk, plant some herbs in them, or turn them into a candle. The options are seriously limitless.

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One of my favorite uses for Mason jars is storing dry goods. Anything from nuts to grains to flours to spices — sometimes the boxes that they're packed in just don't last, so I'll transfer them to a sturdy Mason jar. Not only do I love the look of it, but I know that whatever is in there will stay protected and fresh. If you have a label maker, it's always a great idea to label the jar so that you can remember what's inside of it.

They're Durable and Sustainable

One of my biggest pet peeves is when you let that curry dish or tomato-based pasta sit for just a few days too long in your plastic storage containers, and now the plastic is stained the color of that dish forever. Because Mason jars are made of glass, you don't need to worry about this happening. They're built to last, unlike your plastic containers, which have probably cracked or torn at some point.

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Remember, just because Starbucks took away plastic straws doesn't mean that ordering a venti iced coffee is the extent of what you can do to help our planet. Glass is a much more sustainable option than plastic — plus, it will fare much better in your dishwasher and microwave. (But not the metal lid, of course.)

Which Mason Jars Should I Buy?

Have I convinced you that the only storage vessels you need from here out are Mason jars? If so, I would start with a 12-pack of pint-sized Mason jars. These can hold salads, oatmeal, pasta, grains — whatever it is that you need sealed up. If you want a smaller option for dressings, sauces, or spice storage, these 4-ounce jars can be quite handy. If you want a bigger option for large volume storage options, a few 32-ounce jars are also convenient to have on hand. Ultimately, you should pick the Mason jars that speak to you — they are available in different sizes, colors, and patterns (the quilted jars are always a fun look). So say goodbye to your cumbersome plastic Tupperware sets that never seem to store properly and the lids somehow always manage to walk off. The Mason jar life awaits you.

Ball Glass Mason Jar with Lid and Band, Regular Mouth, 12 Jars

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Ball 4-Ounce Quilted Crystal Jelly Jars with Lids and Bands, (6 Jars)

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Ball Mason Jar-32 oz. Clear Glass Wide Mouth - Set of 4

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SUNNOW Vastto 15-Ounce Chromatic Engraved Mason Jar with Lid and Band, Set of 6

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Verones Mason Jars 12-oz, set of 15

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Why Mason Jars Are the Only Food Storage Container for Me (2024)

FAQs

Why Mason Jars Are the Only Food Storage Container for Me? ›

They're Easy to Store

Are mason jars good for food storage? ›

Mason jars are more than just glass mugs that are used for storage. Their versatility made them great players in restaurant services, dessert bars, and even domestic households. The storage magic, however, lies in its finely engineered lid, where the tinsmith made sure of airtight properties.

What is special about a Mason jar? ›

A Mason jar, also known as a canning jar, preserves jar or fruit jar, is a glass jar used in home canning to preserve food. It was named after American tinsmith John Landis Mason, who patented it in 1858. The jar's mouth has a screw thread on its outer perimeter to accept a metal ring or "band".

What is the purpose of a Mason jar in regards to food? ›

Standard Mason-style canning jars have been used for home food preservation for decades. Over the years, people have found creative uses for mason jars and even incorporated them into their home décor. With this came a demand for more-stylish and unique mason jars.

Why do we store food in jars? ›

By storing food in storage jars, they stay fresh and organized for longer periods. Moreover, storage jars protect the contents from insects and moisture, which is especially helpful in warm and humid weather.

How long will food last in a mason jar? ›

The general guideline is to can only the amount of food that will be used within one year. The food will be safe as long as the jar remains sealed, if it has been properly canned. However, the quality of the food deteriorates the longer it is in storage, i.e., a change in texture, color and flavor.

Should I throw away mason jars? ›

Glass Is Infinitely Recyclable

Glass is one of the most recyclable items on the planet. It can be broken down and upcycled infinitely without losing strength, purity or quality. The glass containers used to hold food and beverages in particular are usually 100% recyclable.

Why do people like mason jars so much? ›

They're Easy to Store

Mason jars are great because all of the lids are the same size (except for the wide-mouth jars, which have a different sized lid).

What is the lifespan of a Mason jar? ›

Mason Canning Jars

Mason glass jars are designed to be reused. Canning jars have a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years. You will discover more breakage after that because of the wear and tear of normal use. Each time a jar is used and exposed to heat, it is subject to stress.

What makes mason jars different? ›

Mason jars are glass jars that have an airtight screw-on lid specifically made for home canning and preserving. These lids have a unique design which includes two parts that help seal the jars shut when subjected to heat through a water bath canner or a pressure canner.

Can you put hot drinks in mason jars? ›

One Mason jar is completely multifunctional and perfect for both your morning cup of hot coffee or your afternoon cold brew. Unlike most tumblers and travel mugs, Mason jars are nonplastic, nontoxic, nonreactive glass.

Can I put hot food in mason jars? ›

Yes, it's safe to put hot soup in a Mason jar—under certain conditions. Mason jars can crack or break if not handled correctly.

Why do mason jars have two lids? ›

Why does Mason have two-part lids? The Mason brand decided to create two-piece lids to make their jars suitable for canning and preserving. By adding this style of lid, people were able to reuse the same can rings endlessly, without needing to replace the entire jar each time.

What are the benefits of a Mason jar? ›

They're great for storage. Glass jars are good for storing foods in the refrigerator or pantry, particularly since they're airtight and watertight. They'll hold the layers of a salad or composed meal intact, and because they're clear, you can easily see what's inside.

Do veggies last longer in mason jars? ›

Store vegetables in air-tight glass jars

Keeping vegetables like carrots, celery, asparagus and radishes in an air-tight glass jar, filled with water is an easy solution to keeping them as fresh as possible. Not to mention they'll taste better!

Why do you store jars upside down? ›

By turning the jar upside down, that surface where a mould may have landed when you opened the jar is now squashed against the lid without much air and it will find it more difficult to grow.”

Can you preserve food in mason jars? ›

Water bath canning can be done using mason jars. This process is specifically for high-acid foods such as jams, jellies, salsas, pickles, and fruits in syrup. The method involves submerging your jars in boiling water and ensures that the highly acidic contents become shelf-stable.

Are mason jars considered airtight? ›

What Are Mason Jars? Mason jars are glass jars that have an airtight screw-on lid specifically made for home canning and preserving. These lids have a unique design which includes two parts that help seal the jars shut when subjected to heat through a water bath canner or a pressure canner.

Can you store dehydrated food in mason jars? ›

While that is true, I personally try to eat my dehydrated foods within about five years for maximum nutrition, texture, and taste. There are a few ways you can store dehydrated foods to extend the shelf life. The first is by using a mason jar, canning lid, and a canning jar sealing kit.

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