Where to Buy Canning Jars and Supplies: A Comprehensive Guide

Home canning has experienced a significant resurgence as more people embrace food preservation for sustainability, health, and hobby purposes. Finding the right canning jars and supplies is essential for successful preservation projects. This guide explores various options for where to purchase canning jars and necessary equipment, from local stores to online retailers and specialty suppliers.

What Are Canning Jars and Why They Matter

Canning jars, often referred to as Mason jars after their inventor John Landis Mason, are specially designed glass containers used for home food preservation. These jars feature threaded necks that accommodate two-piece lids consisting of a flat lid with a rubber seal and a screw band. According to this detailed history of Mason jars, they revolutionized home food preservation when patented in 1858.

The most common brands include Ball, Kerr, and Bernardin, which offer various sizes ranging from 4-ounce jelly jars to half-gallon containers. This guide to Mason jar sizes provides detailed information about the different options available and their ideal uses.

Retail Stores for Buying Canning Jars

Big Box Retailers

Major retailers offer convenient access to canning supplies, especially during peak canning season:

• Walmart: Carries a wide selection of Ball and Kerr jars year-round
• Target: Stocks basic canning supplies, particularly during summer months
• Ace Hardware: Often has competitive prices on canning jars and equipment
• Lowe's and Home Depot: Seasonal availability of canning supplies

Grocery and Farm Supply Stores

Local options often provide quality canning supplies:

• Kroger, Publix, and regional grocery chains
• Tractor Supply Co. and Rural King
• Local farm and feed stores
• Natural food co-ops and specialty grocers

When shopping at these locations, timing is crucial as finding the best deals on canning jars often depends on seasonal availability.

Online Marketplaces for Canning Supplies

E-commerce platforms provide extensive options for where to purchase canning jars:

• Amazon: Wide selection with customer reviews and fast shipping options
• Walmart.com: Often offers store pickup for online orders
• Etsy: Vintage and specialty canning jars
• eBay: New and used canning supplies, sometimes at discounted prices

Specialty online retailers like Fillmore Container and other Mason jar suppliers offer professional-grade canning supplies and unique sizes not commonly found in retail stores.

Where to Buy Canning Jars in Bulk

For serious canners or those preparing for large harvests, buying in bulk can offer significant savings:

• Restaurant supply stores like WebstaurantStore
• Wholesale clubs including Costco and Sam's Club (seasonal)
• Direct from manufacturers like Ball through their website
• Local canneries or food processing facilities

When considering where to buy canning jars in bulk, compare case prices and shipping costs, as heavy glass can significantly increase delivery charges. Some retailers offer special discounts for bulk orders, particularly during off-season months.

Seasonal Considerations for Purchasing Canning Supplies

Canning supplies follow a predictable seasonal pattern:

• Spring (March-May): Retailers begin stocking supplies
• Summer (June-August): Peak availability but potential shortages of popular sizes
• Fall (September-October): Clearance sales begin
• Winter (November-February): Limited availability, best time for online purchasing

Planning purchases around this cycle can help secure the best prices and ensure availability. Many experienced canners recommend purchasing supplies during fall clearance sales for use the following year.

Essential Canning Supplies Beyond Jars

A complete canning setup requires more than just jars. Here's where to find essential accessories:

• Lids and bands: Available wherever jars are sold
• Canners and pressure cookers: Sporting goods stores, kitchen supply retailers
• Specialized tools (jar lifters, funnels, etc.): Kitchen supply stores, online retailers
• Pectin and preserving agents: Grocery stores, farm supply stores

Before beginning a canning project, it's important to understand proper sterilization techniques. This guide on sterilizing canning jars provides essential information for food safety.

Cost Comparison Across Different Retailers

Prices for canning supplies vary significantly across retailers:

• Big box stores: Often the most economical for standard sizes (approximately $10-15 for 12 regular mouth pint jars)
• Grocery stores: Convenient but typically 10-20% higher than big box stores
• Online retailers: Competitive pricing but shipping costs may apply
• Specialty suppliers: Higher prices but often better quality and selection

When comparing prices, consider factors beyond the sticker price, such as quality, availability of specialty sizes, and whether the jars can be used for multiple purposes. For example, some canners prefer specific jar types for different preservation methods, as explained in this article on freezing safety.

The Future of Home Canning and Supply Trends

The canning supply market continues to evolve with several notable trends:

• Increased availability of sustainable and plastic-free options
• Growth in decorative and specialty jars for gifting preserved goods
• Development of new preservation technologies complementing traditional methods
• Rise of subscription services offering seasonal canning supplies

As interest in home food preservation grows, retailers are expanding their offerings beyond traditional canning to include fermentation supplies and alternative preservation methods. This evolution reflects broader consumer interest in food self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on commercial food systems.

Whether you're a seasoned canner or just starting out, understanding where to buy canning jars and supplies can help you prepare for successful preservation projects while managing costs effectively. With proper planning and knowledge of available resources, you can build a well-equipped canning kitchen ready for whatever the harvest brings.