Types of Jars: A Complete Guide to Jar Types, Shapes, and Uses

Discover the different types of jars, popular glass jar shapes, and their common names. Learn how to choose the right jar for canning, food storage, organizing, and home decor.

Different Types of Jars: Glass Types, Shapes & Uses

Jars come in many different materials, shapes, and sizes, and each type is designed for a specific purpose. Some jars are best for canning and preserving food, while others work better for storage, organizing, or decorative use. This guide explains the most common jar types and how to choose the right one for your needs.

What are the different types of jars?

Manufacturers produce many different types of jars for different purposes. The material, shape, and size of a jar determine what it is best used for and how it should be cleaned and stored.

Glass jars

Glass jars are a traditional and reliable choice for long-term food preservation. Glass is made primarily from silica sand, soda ash, and limestone. It does not absorb odors or flavors and is resistant to staining from highly pigmented foods like turmeric or tomatoes. Glass jars can also be washed and reused as long as they remain free of chips and cracks. Canning jars specifically designed for home canning can withstand the high temperatures used in boiling-water-bath and pressure-canning processes. Their transparent walls also make it easy to see what is inside, which can help with pantry organization.

Plastic jars

Among the various types of jars, plastic jars offer a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to traditional glass. Manufacturers commonly use PET or HDPE plastics for food-grade packaging. Because they are lightweight, plastic jars can also be less expensive to ship. They work well for storing dry goods such as nuts, protein powders, and spices. They are also commonly used for products such as lotions and body scrubs, especially in bathrooms where glass containers may be more likely to break. Plastic jars, however, should not be used for boiling-water-bath or pressure canning. These canning methods require high temperatures, and plastic containers are not designed to withstand the heat and pressure required for safe home canning.

Ceramic and stoneware jars

Ceramic and stoneware jars provide excellent protection from ultraviolet light, making them a good choice for storing products that can lose flavor or quality when exposed to sunlight. They are commonly used for coffee beans, loose-leaf tea, and dried herbs. Many ceramic and stoneware jars also feature heavy lids with silicone gaskets that help create an airtight seal. These jars can help protect their contents from changes in light and temperature. Many people also choose ceramic and stoneware jars for their decorative appearance and the traditional look they add to kitchen countertops.

Metal jars

Metal jars are commonly made from tin-plated steel or aluminum. Because metal blocks light and does not shatter like glass, these containers are often used for loose-leaf tea, mints, candles, and dry cosmetic products. For food storage, it is important to use metal containers specifically designed for food contact. Unlined metal may rust when exposed to moisture, and some metals may react with acidic foods. Containers intended for wet or acidic foods should have an appropriate food-safe lining or coating designed for that purpose.

Types of glass jars

When exploring the different types of glass jars, you’ll find that each design is made for a specific purpose. Some glass jars are designed for displaying or storing food and other items, while others, such as canning jars, are specifically made to withstand the high temperatures and pressure involved in home canning.

Mason Jars

John Landis Mason patented the Mason jar in 1858. His design featured a threaded glass neck that allowed a lid to be securely attached to the jar. Modern Mason jars typically use a two-piece closure consisting of a flat metal lid with a sealing compound and a reusable metal screw band. During proper canning and cooling, a vacuum forms inside the jar, creating a secure seal. Mason jars are commonly used for home canning foods such as jams, pickles, fruits, and vegetables, following tested canning methods appropriate for each food. Modern Mason jars are available in different styles, including smooth-sided jars that are easy to label and decorative designs often used for gifts and crafts.

Canning Jars

Canning jars are glass jars specifically designed for home canning and repeated exposure to the temperatures involved in proper canning processes. They are made to work with approved lids and closures that allow a vacuum seal to form as the jars cool after processing. Different types of canning jars may use different closure systems. Mason-style home canning jars commonly use a two-piece lid consisting of a flat lid and screw band, while some commercial jars use different closure systems, such as lug-style lids. For safe and effective sealing, canning jars should be free of cracks and chips, especially around the rim. The sealing surface should be smooth and undamaged so the lid can form a proper seal.

Apothecary Jars

Pharmacies originally used these jars in the 1800s and early 1900s to store medicines, powders, and dried herbs. These distinctive glass jar shapes typically feature wide, stable bases, elegant curves, and fitted glass stoppers. Today, apothecary jars are commonly used for home decor, organization, and retail displays. They can be used to hold bath salts, display colorful candy, or organize items such as cotton swabs in a bathroom.

Weck Jars

The German company WECK acquired the patent for this preservation system in 1900. WECK jars use a glass lid, rubber gasket, and stainless steel clips as part of their sealing system. During processing, the clips hold the lid and gasket in place and are removed after the jar has cooled according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the clips are removed, a properly sealed lid should remain securely attached to the jar. One feature people appreciate about WECK jars is their glass-lid design, which differs from the traditional two-piece metal lids commonly used with Mason jars.

Spice Jars

Spice jars are small containers designed for storing dried herbs and spices. Many include shaker inserts under the main screw-on lid, making it easy to sprinkle or measure the contents. Their compact and often uniform shape makes them convenient for organizing in kitchen drawers, cabinets, or spice racks. Some spice jars have square designs that make efficient use of storage space and help prevent the jars from rolling.

Candle Jars

Candle jars are designed to handle the heat generated by a burning candle. They are commonly made with sturdy glass and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many feature smooth, straight walls that make them easy to fill with wax and give the finished candle a clean appearance. The performance of a candle depends not only on the jar but also on factors such as the type of wax, wick size, fragrance load, and overall candle design. For this reason, candle makers should use containers specifically intended for candle making and test the finished candle before use or sale.

Jar shapes and their practical uses

Jar shapes serve distinct practical functions, affecting how containers are filled, emptied, stored, and displayed:

• Round: The most common design across industries. Round jars are versatile, easy to handle, and suitable for a wide range of products, including liquids, sauces, jams, and dry goods.
• Straight-Sided: With little or no shoulder, the walls run nearly straight from the base to the opening. They are ideal for scoopable products such as peanut butter, sauces, spreads, and body creams. Straight-sided canning jars specifically designed for freezer use are also suitable for freezing when the recommended headspace is left to allow for expansion.
• Square: Square jars make efficient use of shelf and storage space because they can be positioned closely together. Many square jar designs feature slightly rounded corners and are commonly used for sauces, beverages, spices, and other food products.
• Hexagon & Octagon: These distinctive glass jar shapes offer a decorative, premium appearance, with multiple sides that catch and reflect light. They are especially popular for honey, jams, preserves, and gift products.
• Paragon: These jars feature a tall, narrow profile with a relatively small footprint. Their shape works especially well for long foods such as asparagus, green beans, and pickled vegetables.
• Globe: These rounded jars typically have a small, flat base and are often used for cosmetics, candles, specialty foods, and decorative packaging. Their distinctive shape creates strong visual appeal, although they generally require more storage and shipping space than straight-sided jars.

Common jar names

Shoppers and commercial buyers often search for specific jar names when buying supplies. The packaging industry uses several common terms to describe mouth width, closure style, and intended use:

1. Regular mouth containers: These jars have a standard 70 mm mouth opening. They work well for pourable foods such as jams, jellies, sauces, salsas, and syrups. Their narrower opening also makes them convenient for pouring liquids and smaller food pieces.
2. Wide mouth containers: These jars have a standard 86 mm mouth opening. The wider opening makes them easier to fill and empty, especially when working with whole fruits, large vegetables, pickles, and other bulky foods. It also provides easier access when arranging or removing food.
3. Gem mouth containers: These jars have a 78 mm mouth opening, which falls between regular and wide mouth sizes. This size was historically popular in Canada and can still be found on older Canadian canning jars. Gem jars require lids and bands specifically designed for the 78 mm opening.
4. Bale wire containers: These jars use a hinged metal wire mechanism to hold a glass lid against a removable rubber gasket. They are also commonly called clamp-top or flip-top jars. They are popular for food storage and fermentation, but fermentation requires proper venting or an appropriate airlock system to prevent excessive pressure buildup.
5. Jelly containers: These smaller jars commonly hold 4 to 8 oz and are designed for jams, jellies, preserves, and other spreads. Some feature decorative quilted or textured glass, making them especially attractive for gifting. Many jelly jars have straight or gently tapered sides for easier filling and serving.

Jar sizes & capacity standards

Understanding standardized sizes helps you choose the correct capacity for your specific project. Manufacturers typically measure volume in fluid ounces or milliliters.

*Filled weights assume the jar is filled with water. Actual weight will vary depending on the contents, such as oils, honey, or dry goods.

Frequently Asked Questions