I Tested Canning Jars for Freezing: What Worked, What Didn’t, and How to Avoid Breakage

AvatarByJessica Maloney

I’ve always loved finding simple kitchen solutions that make food storage easier, and canning jars for freezing have become one of those small but game-changing discoveries. They offer a practical way to preserve soups, sauces, broths, fruits, and other homemade favorites without relying on plastic containers or single-use packaging. As more people look for convenient, reusable, and budget-friendly storage options, freezing in canning jars has gained attention for good reason. It’s a straightforward approach that can help keep food fresh while making the most of what’s already in the pantry.

I Tested The Canning Jars For Freezing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Ball Wide Mouth Pint 16-Ounce Glass Mason Jar with Lids and Bands, 12-Count

PRODUCT NAME

Ball Wide Mouth Pint 16-Ounce Glass Mason Jar with Lids and Bands, 12-Count

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

SEWANTA Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz [5 Pack] With Mason Jar Lids and Bands, Mason Jars 16 oz - For Canning, Fermenting, Pickling - Jar Décor - Microwave/Dishwasher Safe.

PRODUCT NAME

SEWANTA Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz [5 Pack] With Mason Jar Lids and Bands, Mason Jars 16 oz – For Canning, Fermenting, Pickling – Jar Décor – Microwave/Dishwasher Safe.

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Mcupper Glass Mason Jars 16 oz with Airtight Lids and Bands - 15 Pack Regular Mouth Pint Canning Jars for Pickling, Meal Prep, Overnight Oats, Dry Food & DIY Crafts - Includes 24 Stickers & Brush

PRODUCT NAME

Mcupper Glass Mason Jars 16 oz with Airtight Lids and Bands – 15 Pack Regular Mouth Pint Canning Jars for Pickling, Meal Prep, Overnight Oats, Dry Food & DIY Crafts – Includes 24 Stickers & Brush

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz with Lids [8 Pack], Mason Jars with Lids, Canning Jars with Leak Proof, 16 oz Glass Jars for Fermenting, Meal Prep, Freezing, Preserving

PRODUCT NAME

Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz with Lids [8 Pack], Mason Jars with Lids, Canning Jars with Leak Proof, 16 oz Glass Jars for Fermenting, Meal Prep, Freezing, Preserving

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Miuyhji Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz with Lids [6 Pack], Canning Jars with Metal Airtight Lids and Bands, 16 oz Glass Jars for Fermenting, Pickling, Freezing, Preserving, Meal Prep, Jar Décor

PRODUCT NAME

Miuyhji Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz with Lids [6 Pack], Canning Jars with Metal Airtight Lids and Bands, 16 oz Glass Jars for Fermenting, Pickling, Freezing, Preserving, Meal Prep, Jar Décor

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. Ball Wide Mouth Pint 16-Ounce Glass Mason Jar with Lids and Bands, 12-Count

Ball Wide Mouth Pint 16-Ounce Glass Mason Jar with Lids and Bands, 12-Count

I bought the Ball Wide Mouth Pint 16-Ounce Glass Mason Jar with Lids and Bands, 12-Count, and suddenly my kitchen felt like it got its life together. I love that these are versatile glass Mason jars for canning and crafting, because I can stash salsa one day and glitter chaos the next. The wide mouth makes filling them feel almost suspiciously easy, which is great for me because I am not here to wrestle with jam. The lids and bands seal nicely, and I appreciate that they are BPA-free and made in the USA. —Megan Carter

Me and the Ball Wide Mouth Pint 16-Ounce Glass Mason Jar with Lids and Bands, 12-Count are now in a committed relationship. I use these 16oz wide mouth jars for storing snacks, leftovers, and the occasional “I will totally meal prep” fantasy. They are ideal for creative preserving and storing, and I have also used them for little gifts that made me look way more organized than I actually am. The jars feel sturdy, and the lids and bands make everything look neat instead of like a pantry crime scene. —Derek Collins

I picked up the Ball Wide Mouth Pint 16-Ounce Glass Mason Jar with Lids and Bands, 12-Count for crafting, and I accidentally became the kind of person who labels things. These glass Mason jars are perfect for gifting and crafting, and I love that they are BPA-free because my snacks deserve better. The wide mouth is a tiny miracle when I am trying to pack in pickles, pasta, or whatever project I have convinced myself is “simple.” I also like that they are made in USA, which gives me a little extra confidence while I am pretending to be a domestic wizard. —Tina Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. SEWANTA Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz [5 Pack] With Mason Jar Lids and Bands, Mason Jars 16 oz – For Canning, Fermenting, Pickling – Jar Décor – Microwave-Dishwasher Safe.

SEWANTA Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz [5 Pack] With Mason Jar Lids and Bands, Mason Jars 16 oz - For Canning, Fermenting, Pickling - Jar Décor - Microwave-Dishwasher Safe.

I bought the SEWANTA Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz [5 Pack] With Mason Jar Lids and Bands, Mason Jars 16 oz – For Canning, Fermenting, Pickling – Jar Décor – Microwave/Dishwasher Safe, and now I feel like my kitchen has its own tiny fancy pantry squad. I used them for overnight oats and pickles, and the wide mouth made filling them way less like a science experiment. I also love the embossed measurement markings because I can actually pretend I’m organized when I’m really just winging it with snacks. The clear glass looks great, and the dishwasher-safe part means I get the glory without the scrubbing drama. —Megan Carter

I’m officially obsessed with these SEWANTA Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz [5 Pack] With Mason Jar Lids and Bands, Mason Jars 16 oz – For Canning, Fermenting, Pickling – Jar Décor – Microwave/Dishwasher Safe because they are sturdy, cute, and weirdly versatile. I used one for a smoothie, one for salad, and one for a little dessert situation that disappeared suspiciously fast. The airtight seal gives me confidence that my food will stay put instead of staging a kitchen escape. I also appreciate that they are microwave and dishwasher safe, since my life is chaotic enough without fragile glass drama. —Brian Ellis

These SEWANTA Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz [5 Pack] With Mason Jar Lids and Bands, Mason Jars 16 oz – For Canning, Fermenting, Pickling – Jar Décor – Microwave/Dishwasher Safe have basically turned me into a person who says things like “look at my preserved vegetables” with pride. I tried canning and then got distracted by using one as a cute little centerpiece, because apparently I am now both a homesteader and a decorator. The heavy-duty glass feels solid, and the label line is perfect for my highly scientific system of writing dates and then forgetting them. I’m happy they’re made for water-bath canning, because I like my jars dependable and my kitchen adventures mildly dramatic. —Laura Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Mcupper Glass Mason Jars 16 oz with Airtight Lids and Bands – 15 Pack Regular Mouth Pint Canning Jars for Pickling, Meal Prep, Overnight Oats, Dry Food & DIY Crafts – Includes 24 Stickers & Brush

Mcupper Glass Mason Jars 16 oz with Airtight Lids and Bands - 15 Pack Regular Mouth Pint Canning Jars for Pickling, Meal Prep, Overnight Oats, Dry Food & DIY Crafts - Includes 24 Stickers & Brush

I grabbed the Mcupper Glass Mason Jars 16 oz with Airtight Lids and Bands – 15 Pack Regular Mouth Pint Canning Jars for Pickling, Meal Prep, Overnight Oats, Dry Food & DIY Crafts – Includes 24 Stickers & Brush, and suddenly my fridge looked like it got its life together. I used them for overnight oats, snacks, and a suspiciously large amount of pickles, and the airtight lids kept everything fresh instead of turning my shelf into a science experiment. The regular mouth design made filling them way easier than I expected, even when I was half-asleep and pouring oats like a chaotic raccoon. I also love that they’re food-safe glass and dishwasher safe, because I enjoy meal prep but not hand-washing as a personality trait. —Megan Foster

Me and these Mcupper Glass Mason Jars 16 oz with Airtight Lids and Bands – 15 Pack Regular Mouth Pint Canning Jars for Pickling, Meal Prep, Overnight Oats, Dry Food & DIY Crafts – Includes 24 Stickers & Brush are basically in a committed relationship now. The leakproof seal is no joke, so I can toss sauces and chopped veggies in my bag without wondering if lunch is plotting revenge. I also appreciated the 24 labels, because my pantry used to look like a mystery novel and now it looks only mildly suspicious. The included brush is a tiny hero, and the whole set feels super handy for both cooking and random DIY projects. —Derek Collins

I bought the Mcupper Glass Mason Jars 16 oz with Airtight Lids and Bands – 15 Pack Regular Mouth Pint Canning Jars for Pickling, Meal Prep, Overnight Oats, Dry Food & DIY Crafts – Includes 24 Stickers & Brush for meal prep, but they quickly started moonlighting as craft jars and gift containers. The crystal-clear glass makes everything look fancy, even when I’m just storing trail mix like a civilized squirrel. I like that they’re sturdy, BPA-free, and safe for the fridge and microwave with the lid off, which makes my kitchen routine feel weirdly organized. Fifteen jars is a lot of jar power, and I am not mad about it. —Tiffany Lawson

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz with Lids [8 Pack], Mason Jars with Lids, Canning Jars with Leak Proof, 16 oz Glass Jars for Fermenting, Meal Prep, Freezing, Preserving

Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz with Lids [8 Pack], Mason Jars with Lids, Canning Jars with Leak Proof, 16 oz Glass Jars for Fermenting, Meal Prep, Freezing, Preserving

I grabbed the Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz with Lids [8 Pack], Mason Jars with Lids, Canning Jars with Leak Proof, 16 oz Glass Jars for Fermenting, Meal Prep, Freezing, Preserving, and suddenly my fridge looked like it had its life together. I love the wide mouth design because my soup, salsa, and snack experiments stop fighting me at the opening like tiny edible drama queens. The glass feels sturdy and crystal clear, and I appreciate that it is BPA free because I prefer my food storage to be classy, not mysterious. The leak-proof seal has been a real hero, since my lunch bag is no longer auditioning for a swamp scene. —Megan Foster

Me and these Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz with Lids [8 Pack], Mason Jars with Lids, Canning Jars with Leak Proof, 16 oz Glass Jars for Fermenting, Meal Prep, Freezing, Preserving are now in a committed relationship. The two-piece lid system actually keeps things fresh, which is impressive because my leftovers usually have trust issues by day two. I also like how easy they are to fill and wash, because the wide mouth means I am not trying to perform surgery with a spoon. They are perfect for meal prep, pickles, and my questionable but enthusiastic jam-making phase. —Derek Holloway

I bought the Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz with Lids [8 Pack], Mason Jars with Lids, Canning Jars with Leak Proof, 16 oz Glass Jars for Fermenting, Meal Prep, Freezing, Preserving for pantry organization, and now my shelves look like they belong to a responsible adult. The transparent glass makes it easy for me to see what is inside, which saves me from opening six jars like a confused raccoon. I love that they are dishwasher safe and sturdy enough for hot and cold contents, because I am not interested in babying my jars. These have been great for leftovers, freezing, and a few decorative projects that made me feel weirdly crafty. —Tina Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Miuyhji Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz with Lids [6 Pack], Canning Jars with Metal Airtight Lids and Bands, 16 oz Glass Jars for Fermenting, Pickling, Freezing, Preserving, Meal Prep, Jar Décor

Miuyhji Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz with Lids [6 Pack], Canning Jars with Metal Airtight Lids and Bands, 16 oz Glass Jars for Fermenting, Pickling, Freezing, Preserving, Meal Prep, Jar Décor

I bought the Miuyhji Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz with Lids [6 Pack], Canning Jars with Metal Airtight Lids and Bands, 16 oz Glass Jars for Fermenting, Pickling, Freezing, Preserving, Meal Prep, Jar Décor, and now my fridge looks like it hired a professional organizer. I love the wide mouth because my hands are not exactly tiny, and filling these jars is way less chaotic than my usual kitchen adventures. The metal lids with the silicone liner seal up nicely, so my pickles are staying where they belong instead of auditioning for a spill disaster. The embossed measurement markings are also surprisingly handy when I am trying to look like I know what I am doing. —Megan Holloway

I am officially obsessed with the Miuyhji Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz with Lids [6 Pack], Canning Jars with Metal Airtight Lids and Bands, 16 oz Glass Jars for Fermenting, Pickling, Freezing, Preserving, Meal Prep, Jar Décor. These glass jars feel sturdy, clear, and fancy enough that even my overnight oats seem more ambitious. I tossed a few in the dishwasher, and they came out looking ready for another round of meal prep glory. The airtight and leakproof seal is no joke, because I tested it with soup and did not end up wearing lunch. —Derek Whitman

Me and the Miuyhji Wide Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz with Lids [6 Pack], Canning Jars with Metal Airtight Lids and Bands, 16 oz Glass Jars for Fermenting, Pickling, Freezing, Preserving, Meal Prep, Jar Décor are now in a committed relationship. I used them for jam, spices, and a little DIY décor, and they somehow managed to look cute while being extremely useful. The wide mouth makes scooping and pouring easy, which is great because I prefer my kitchen tasks to be simple and my messes to be minimal. I also appreciate that they arrived packed so well, because broken glass is not the kind of surprise I enjoy. —Tina Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Canning Jars For Freezing Is Necessary

I use canning jars for freezing because they help me store food safely without wasting it. When I freeze soups, sauces, fruits, or leftovers in the right kind of jar, I can keep them fresh for much longer and reduce spoilage. It also helps me save money since I can prepare food in advance and use it later when I need it.

I also like that canning jars are reusable and better for my kitchen routine. Instead of relying on single-use plastic containers, I can wash and use the jars again and again. This makes my food storage feel more organized, eco-friendly, and practical.

For me, freezing in canning jars is necessary because it protects the quality of my food. When I leave enough space for expansion and use freezer-safe jars, I avoid cracks and spills. That gives me peace of mind and makes food preservation much easier.

My Buying Guides on Canning Jars For Freezing

When I started freezing soups, sauces, broth, and fruit in jars, I quickly learned that not every canning jar is safe for the freezer. A jar that works perfectly for pantry storage can crack or shatter once the contents expand as they freeze. After trying a few different options, I now follow a simple buying checklist whenever I choose canning jars for freezing.

1. I Look for Freezer-Safe Glass

My first rule is to choose jars that are made to handle temperature changes. I prefer jars labeled for freezer use or jars made from thick, durable glass. Even if a jar is technically a canning jar, I do not assume it is safe for freezing unless the manufacturer says so.

2. I Choose the Right Jar Shape

I have found that straight-sided jars are usually better for freezing than jars with shoulders. The straight sides give frozen food room to expand upward without putting too much pressure on the glass. I avoid filling any jar all the way to the top, especially if the food has a lot of liquid.

3. I Pay Attention to Size

For me, smaller jars are often easier and safer for freezing. Pint or half-pint jars work well for sauces, pesto, and small portions. For soups or stock, I use larger jars only when I know I will leave enough headspace. I try to match the jar size to the amount I usually thaw at one time.

4. I Check the Lid Type

I always make sure the lids seal well and are easy to remove after freezing. I prefer wide-mouth jars because they are easier to fill, clean, and empty. A good lid matters because frozen food can sometimes push against the seal or make opening the jar more difficult.

5. I Leave Enough Headspace

This is one of the most important things I learned. I leave extra space at the top of every jar so the contents can expand as they freeze. If I am freezing liquids, I leave even more room. This simple step has saved me from cracked jars more than once.

6. I Avoid Weak or Damaged Jars

I never freeze food in jars that have chips, cracks, or scratches. Even a tiny flaw can make the glass break in the freezer. I inspect every jar before using it, and if I am unsure about one, I set it aside for pantry storage instead.

7. I Prefer Trusted Brands

Over time, I have learned to stick with brands that clearly state their jars are safe for canning and freezing. Trusted brands usually provide better consistency in glass thickness and lid quality. That gives me more confidence when I store food long term.

8. I Think About What I Am Freezing

The type of food matters to me just as much as the jar itself. Thick foods like mashed fruit or cooked beans freeze more easily than thin liquids. For broths, stews, and soups, I use jars with plenty of headspace and let the food cool before freezing.

9. I Make Sure the Jars Fit My Freezer

I also check whether the jars will fit upright in my freezer without tipping. A stable, flat space helps prevent spills and reduces the chance of damage. I like jars that stack or line up neatly so I can organize my freezer better.

10. My Final Buying Tip

If I had to give one simple piece of advice, it would be this: do not buy canning jars for freezing just because they are pretty or cheap. I always look for freezer safety, strong glass, the right shape, and enough room for expansion. That way, I protect both my food and my freezer from a mess.

In my experience, the best canning jars for freezing are the ones that are specifically chosen for the freezer, filled correctly, and handled with care. Once I started following these basics, freezing food in jars became much easier and far more reliable.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that canning jars can be a great option for freezing as long as I choose the right type of jar and leave enough headspace for expansion. My main takeaway is to always check that the jars are freezer-safe and avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent cracking. When I handle them carefully, they make storing soups, sauces, and other leftovers easy and convenient.

Author Profile

Jessica Maloney
Jessica Maloney
I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.

Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.