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15 Ways To Use Mason Jars In The Kitchen

August 20, 2014 by Lindsay 78 Comments

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Here are 15 ways to use mason jars in the kitchen. Everything from desserts to vases to food storage!

Hi Friends!

Today I thought we’d chat about mason jars for a bit. I was looking in my cupboard the other day and I realized that I have a TON of mason jars of all different sizes. Then I started thinking about all the different ways I use them. I made a list of some of my favorite uses and then did some research to put together a fun little list for you guys of ways you can use mason jars in the kitchen. There are tons of ideas out there because these jars can be used in pretty much any area of the house….but I didn’t want to make the list too overwhelming, so I thought I’d just focus on kitchen uses for this post.

Do you have a cabinet full of mason jars? Here are 15 ways to use them in the kitchen. Everything from drinks to salads to canning to herb gardens, the possibilities are endless.

First, a quick review of just a few reasons why I love mason jars:

  • They can be used for portion control.
  • They’re microwave and oven safe.
  • They’re BPA free!
  • They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors.
  • They’re relatively inexpensive.

I could go on an on…but let’s get to the list. Here are some easy ways to use mason jars in the kitchen:

how to sprout lentils

Sprouting beans, lentils and grains 

An easy way to boost the nutritional value and you can do it right in your kitchen! Check out my post on How To Sprout Lentils post to get started!

mason jar sweet potato mug cake
Single serve desserts

I almost always use a mason jar when I make my Microwave Sweet Potato Muffin! It’s the perfect way to avoid an overflow and leaves plenty of room to top with ice cream or yogurt! You can also use them to make parfaits, pies, custards and more. It’s super convenient because you can easily make individual portions and they can be baked right in the jars!

salad in a jar
Salads and Meals In A Jar 

These are perfect for packing in a lunch, picnic basket, etc. My friend Lauren wrote a Salad in a Jar post for me a couple of years ago with three yummy ideas to get you started. Put the dressing on the bottom and the lettuce on top to avoid sogginess and you can prep 4-5 salads at a time, store them in the fridge and have lunches ready for the week!

If you want to go beyond salad, Lexi just wrote a great post with some meal in a jar ideas like a Layered Taco Jar, Cajun Shrimp Jar and more! The possibilities are endless!

mason jar smoothie
Smoothies

Next time you make a smoothie, serve it up in a mason jar! The fact that they have lids make it easy to take one with you on the go! And in case you haven’t seen this cool trick, if you have the right kind of blender, you can attach your mason jar right to the blender, which means no blender jar clean-up for you! Check out this article for more details.

jars

Pantry Storage

Use jars to store pantry items like grains, pasta, beans, nuts and seeds. Larger mason jars can also be used for baking supplies like flour, sugar, chocolate chips, etc and even things like muffin tin liners!

flowers

Flower Vase

Brighten up your kitchen with a jar full of flowers. They make a perfect vase. Look for colored mason jars to add even more color to the room!

healthy cherry limeade
Serving drinks

There’s just something about drinking out of a mason jar that’s more fun than a regular cup! Try my Healthy Cherry Limeade if you don’t believe me! You can also use them to enjoy your coffee – hot or cold- or a fancy cocktail. Take things a step further and include the kiddos by turning a few mason jars into sippy cups! You can buy the lids or convert your own! If you like DIY projects, here’s an easy video about how to add a straw hole to your mason jar lid.

mason jar shaker

{Photo Source}

DIY Shaker

Make a couple of these and use them for things like chia & hemp seeds, powdered sugar, toothpicks and parmesan cheese. All you have to do is pound a few nail holes into the metal lid of a mason jar! Here’s a great tutorial to get you started.

veggies in a jar
{Image Source}

Individual Appetizers & Snacks

Again, these jars can be super helpful for portion control. Try serving up individual veggies and dip jars as an after school snack, or make some individual 7 layer dip jars as an appetizer for your next party! Keep in mind that the wide mouth mason jars are probably best for this!

window sill herb garden

{Photo Source}

Kitchen Herb Garden

Mason jars are the perfect size for growing fresh herbs in your kitchen. Here’s a great tutorial for getting started. Set them on your window sill to grow or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can grow them on your wall!

mason jar lid tarts

{Photo Source}

Lid Desserts

One of the more creative ways I’ve seen to use a mason jar, my friend Christina used the LIDS to make Mason Jar Lid Tarts!

dessert in a jar
Gifts In A Jar

Whether it’s layering dry ingredients for a pancake mix or a batch of cookies, filling a jar with trailmix (like my Blizzard Bites) or flipping things upside down and using the jars to deliver a cupcake or muffin, gifts in a jar are perfect for holiday gifts, parties, baby showers and more!

cranberry sauce jar
Store Your Leftovers

Mason jars are great for storing things like soup, sauces, broth, salsa, nut butters, etc in the fridge!

mason jar food storage

You can also use them to take the place of some of your plastic tupperware containers as you make the transition to all glass!

salad dressing
Salad Dressing

Store-bought dressings are often full of unnecessary ingredients. Make your own in a mason jar and store in the fridge. Make sure the lid is on tight and just give it a good shake before each use!

canning salsa
Canning

If you grow your own fruits and veggies or just like to stock up when they’re on sale at the farmer’s market or the grocery store, canning is a great way to store fresh produce and have it on hand when it’s not in season! Try your hand at canning salsas, veggies, jams, sauces and pickling in mason jars!

 —————-

[Tweet “Looking for some new ways to use mason jars in the kitchen? Here are 15 ideas from @leangrnbeanblog!”]

And just as an added bonus, here’s a few non-food ways to use them:

  • Make a gratitude jar.
  • Use them to store leftover paint so you don’t have to keep the paint cans that take up so much space.
  • Make a terrarium.
  • Use one as a lamp base or make a lantern.
  • Store craft supplies.
  • Pour your own candles.

Let’s chat:
What are your favorite ways to use mason jars?! Leave ideas in the comments to keep the inspiration flowing! 

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

 

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Filed Under: Ingredient Round-Ups, Uncategorized

About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amanda says

    August 20, 2014 at 12:10 AM

    We only have mason jars for our glassware (minus wine glasses). It’s all sorts of fun. I store all sorts of goodies in them as well – homemade granola is a favorite.

    Reply
  2. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    August 20, 2014 at 4:39 AM

    LOVE this! I use them as storage and to bring food in to work – hot or cold stuff!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:48 AM

      perfect! they’re so versatile!

      Reply
  3. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

    August 20, 2014 at 4:45 AM

    True story- I’ve moved apartments and have no mugs. I’ve been using mason jars. I never thought to use it in the microwave- genius, L.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:48 AM

      #mindblown 🙂

      Reply
  4. jill conyers says

    August 20, 2014 at 5:35 AM

    I have a thing for mason jars. Decorating, cooking, storage…love em! The herb garden and the lid desserts are brilliant! My mind is spinning with ideas for lid desserts 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:48 AM

      woohoo! can’t wait to see how you use them!

      Reply
  5. Jen @ Chase the Red Grape says

    August 20, 2014 at 5:43 AM

    Love this! So many good ideas! We don’t really have the ‘mason jar’ culture here in the UK – you can only find them if you hunt them out at a specialist store. However, I do have lots of jars I have saved that would be perfect for some of these ideas!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:47 AM

      perfect! any glass jars should do the trick!

      Reply
  6. Sam says

    August 20, 2014 at 6:50 AM

    Awesome article!

    My favourite use for mason jars is the “meal in a jar”. It’s a great way to fit all that fruit into a greek yogurt. Love what you’ve done here!! And thanks so much for linking to our Wall Mounted Mason Jar Herb Garden!

    xo

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:47 AM

      you’re welcome! now to talk my hubby into letting me try that in my house!

      Reply
  7. Hollie says

    August 20, 2014 at 7:08 AM

    These are all great and thank you for sharing. We have a ton of mason jars as well that are just sitting around. I actually wasn’t sure what to do with them but you have inspired me.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:47 AM

      woohoo! have fun using them!

      Reply
  8. lindsay says

    August 20, 2014 at 7:11 AM

    love the idea of a gratitude jar!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:47 AM

      i thought you might 🙂

      Reply
  9. Kim @ FITsique says

    August 20, 2014 at 7:18 AM

    Woohoo I’m on top of things. I use them for sprouting all of my grains, storing flours and rices, and other bulk items, and for growing back my green onions!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:47 AM

      awesome!

      Reply
  10. Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says

    August 20, 2014 at 7:30 AM

    Great ideas! We use ours to store some dry goods in the pantry, and for sprouting and canning- although I haven’t done any canning in awhile. I also freeze soups or chicken broth in them, but it can be tricky not to crack the glass when they’re in the freezer!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:46 AM

      yeah i haven’t mastered that either!

      Reply
  11. Erica says

    August 20, 2014 at 7:31 AM

    I brought homemade infused water to my friends pool the other day in a mason jar. I realized I will never be more of a hipster than I was at that moment.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:46 AM

      haha love it!

      Reply
  12. Carla says

    August 20, 2014 at 7:33 AM

    I wish you lived with me.
    I will settle for devouring all your posts and TRYING 🙂 to live them.

    Reply
  13. Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says

    August 20, 2014 at 7:46 AM

    These are awesome ideas! We used mason jars in our wedding centerpieces so we have TONS leftover! I’ll have to keep some of these ideas in mind!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:46 AM

      perfect!!

      Reply
  14. Kristin @ W [H] A T C H says

    August 20, 2014 at 8:00 AM

    yes, i love putting all my salad toppings in a mason jar to bring to work!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:46 AM

      great idea!

      Reply
  15. Tina Muir says

    August 20, 2014 at 8:03 AM

    Great list Lindsay, you have given me soooo many new ideas! Most intrigued by the DIY herb garden. I definitely hope to give that a try! My favorite use is for my homemade almond butter, especially when it stays creamy even in the fridge so my spoon and I can visit a few times a day 😉

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:46 AM

      i want to try the herb garden too!

      Reply
  16. DessertForTwo says

    August 20, 2014 at 8:06 AM

    Yay mason jars! Thanks for including me 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:46 AM

      you’re welcome! that post was brilliant!

      Reply
  17. Lauren @ Dash of Soul says

    August 20, 2014 at 8:13 AM

    Oh my gosh, I totally forgot about that guest post I did on the salads HAHA! Thanks for including it in the roundup! I’ve been loving watching your whole pregnancy journey too Lindsay, I’m so happy for you guys and can’t wait to see pictures of your little bean! <3

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:44 AM

      awww thanks lauren!

      Reply
  18. Cassie says

    August 20, 2014 at 8:50 AM

    This is awesome, I just pinned so I can come back and remember all the things I can do with the gazillion mason jars I have. I love using big ones for storage too… make it so much easier to get oats/chia seeds out rather than the bags! (I buy them both in bulk at Costco)

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:44 AM

      so do i! costco for the win!

      Reply
  19. Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says

    August 20, 2014 at 8:55 AM

    Okay as if I didn’t love Mason jars enough already… I only have one that I actually use as a glass and I love it. I need to go buy a case. I love the veggies and dip idea the most. that is SO smart and so much cheaper than buying pyrex!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:35 AM

      i agree! way cheaper than pyrex!

      Reply
  20. Alysia @ Slim Sanity says

    August 20, 2014 at 8:57 AM

    I use mine to store salad dressings, too! That taco in a jar sounds right up my alley…

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:35 AM

      mine too 🙂 i want to try them 🙂

      Reply
  21. Jaclyn @ Bumpsweat says

    August 20, 2014 at 8:59 AM

    I love mason jars! I have one cabinet dedicated to them 🙂 I use the big ones to brew kombucha, I store coconut oil, milk, and other liquidy things in them, and I also use them for making/storing sauerkraut and jam. I used to make the salads-in-a-jar all the time, but got out of the habit. Going back to that would be a good idea for when baby comes.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:35 AM

      ooh good idea to store the liquids in them!

      Reply
  22. Haley @ Running with Diapers says

    August 20, 2014 at 9:09 AM

    I really haven’t used my mason jars for much other than the occasional overnight oats and salads. But some of these ideas are brilliant. I love the idea of the tarts in the lids.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:35 AM

      so creative, right?!

      Reply
  23. Carly @ Fine Fit Day says

    August 20, 2014 at 9:18 AM

    This is so awesome! I just ordered mason jars so I can start doing yogurt parfaits for the week. I had no idea you could microwave them! Love all these ideas.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:34 AM

      yes!! have fun using them 🙂

      Reply
  24. Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating says

    August 20, 2014 at 9:22 AM

    Great post, pinned! 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:34 AM

      thanks kelly!

      Reply
  25. Whitney @ www.sweetcayenne.com says

    August 20, 2014 at 9:24 AM

    I’m obsessed with Mason jars as well and reading this super cute post has definitely made my morning 🙂 Great inspiration! I used a ton of these for my wedding decor, and my current favorite use for them is taking single serving bananas puddings to picnics and making overnight oatmeal for my husband and I. Great for grab n’ go dishes!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 20, 2014 at 9:34 AM

      omg banana pudding sounds so good right now!

      Reply
  26. Joanna @Makingmine says

    August 20, 2014 at 9:48 AM

    Mason jars are just so pretty! I try not to use plastic in the kitchen, so mason jars have become my “go to” for so many things. You definitely gave me new ideas!

    Reply
  27. Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says

    August 20, 2014 at 10:27 AM

    Mason jars are definitely super practical, but honestly I think what I love about them the most is how cute they are!! 😉

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 21, 2014 at 9:28 AM

      i agree. glass doesn’t get much cuter 😉

      Reply
  28. Emily @ Zen & Spice says

    August 20, 2014 at 10:57 AM

    Awesome post!! I just bought my first mason jar last week and I’m using it to store homemade strawberry jam in the fridge. Pinned!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 21, 2014 at 9:28 AM

      doesn’t get any better than that!

      Reply
  29. Sheena says

    August 20, 2014 at 11:31 AM

    I love gifts in mason jars! My old roommates family will give homemade jams and preserves as gifts every year, and her niece does her own special hot chocolate in a smaller mason jar – such a cute idea!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 21, 2014 at 9:28 AM

      all great ideas! love it!

      Reply
  30. Ananda says

    August 20, 2014 at 11:44 AM

    Love mason jars. I use them for just about everything you listed plus I brew and drink cold-brew coffee in them, I mix up and eat my homemade oatmeal packet at work in the morning, make and store homemade spice blends and drink tea from them at work through the day. I save so much unnecessary waste at the office just by keeping a wide mount pint jar in my drawer.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 21, 2014 at 9:27 AM

      definitely a great thing to have on hand!

      Reply
  31. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    August 20, 2014 at 12:29 PM

    Love the appetizers in them so cute!

    Reply
  32. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says

    August 20, 2014 at 12:48 PM

    I love this! Such great, creative ideas. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  33. Betsy says

    August 20, 2014 at 1:32 PM

    Great ideas!

    Reply
  34. Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says

    August 20, 2014 at 1:53 PM

    I love this!! I recently put a ton of my mason jars to use in my pantry for all my beans and flours 🙂 They are so cute and pracitcal for anything!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 21, 2014 at 9:27 AM

      i need to use more in my pantry too!

      Reply
  35. misszippy says

    August 20, 2014 at 2:20 PM

    Great ideas! I recently received an infuser from Ball and that’s another fun way to use the jar.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 21, 2014 at 9:27 AM

      i saw those! they look awesome!

      Reply
  36. Kelli @Hungry Hobby says

    August 20, 2014 at 4:43 PM

    The kitchen herb garden is so on my to do list now! I’m gonna need to make another Costco run for more Mason Jars!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 21, 2014 at 9:26 AM

      i am too!

      Reply
  37. Farrah says

    August 20, 2014 at 5:09 PM

    I actually never discovered the awesomeness of mason jars until I moved to West Virginia for school. I love how versatile they are! :] Pinned!

    Reply
  38. Heather says

    August 20, 2014 at 5:58 PM

    i have a few jars but after reading this i want to invest in some more! so versatile. do you put yours in the dishwasher??

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 21, 2014 at 9:26 AM

      yep! sometimes i wash the lids by hand though and dry right away so they don’t rust.

      Reply
  39. Katie says

    August 20, 2014 at 6:14 PM

    So many great ideas! I used them to sterilize just a few nipples,etc when we were in the bottle phase.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 21, 2014 at 9:26 AM

      ohh great idea!

      Reply
  40. Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits says

    August 21, 2014 at 10:59 AM

    Love, Love these ideas, especially the one of the DIY Herb Garden! That will work well in my tiny apartment! Thanks for the tips, Lindsay!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 21, 2014 at 1:19 PM

      woohoo! happy gardening!

      Reply
  41. Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says

    August 25, 2014 at 3:30 AM

    So many great ideas here! Thank you…I just pinned it! So glad I saw Tara’s tweet!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 25, 2014 at 10:03 AM

      thanks for pinning! glad you saw the tweet as well 🙂

      Reply
  42. Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut says

    August 25, 2014 at 8:50 PM

    I think I’m going to make all of my dessert-in-a-mugs in mason jars now…so obvious, but I’ve never thought of it! It would make for some pretty foodie photography too! 🙂

    Awesome list, Lindsay!

    Reply
  43. Emily Keeling says

    September 4, 2014 at 9:56 AM

    This is awesome! I have so many mason jars laying around that I need to put to good use! I need to be better amount controlling my portions with snacks and this is a great way!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      September 4, 2014 at 11:16 AM

      awesome! have fun coming up with new ways to use them as well!

      Reply

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