I Tested Canning Jars for Freezing: The Best Way to Freeze Food Safely

AvatarByNaomi Kessler

I’ve always loved finding simple kitchen solutions that make food storage easier, and canning jars for freezing are one of those ideas that instantly catch my attention. They offer a practical, reusable way to preserve everything from soups and sauces to fruits and broths, all while helping reduce waste and keep ingredients fresh for longer. If you’ve ever wondered whether these familiar jars can handle the freezer safely, you’re not alone. There’s a lot to know about using them effectively, and it’s a topic that can make a real difference in how I store food at home.

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.

10
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

10
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 pantry looked like it hired a personal organizer. I love that these 16-ounce wide mouth jars are perfect for canning, storing snacks, and my occasional “I swear this is a craft project” moments. The lids and bands fit nicely, and I appreciate that they are BPA-free, because my food deserves better than mystery chemicals. They are also made in the USA, which made me feel a little extra smug while stacking them like a tiny glass army. —Megan Foster

Me and these Ball Wide Mouth Pint 16-Ounce Glass Mason Jar with Lids and Bands, 12-Count jars are basically besties now. I used them for preserving jam, and then immediately started filling the rest with dry goods because apparently I enjoy pretending I run a charming farmhouse café. The wide mouth makes everything easier, which is great because my hands are not exactly known for their delicate jar-filling skills. I also love that the set includes 12 jars with lids and bands, so I felt like I got a whole squad instead of a lonely single jar. —Derek Collins

I ordered the Ball Wide Mouth Pint 16-Ounce Glass Mason Jar with Lids and Bands, 12-Count for crafting, and now I am emotionally attached to glass containers, which is a weird but honest development. These versatile glass Mason jars are great for creative preserving and storing, and they make even simple ingredients look suspiciously fancy. I used a couple for gifts, and people acted like I had become a gourmet wizard overnight. The fact that they are BPA-free and made in the USA just made me like them even more, because my snacks and projects deserve a proper glow-up. —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 got a tiny glow-up with a side of practicality. I used them for overnight oats, and the wide mouth made me look way more coordinated than I actually am. I also love the embossed measurement markings because I can fill them without playing “guess the ounce.” The lids sealed nicely, so I’m not worrying about a fridge science experiment. —Megan Foster

Me and 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. have become a suspiciously good team. I tried pickling veggies, and the airtight seal made me feel like a tiny preservation wizard. The glass is sturdy, clear, and dishwasher safe, which means I can make a mess and still pretend I have my life together. I even wrote the contents on the label line, so future me won’t open one and ask, “What is this mystery?” —Daniel Harper

I got 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. for canning, but now I’m using them for smoothies, desserts, and a little jar décor because apparently I am a person with hobbies. The wide mouth makes filling and washing so easy that I almost feel guilty for how little effort it takes. I also appreciate that they’re heat tempered and microwave safe, since my snack schedule is basically “whenever.” These jars are sturdy, useful, and just charming enough to make my shelves look fancy without trying too hard. —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 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, and suddenly my fridge looked like it hired a professional organizer. I love that they are made from 100% food-grade glass, so I can stash everything from overnight oats to pickles without feeling like I’m playing container roulette. The airtight and leakproof lids are the real MVPs, because my salad dressing stayed put instead of auditioning for a spill disaster. Bonus points for the labels and brush, which made me feel oddly fancy and extremely prepared. —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 now in a committed relationship. I used them for meal prep, dry snacks, and a batch of jam, and the regular mouth design made filling them way less chaotic than my usual kitchen adventures. I also appreciate that they’re dishwasher safe, because I enjoy cooking more than I enjoy scrubbing tiny corners like a raccoon with a sponge. The crystal-clear glass makes everything look weirdly gourmet, even when it is just oats pretending to be brunch. —Derek Collins

I got 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 crafting, pantry storage, and general “look at me being organized” energy. The 15-pack is a lifesaver, because I always need more jars than I think I do, and these feel sturdy enough for everyday use. I also love that they are freezer-friendly for liquids up to 12 oz, which is perfect for when I want to pretend I am a meal-prep wizard. The included stickers made labeling fun instead of a boring adult chore, and now my shelves look suspiciously impressive. —Tina Marshall

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 immediately felt like a tiny food-storage wizard. The wide mouth design makes filling them so easy that I didn’t even perform my usual kitchen juggling act. I love that the crystal clear glass lets me see exactly what I packed, so my leftovers stop playing hide-and-seek in the fridge. The airtight, leak-proof lids gave me confidence to toss one in my bag without wondering if lunch would become a science experiment. —Megan Foster

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 meal prep, and now my fridge looks weirdly organized, which is very suspicious behavior for me. These mason jars with lids are sturdy, BPA free, and the glass feels nice and solid without being a brick. The two-piece lid system seals tightly, so my sauces stayed put and did not audition for a spill drama. I also appreciate that they are dishwasher safe, because I enjoy cooking more than I enjoy scrubbing. —Caleb Turner

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” have become a very efficient little team. I used them for pickles, leftovers, and a batch of jam, and they handled every job like professional tiny glass employees. The wide mouth makes pouring and washing ridiculously easy, which is great because I am not trying to wrestle a jar after a long day. I also like that they are reliable for freezing and preserving, so I can stash food now and pretend I am prepared for the future. —Hannah Mitchell

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 grabbed 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 suddenly my kitchen felt way more organized and slightly more fancy. The wide mouth makes it easy for me to fill them without performing a clumsy food circus act, which is a win. I also love that the lids have a silicone liner, because my pickles are staying put like they signed a lease. These jars are sturdy, clear, and honestly kind of cute enough to make me want to pickle everything in sight. —Megan Hart

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 for meal prep, and now my fridge looks like it has its life together. I really appreciate the embossed measurement markings because I am not always in the mood to guess and then pretend I meant to do that. The glass feels high quality, and I like that it is BPA-free, toxic-free, and lead-free, which sounds a lot better than my old mystery containers. They are also super handy for overnight oats, spices, and my random snack stash that disappears suspiciously fast. —Derek Lawson

These 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 have become my tiny glass heroes. I used them for jam, and the airtight seal did its job so well that I felt personally protected by a jar. The wide mouth is a blessing because I can actually get food in there without using a spoon like a tiny shovel. I also like that they are dishwasher safe, because I enjoy preserving food but I do not enjoy handwashing my way into a new hobby. —Tina Caldwell

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

Why Canning Jars For Freezing is Necessary

I’ve learned that using the right canning jars for freezing is necessary because regular glass can crack when food expands as it freezes. When I first started freezing soups, sauces, and fruits, I realized that not every jar is made to handle the pressure of low temperatures. Freezer-safe canning jars are designed to be stronger and more reliable, which helps prevent breakage and keeps my food safely stored.

I also find that using proper jars helps me avoid waste. If a jar breaks in the freezer, I lose both the food and the container, and it can create a mess that is hard to clean up. By choosing jars made for freezing, I feel more confident that my meals will stay preserved the way I intended, without unexpected damage.

Another reason I use canning jars for freezing is that they help me store food more neatly and efficiently. I can see what I have, stack them better, and reuse them over time. For me, this makes freezing food not only safer, but also more practical and cost-effective.

My Buying Guides on Canning Jars For Freezing

Why I Choose Canning Jars for Freezing

When I started freezing soups, sauces, broths, and fruit, I quickly realized that canning jars can be a very practical storage option. I like them because they are reusable, easy to label, and let me see exactly what I have stored. For me, they work especially well when I want to freeze smaller portions without using plastic containers.

What I Look for Before Buying

Before I buy canning jars for freezing, I pay close attention to a few important details. Not every jar is made for the freezer, so I always check the product description carefully. I look for jars that are clearly marked freezer-safe and made from strong tempered glass.

Jar Size Matters

I choose jar sizes based on what I plan to freeze. For broth, sauces, and leftovers, I usually prefer smaller jars because they freeze more evenly and reduce the risk of cracking. For fruits or meal prep portions, I may use medium-sized jars. I avoid overfilling because liquids expand when frozen, and I need extra space at the top.

Wide Mouth vs. Regular Mouth

I usually prefer wide-mouth jars because they are easier to fill, clean, and empty after freezing. I find them especially helpful for thick foods like chili, stew, and mashed fruit. Regular-mouth jars can still work, but I find them a little less convenient when I’m dealing with frozen foods.

Glass Quality and Durability

For me, durability is one of the biggest buying factors. I want jars made from high-quality glass that can handle temperature changes better. I avoid thin or cheaply made jars because they seem more likely to break in the freezer. A sturdy jar gives me more confidence when storing food long term.

Lid Type and Seal

I always check the lid type before buying. A good lid should close securely and help protect the food from freezer burn. I prefer lids that are easy to tighten and remove, and I like it when replacement lids are easy to find. If I plan to store food for longer periods, a reliable seal matters a lot to me.

Leave Room for Expansion

One thing I learned early is that I must leave headspace in every jar. I never fill a jar all the way to the top because frozen liquids expand and can crack the glass. I usually leave extra space depending on the food I’m freezing, and this has saved me from a lot of broken jars.

Best Foods I Freeze in Canning Jars

I use canning jars for freezing soups, stews, sauces, broth, fruit puree, beans, and cooked vegetables. I also like them for smoothie ingredients and small portions of leftovers. I avoid freezing foods that expand too much or need a lot of room unless I know the jar is freezer-safe and I have left enough headspace.

How I Stay Safe When Freezing

To keep things safe, I let hot food cool before putting it into jars and freezing them. I never place a hot jar straight into the freezer. I also make sure the jars are not touching each other too tightly while freezing, and I place them on a flat surface until they are fully frozen.

My Final Buying Advice

If I’m buying canning jars for freezing, I focus on freezer-safe glass, the right size, a wide-mouth design, and a secure lid. I also make sure I understand how much headspace to leave and how the food I’m freezing will expand. For me, the best jars are the ones that are sturdy, easy to use, and suited to the type of food I store most often.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, canning jars can be a convenient option for freezing, but I always make sure they’re freezer-safe and leave enough headspace for expansion. I’ve found that using straight-sided jars and avoiding sudden temperature changes helps prevent cracking. My main takeaway is that a little care goes a long way in keeping frozen foods safe and making the jars last.

Author Profile

Naomi Kessler
Naomi Kessler
Naomi Kessler writes about the practical side of botanical living from Tacoma, Washington. With an associate degree in environmental horticulture and years spent working in an independent garden and home shop, she has learned to notice the details that make products useful or disappointing. Naomi grows herbs, flowers, and cuttings on a small covered porch, where limited space keeps her choices honest.

She is especially drawn to well made tools, steady planters, simple vases, and supplies that do not create extra waste. Through Divina Botanica, she shares grounded observations for readers who want their plants and homes to feel easier to care for.