Proper food preservation is both an art and a science, and it all starts with the right container. Canning jars are the cornerstone of long-term storage, allowing you to capture the bounty of your garden or a great grocery sale for months to come. The right jar ensures a perfect seal, keeping your food safe and flavorful.
With so many options available, from trusted heritage brands to modern designs, selecting the best jars for your needs is crucial. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting eight excellent choices for canning, fermenting, and pantry organization. We have considered factors like durability, seal quality, and versatility to help you make an informed decision for your kitchen.
The Best Canning Jars for Your Pantry
- Wide Mouth Mason Jars 32 oz [6 Pack]
- FRUITEAM 16 oz 8 Pack Mason Jars
- VERONES Mason Jars 12 OZ, 15 PACK
- Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz [10 Pack]
- Paksh Novelty Mason Jars – 6-Pack
- Ball Regular Mouth 16-Ounces Mason Jar
- Ball Regular Mouth Quart Mason Jars
- Kerr Wide Mouth Half Gallon Glass Jars
Wide Mouth Mason Jars 32 oz [6 Pack]
For those who process larger items like whole fruits, pickles, or substantial vegetable batches, this 6-pack of 32-ounce wide-mouth jars is an ideal choice. The wide opening makes filling and cleaning remarkably straightforward. Embossed measurement markings and a designated label line help you track contents and processing dates with precision, which is essential for successful long-term storage.
Constructed from durable, heat-tempered soda-lime glass made in America, these jars are built to withstand the rigors of water bath canning. They are also USDA-approved and toxin-free, ensuring your food’s safety. The time-tested sealing compound on the lids is designed to create a reliable airtight seal every time, and the jars are safe for use in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher.
FRUITEAM 16 oz 8 Pack Mason Jars
If visual appeal is as important as function, the FRUITEAM pint jars with their quilted crystal design are a fantastic option. The diamond pattern adds a touch of elegance, making them suitable for canning as well as for displaying homemade gifts, wedding favors, or pantry staples. This 8-pack is perfectly sized for sauces, jams, and honey.
The jars are crafted from high-quality, food-grade, and lead-free glass that is brilliantly clear to showcase your preserved goods. For a secure seal, the metal lids are lined with plastisol, which helps prevent rust and decay. This feature contributes to a reliable, airtight, and leakproof environment, keeping your food fresher for longer. The glass jars are completely dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
VERONES Mason Jars 12 OZ, 15 PACK
For preserving smaller batches or creating beautiful gift sets, the value of a 15-pack cannot be overstated. These 12-ounce jelly jars from VERONES are perfect for jams, honey, molasses, and other condiments. The smaller size is also excellent for testing new recipes without committing to a large batch.
The jars are made from thick glass and come with food-safe, corrosion-resistant lids that meet certified safety standards. Each lid uses a time-tested airtight sealing compound to help ensure a quality seal for preserving and canning. The non-porous nature of glass means it won’t absorb food, germs, or odors, making these jars also suitable for fermenting kombucha or sourdough starter. They are safe for refrigerator and freezer use.
Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz [10 Pack]
![Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz [10 Pack]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/418qy+VyK7L._SL500_.jpg)
This 10-pack of 16-ounce wide-mouth jars offers excellent versatility and quantity for the avid home preserver. The wide mouth design simplifies the process of packing in foods like pickles or chopped vegetables and makes spooning out contents later much easier. Embossed measurements and a label line aid in organization and accurate record-keeping.
Like their larger counterpart, these jars are made in America from USDA-approved, toxin-free soda-lime glass. The heat-tempered construction provides the durability needed for water-bath canning, and the jars are safe for the microwave and dishwasher. The airtight seal, achieved with a proven sealing compound, is key for preserving and storing food for extended periods, with guidance provided for both refrigeration and freezing.
Paksh Novelty Mason Jars – 6-Pack
Adding a decorative element to your pantry, these Paksh Novelty jars feature a smooth hobnail texture that is both easy to grip and visually appealing. The design makes them a great dual-purpose jar, equally at home holding preserved foods or serving as rustic decor, candle holders, or wedding favors.
Beyond their looks, they are functional kitchen tools. The jars are made from upgraded soda-lime glass that is food-grade and lead-free, ensuring safety for your stored foods. The self-sealing lids are lined with plastisol to help avoid rust, contributing to an airtight and leakproof seal. This makes them reliable for canning a variety of foods, from pickles to sauerkraut, helping you maintain a well-stocked and healthy pantry.
Ball Regular Mouth 16-Ounces Mason Jar
When it comes to canning, the Ball brand is a time-honored name that home cooks trust. This 12-unit set of regular mouth 16-ounce jars is a classic choice for preserving. The regular mouth size is often preferred for liquids and smaller items, helping to minimize headspace and create a secure seal.
These jars are ideal for preserving sliced fruits, vegetables, pickles, and tomato-based juices or sauces. As a staple in the canning world, they are designed to work seamlessly with the standard two-piece lid system for a reliable preserve. An important feature for many users is that these jars are BPA-free, providing additional peace of mind for food safety during long-term storage.
Ball Regular Mouth Quart Mason Jars
For preserving larger quantities of your harvest, quart-sized jars are indispensable. This 12-count set of regular mouth quart jars from Ball is perfect for canning whole or halved fruits, vegetables, and large batches of pickles or sauces. The substantial capacity helps you process more food in fewer jars, optimizing your canning sessions.
The regular mouth design is a classic that many experienced canners prefer for its proven track record in creating a strong seal. As a product from Ball, you benefit from the consistency and reliability that the brand is known for. These jars are a workhorse in the kitchen, designed specifically for the rigors of home canning and ensuring your preserved foods remain secure for the long term.
Kerr Wide Mouth Half Gallon Glass Jars
When you need to store very large quantities, half-gallon jars are the ultimate solution. This 6-count set of wide-mouth jars from Kerr, another trusted name in home preserving, is excellent for storing dry goods, brewing sun tea, or fermenting large batches of kombucha or pickles. The immense capacity is perfect for bulk storage.
The wide mouth is particularly beneficial for these large jars, making it easy to fill them and remove contents with ease. While their use in pressure canning may have specific guidelines, they are incredibly versatile for fermentation and dry storage. Built with the same quality and attention to detail that Kerr is known for, these jars are a robust and practical choice for any serious home storage enthusiast.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Canning Jars for Long-Term Storage
When I first started canning, I thought any old jar would do. I quickly learned that for safe, long-term food storage, the jar itself is the most important piece of equipment. Choosing the right canning jars for long-term storage isn’t just about size; it’s about safety, durability, and functionality. Here’s what I look for.
First and foremost, you need to think about the jar material. Glass is the only way to go for home canning. It’s non-reactive, meaning it won’t interact with acidic foods like tomatoes or pickles, and it doesn’t retain flavors or odors. I always look for clear, annealed (tempered) glass that can handle the thermal shock of going from a boiling water bath or pressure canner to a cooling countertop. Some jars are made with a slight tint, like amber, which can help block light and preserve food quality, but clear glass lets me easily inspect the contents for any issues.
The next big decision is the lid system. The classic two-piece lid, consisting of a flat metal disc with a sealing compound and a separate screw band, is the gold standard for a reason. The flat lid creates the vacuum seal, while the band only holds it in place during processing. You must use new flats every time for a safe seal, but the bands and jars are reusable. I also keep an eye out for specialty jars that use innovative, reusable lid systems. These can be a great eco-friendly option, but I always make sure they are explicitly rated for canning and not just for dry storage.
Size and shape are more important than you might think. I have a collection of various sizes because different foods call for different jars. Wide-mouth jars are my go-to for whole fruits, pickles, and anything chunky because they are so much easier to pack. Regular mouth jars are perfect for jams, jellies, and liquids. When considering capacity, think about how you’ll use the food. Half-gallon jars are fantastic for apple juice or pickles for a large family, while half-pint jars are ideal for gift-giving or for condiments. I avoid odd shapes with narrow necks or excessive curves, as they can be difficult to clean and may not heat evenly during processing.
Finally, I inspect every jar before I use it. I run my finger along the rim to feel for any nicks, cracks, or irregularities. Even a tiny flaw can prevent a proper seal, leading to spoilage. The jar should feel sturdy and have a smooth, even shape. While brand-name jars from companies like Ball and Kerr are consistently reliable, I’ve had good luck with some generic ones, but I am extra vigilant about checking their quality. Investing in good jars is an investment in your food safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between regular mouth and wide-mouth canning jars?
The difference is exactly what it sounds like: the size of the opening. Regular mouth jars have an opening of about 2.5 inches, while wide-mouth jars have an opening of about 3.5 inches. This might not seem like a big deal, but it changes everything when you are packing food. I use wide-mouth jars for anything large or awkwardly shaped, like peach halves, whole pickles, or asparagus spears. They are much easier to fill and empty. Regular mouth jars are perfect for liquids, jams, and cut-up pieces where a wide opening isn’t necessary. Both are excellent for long-term storage; it just depends on what you’re putting inside.
Can I reuse jars from store-bought products like pasta sauce for canning?
I strongly advise against this. While it might seem economical, jars from commercial products are not designed for the repeated thermal stress of home canning. The glass may be thinner or of a different composition, making them more likely to crack or shatter in a boiling water bath or pressure canner. Furthermore, the rims may not be perfectly standardized to form a secure seal with two-piece canning lids. For your safety, it’s best to use jars that are specifically manufactured for home canning. You can, however, safely reuse those commercial jars for dry storage, crafts, or drinking glasses.
How long will home-canned food actually last?
When properly processed and stored, home-canned food can be safe to eat for well over a year. For the best quality, most sources, including the National Center for Home Food Preservation, recommend using it within 12 to 18 months. The food doesn’t suddenly “go bad” after this time, but its color, texture, and nutritional value will gradually decline. I always use the oldest jars first and practice the “first in, first out” method. A proper seal and storage in a cool, dark, dry place are the keys to maximizing the shelf life of your canned goods.
Why did my jar not seal, and what should I do with it?
A failed seal is frustrating, but it happens to everyone. Common reasons include a food residue on the jar’s rim, a scratched or chipped rim, a defective lid, or not tightening the screw band to “fingertip tight” before processing. If I find an unsealed jar after it has cooled, I simply refrigerate it immediately and use the food within a few days. You cannot reprocess the food after 24 hours have passed since the initial canning, as the quality and safety will have been compromised. The food is still perfectly good; it just needs to be treated as a refrigerated item.
Is it necessary to sterilize jars before canning?
This depends on your processing time. If you are processing your filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes or more, the processing time will sterilize both the jars and the food. However, if your recipe calls for a processing time of less than 10 minutes, you must sterilize the empty jars first by boiling them for 10 minutes. I always sterilize my jars if I’m making jams or jellies that often have shorter processing times. It’s a simple extra step that ensures everything is perfectly clean and safe for your long-term storage projects.
Can all foods be stored in canning jars, or are some methods better than others?
Canning jars are incredibly versatile, but the preservation method must match the food. High-acid foods like fruits, pickles, and jams are perfect for the boiling water bath method. Low-acid foods like vegetables, meats, and soups must be processed in a pressure canner to reach the high temperatures needed to destroy botulism spores. I also use my canning jars for freezer jams and for dry storage of items like beans, rice, and flour. For dry storage, you don’t need to process the jars; just ensure the food is dry and the lid is on tight to keep out moisture and pests.