What Is The Best Alternative To Mason Jars?

ByElla Rivera

Mason jars are a type of glass jar used for home canning and food preservation. They were invented and patented by John Landis Mason in the 1850s and featured a metal screw-top lid with a rubber seal that created an airtight enclosure. Mason jars allowed people to preserve fruits, vegetables, jams, pickles and other foods for long-term storage. They became extremely popular in American households in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mason_jar

While Mason jars are iconic and remain popular today, some people look for alternatives for a variety of reasons. Glass jars can be heavy, prone to breaking, and don’t allow you to see the contents clearly. Plastic, stainless steel, or silicone alternatives are lightweight and durable. Some alternatives use vacuum sealing for maximum freshness. Ceramic and reusable plastic containers like Tupperware offer visibility and are often microwavable and dishwasher-safe. This article will explore some of the most popular and effective Mason jar alternatives on the market today.

Glass Storage Containers

Glass storage containers are a popular alternative to mason jars for food storage. Some pros of glass containers are that they are nonporous, so they do not absorb food odors or stains. Glass is also considered safe for storing all foods, since it does not leach chemicals into food (source). Glass can safely be used in microwaves, ovens, and dishwashers. It is an environmentally friendly and reusable option.

Some cons are that glass is breakable and heavier than plastic. It can also be noisy when closing lids (source). Glass storage tends to be more expensive than plastic.

Popular brands of glass storage containers include Pyrex, Anchor Hocking, and Ball. These brands offer glass containers in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small jelly jars to large canisters. There are options with plastic lids or glass lids with rubber sealing rings. Prices range from $1 for individual containers up to $40 or more for sets.

Plastic Storage Containers

Plastic storage containers are a popular alternative to Mason jars due to their convenience, affordability, and durability. Some key pros of plastic containers include:

  • Lightweight and easy to transport – Plastic weighs much less than glass or metal.
  • Doesn’t break if dropped – Plastic is more durable and shatter-resistant than glass.
  • Variety of shapes and sizes – From small snack containers to large multi-gallon bins, plastic comes in many configurations.
  • Microwave and freezer safe – Most plastics won’t melt or crack when heated or frozen.
  • Inexpensive – Basic plastic storage sets are very affordable compared to glass.

Some cons to consider:

  • Can stain or absorb odors over time – Not as inert as glass.
  • May leach chemicals – There are concerns about BPA and phthalates leaching into food (TEinnovations.com).
  • Not as durable for the long term – Plastics can become brittle and degrade over years of use.

Popular types of plastic containers include:

  • Snapware – Durable plastic containers with airtight lids. Often made of polypropylene plastic. Dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe.
  • Rubbermaid – A trusted brand offering storage bins, food containers, and more. Made from Tritan plastic-free of BPA.
  • Gladware – Affordable disposable plastic containers great for packing lunches or leftovers.

Plastic storage sets can range from $10-50 for a 20-40 piece set. Individual containers are just a few dollars each. Though not as elegant as glass, plastic offers comparable storage versatility at a fraction of the cost.

Stainless Steel Containers

Stainless steel is often seen as a superior alternative to plastic containers for food storage. Stainless steel is made from an alloy of metals like chromium and nickel and is known for being durable, non-porous, and resistant to staining and rust (Martha Stewart, 2022).

Some of the key pros of stainless steel food containers include:

  • Durable and long-lasting – They can withstand lots of wear and tear.
  • Non-reactive – They don’t react with foods or liquids stored inside.
  • Versatile – Can be used for hot or cold foods and for freezing.
  • Oven and dishwasher safe at high temperatures.
  • Sustainable – More eco-friendly than single-use plastics.

Potential cons include:

  • Heavier than plastic.
  • Can be more expensive upfront.
  • Not transparent – Hard to see contents.

Popular styles of stainless steel containers include canisters, jars, and bento-style boxes. Well-known brands include Oggi, Weck, and Bentgo (Kitchen Stewardship, 2010). High quality stainless steel sets generally range from $30-$150 depending on size and number of pieces.

Silicone Storage Bags

Silicone storage bags, like Stasher bags, are reusable andirtight bags that are a sustainable alternative to disposable plastic bags. Some pros of silicone bags:

  • Non-toxic and BPA-free – Made from platinum-grade silicone, they don’t contain chemicals found in some plastics 1
  • Reusable – Can be used over and over unlike disposable plastic bags
  • Dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and oven safe up to 425°F
  • Airtight seal keeps food fresh
  • More eco-friendly than single-use plastics since they can replace many disposables

Some cons to consider:

  • Can be more expensive upfront than disposable bags
  • Prone to staining from spices, oils, etc.
  • Not as durable as glass containers
  • Can retain odors over time

Popular brands like Stasher and silicone Ziploc bags range from $10-$15 for a 4-pack. Larger bags and bundles can run $20-$50. While the upfront cost is higher, they pay for themselves over time by eliminating the need for disposable plastic bags.

Ceramic Canisters

Ceramic containers are an increasingly popular alternative to glass for food storage. Some pros of using ceramic canisters include:

Durability – Ceramic is highly durable and less prone to breaking than glass (https://www.wholefamilyliving.com/non-toxic-glass-food-storage-containers/). It can withstand high temperatures in the oven or microwave.

Non-porous – Ceramic is non-porous so it won’t absorb stains, odors, or bacteria (https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-benefits-of-using-ceramic-containers-to-store-food-and-water-as-opposed-to-other-materials).

Variety – Ceramic canisters come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to suit different storage needs.

Popular brands include Anchor Hocking, Le Parfait, and Weck. Prices range from $10-50 depending on the size and brand (https://www.carawayhome.com/blog/food-storage-containers-buyers-guide/).

Potential downsides are that ceramic is heavier than plastic and more prone to breaking than plastic as well. The lids can also warp over time.

Tupperware

Tupperware was created in 1946 by Earl Tupper, who was a chemist that developed a method to purify black polyethylene slag and mold it into plastic kitchenware that was lightweight, flexible, non-breakable, and airtight. According to Wikipedia, Tupperware products grew in popularity during the early 1950s as sales increased. The company utilized a direct marketing strategy known as a Tupperware party, where a host would invite friends and neighbors to their house to see Tupperware products demonstrated and sold by a Tupperware lady.

vintage tupperware containers from the 1950s-1960s.

According to Business Insider, the Tupperware party became a cultural phenomenon in suburban America during the 1950s and 1960s. While the parties appealed largely to middle class women, the brand developed a reputation for high quality, reusable plastic containers that provided an airtight seal and helped reduce food waste in the kitchen. Widely popular Tupperware products included refrigerator storage containers, picnic sets, pastry servers, and even jello molds.

Over time, however, Tupperware faced growing competition from cheaper plastic containers sold in stores. According to CNN, Tupperware thrived for decades but has struggled in recent years as consumer habits changed. The company still sells it’s iconic plastic containers through independent distributors, but is not as dominant in the market compared to its heyday in the mid 20th century.

Mylar Bags

Mylar bags are one increasingly popular alternative to Mason jars. Mylar is a type of polyester film that can be used to create flexible, lightweight bags for food storage. Here are some of the key pros and cons of using Mylar bags:

Pros:

  • Great oxygen and moisture barrier – Mylar bags block oxygen and moisture to help preserve foods and prevent spoilage (Source).
  • Durable and puncture resistant – Mylar is very strong and less prone to rips or tears compared to plastic bags.
  • Reusable – Mylar bags can be washed and reused multiple times.
  • Transparent – Clear Mylar allows you to easily see bag contents.
  • Lightweight – Mylar takes up less space than rigid containers.

Cons:

  • Not microwave safe.
  • Susceptible to degradation from sunlight over time.
  • Can be difficult to properly seal without vacuum sealer.
  • More expensive than plastic bags or containers.

Popular brands of Mylar bags include Harvest Guard, ClearBags, and Shield Pro. They come in a variety of sizes ranging from small snack bags to large gallon bags. Prices range from $0.25 per bag for basic pint-sized bags to $1 or more for gallon and larger sizes.

Many people use Mylar bags in conjunction with vacuum sealers or oxygen absorbers to maximize food preservation. This removes oxygen from the bag prior to sealing for extended freshness. However, Mylar bags can also be effectively sealed through methods like heat sealing or the water displacement method.

Vacuum Seal Containers

Vacuum sealers are appliances that remove air from specially designed bags to extend the shelf life of foods. There are two main types of vacuum sealers:

External vacuum sealers use a vacuum chamber to suck air out of the bag and seal it. These are often found in commercial kitchens and offer a very tight seal. Popular brands include VacMaster and Minipack. They can cost $500 or more.

Mid-range countertop vacuum sealers remove air through the open end of a bag and use heat to seal it shut. Well-known brands like FoodSaver and Weston make countertop models priced from $80 to $300. Bags, rolls, and other supplies add to the operating cost.

Vacuum sealing has several advantages for food storage[1]:

  • Removes oxygen to prevent food spoilage
  • Locks in flavor, moisture, and nutrients
  • Allows bulk food preparation and portioning
  • Saves freezer space since food lies flat
  • Marinating foods in minutes rather than hours

Potential drawbacks include[2]:

  • Not suitable for all foods like soft berries
  • Care required to avoid sealing in pathogens
  • Upfront costs of equipment and bags
  • Learning curve to master proper techniques

With care and proper handling, vacuum sealers allow long-term freezer storage and are ideal for sous vide cooking and meal preparation.

[1] https://www.vacmasterfresh.com/fresh-bites-blog/top-15-advantages-to-vacuum-sealing-your-food/

[2] https://www.upsie.com/major-appliance-warranty/pros-cons-using-vacuum-sealer-food

## Conclusion

There are several viable alternatives to Mason jars for storage depending on your needs. Glass and plastic containers are the most similar in functionality. Glass allows you to heat up contents directly in the jar but it’s heavier and can break. Plastic is lightweight and durable but shouldn’t be heated. For dry goods, stainless steel, ceramic, and silicone bags are great options that keep food fresher longer. For long term storage, Mylar bags and vacuum seal containers prevent air exposure and freezer burn.

For canning and refrigerator storage of wet foods like sauces, Mason jars still reign supreme. But for pantry storage of dry goods like beans, there are cheaper and more practical options. Plastic containers take up less space while stainless steel looks nicer for countertop storage. Silicone bags are ideal for traveling with snacks. And vacuum sealing provides the best option for long term storage of dry goods in the freezer.

Consider factors like your available space, budget, planned usage, and aesthetic when choosing an alternative. But rest assured there are many excellent options for dry food storage beyond traditional Mason jars.

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