Are Canning Lids Being Discontinued?

Over the past few years, there have been recurring rumors and speculation that canning lids are being discontinued by major manufacturers. These rumors seem to have originated in early 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic caused a surge in home canning and created shortages of canning supplies. Many home canners reported having difficulty finding certain sizes and brands of canning lids in stores and online during peak canning season. Some even speculated that lids were being discontinued entirely.

The rumors flared up again in 2021 and 2022 as some canning lid models, like Bernardin’s gem-style canning lids, were officially discontinued. These specific product discontinuations led to more generalized speculation about the future of home canning lids as a whole. However, most evidence suggests that the broader rumors about all canning lids being discontinued are unfounded. While individual brands have streamlined their product lines, major manufacturers seem committed to meeting demand for canning lids now and into the future.

History of Canning Lids

The history of canning lids dates back to 1858 when a New Jersey-born tinsmith named John Landis Mason invented the mason jar (“A Brief History of the Mason Jar,” https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/brief-history-mason-jar-180975546/). Mason’s design for a glass jar with a screw-on metal lid revolutionized home canning and preservation. Though glass jars had been around for some time, the screw-on lid with a rubber seal created an airtight environment that allowed food to be preserved for extended periods. Mason patented his design and created the Mason jar.

The Mason jar and lid quickly became popular for home canning. In 1884, the Ball Corporation began manufacturing mason jars with metal screw lids, capitalizing on Mason’s ingenious design (“History of Ball Mason Jars,” https://masonjars.com/history-of-ball-jars-html/). Ball jars and lids, along with other brands, helped canning become a common practice in American households in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Over the years, incremental design changes improved the functionality of canning jar lids. In 1903, Alexander Kerr introduced reusable lids with a permanent rubber seal. Then in 1915, he patented a two-piece lid design similar to modern canning lids. But the original concept of the mason jar lid dates back to John Landis Mason’s influential 1858 patent.

Modern Canning Lid Manufacturers

The two major modern manufacturers of canning lids in the United States are Ball and Kerr https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2023/09/canning-lid-review.html. Ball and Kerr produce the iconic metal lids with rubber sealing rings that are used for home canning. These lids create an airtight seal on mason jars and allow food to be safely preserved. Ball and Kerr lids are made of thin metal with a rubberized flange on the underside that adheres to the rim of the jar.

Ball and Kerr lids are manufactured by Newell Brands which produces the two brands side-by-side in factories in the United States. The Ball brand was established in 1880 by five Ball brothers who owned a glass manufacturing company in Indiana. They began producing mason jars and partnered with other companies to manufacture the metal lids. Kerr was founded in 1903 and was purchased by Newell Brands in the 1990s, joining the Ball brand. While Ball and Kerr lids are nearly identical, Ball lids tend to have more decorative options.

In addition to the standard one-time use lids, both Ball and Kerr offer reusable lids made of plastic or metal that can be used for multiple canning sessions. These reusable options have gained popularity in recent years as an eco-friendly and money-saving option. However, the traditional one-use lids remain the most commonly used lids by home canners.

Canning Lid Shortages in 2020

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a huge surge in home canning, leading to shortages of canning supplies across the United States. With more people staying home and wanting to stock up on preserved foods, demand for supplies like canning jars and lids skyrocketed. According to NPR, sales of canning lids were up 250% in 2020 compared to 2019 source. Major manufacturers like Ball and Kerr struggled to keep up with demand, and grocery store shelves were often cleared out of supplies.

The canning lid shortage was especially acute in 2020. Lids are a one-time use product that need to be replaced each time a jar is used. With so many new canners entering the hobby in 2020, lids were perpetually sold-out. Customers reported waiting months for shipments and debating if certain brands of lids could be reused in a pinch. According to canning forums and groups, the lid shortage caused major frustration for many home canners in 2020.

Canning Lid Shortages in 2021

Demand for canning lids remained extremely high in 2021, leading to continued shortages throughout the year. Many home canners were still unable to find certain sizes of lids in stores or online. According to one source, “Though this one isn’t due to a shortage of glass, it’s still a factor. Due to diminished relationships with international recyclers, aluminum supply is at an all time low” (https://masonjarmerchant.com/blogs/this-blog-is-a-jar/22-things).

Another factor was the continued increase in home canning, as more people took up food preservation during the pandemic. As one article noted, “It’s an odd sort of shortage, in that you can go on-line and order lids at any time. So it’s not as if lids are unavailable. It’s more that name brand, domestically produced lids are still in short supply compared to the elevated demand” (https://savemaple.org/2021/10/09/g21-053/).

Manufacturers Response

Major canning lid manufacturers like Ball and Kerr have responded to the shortages by increasing production to try to meet the high demand. Ball stated in August 2020 that the company was running factories 24/7 to produce as many lids as possible [1]. Kerr said it was operating at full capacity and producing 10% more than the previous year [2]. Newell Brands, the parent company of Ball and Kerr, said it expected to produce 90 million more Mason jars in 2020 compared to 2019.

Manufacturers have urged consumers to only purchase what they need for their canning projects to help conserve supply. They have also encouraged people to reuse lids when possible, though new lids should be used for canning acidic foods like tomatoes that may compromise the seal over time.

Future Outlook

Despite the recent shortages, there is no indication that canning lids are being discontinued. Major manufacturers like Ball and Kerr have stated they are working to increase production to meet the high demand.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in home canning, causing unexpected shortages as manufacturers struggled to keep up. However, this appears to be a temporary supply chain issue rather than an intentional discontinuing of products.

Both Ball and Kerr have invested in expanding manufacturing capabilities in the past year, signaling they are committed to continuing to produce canning lids into the foreseeable future. As supply chain disruptions ease, most experts expect canning lid availability to improve over the next 1-2 years.

While intermittent shortages may still occur depending on demand fluctuations, major brands have indicated canning lids will continue to be produced and stocked. Home canners can remain confident they will still be able to purchase the lids they need, even if occasional substitutions are required during periods of exceptionally high demand.

Tips for Finding Lids

With canning lids in short supply, it pays to check multiple stores when looking to purchase new lids. Big box stores like Walmart often get shipments of popular canning lids like Ball and Kerr brands, so be sure to check there regularly. Online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and specialty sites like ForJars also carry canning lids.

Shopping online for lids expands your options, and sites like eBay or Etsy may have users reselling packs of new lids. Joining local community groups on Facebook is another way to find out when stores nearby have restocked. Being flexible and willing to try different stores, both brick and mortar and online, will increase your chances of finding the lids you need.

Reusable lids are another solution during shortages. Brands like Tattler and Weck make reusable plastic or rubber lids that can be used for multiple seasons of canning. While the upfront cost is higher, reusable lids are economical in the long run.

Canning Without Lids

While canning lids are the most common and reliable way to seal jars for long-term shelf storage, there are some alternatives for canning without lids in a pinch. According to Off Grid Permaculture, the best method is to seal jars with paraffin wax. This involves melting clean paraffin wax and pouring a layer over the top of the hot jar. While not as reliable as canning lids, paraffin wax seals were commonly used for jams and jellies historically.

Another option is open kettle canning, which involves simply filling jars with hot food and allowing them to seal as they cool. However, this method does not kill botulism spores and is only safe for high-acid foods like jams, jellies, pickles, relishes, and tomatoes. The jars must be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few weeks. For low-acid foods, open kettle canning is extremely dangerous.

If canning lids are not available, the safest alternatives for most foods are freezing or refrigerating them. While these methods don’t provide long-term shelf-stable storage like proper canning, they stop food spoilage and can buy time for a few weeks or months until more lids become available.

Conclusion

Despite the shortages in recent years, it’s important for home canners to know that canning lids are not disappearing. Major manufacturers like Ball and Bernardin have ramped up production to meet demand, though supply chain issues continue to cause periodic shortages. While some sizes or brands may be harder to find at times, alternatives are available, whether reusable lids, European imports, or creative solutions like Tattler lids. Canning remains a popular and practical way to preserve food at home. With some flexibility and planning, most home canners will still be able to access the supplies they need. The canning community has always been highly resourceful, finding ways to adapt and share knowledge when needed. So rest assured that with passion and ingenuity, the art of home canning will continue on.