Mason jars are the best. Big ones, small ones, old blue glass ones with rusted lids—I hoard them like gold. And while yes, they’re great for canning tomatoes and pickled everything, they’re also one of the most versatile prepping tools out there. So today, we’re going beyond jam.
Here are 10 things you didn’t know (or maybe forgot) you could prep using a mason jar—each one tested, approved, and occasionally dropped by yours truly:
1. Dry Soup Mixes
Layer lentils, dried herbs, powdered bouillon, pasta, and dehydrated veggies for shelf-stable meals that just need hot water. Tie a label on it and you’ve got instant comfort food—and a gift idea.
2. Emergency Candles
Fill with wax and a wick, or drop a tea light into the bottom. Great for long-burning light during power outages—bonus points if you use those fall-scented ones.
3. Cake in a Jar
Okay, not life-saving, but it will boost morale. You can bake single-serving cakes directly in mason jars and seal them for short-term storage. (Ian insists it’s an essential prep. I do not argue with cake logic.)
4. Spice & Seasoning Blends
Create your own prepper pantry blends—taco, Italian, ranch, chili, even salt-free. Stack ’em, label ’em, shake ’em.
5. Natural Remedy Storage
Herbal infusions, garlic honey, elderberry syrup—mason jars are airtight and easy to sterilize. I keep mine in a dark cabinet labeled like I run an apothecary.
6. Game Jar
Stuck indoors? Drop in dice, a deck of cards, marbles, and written instructions for simple games. Small entertainment prep = big sanity saver.
7. Cold Brew Coffee or Tea
Steep directly in the jar, strain, store. Just because the grid’s down doesn’t mean we should suffer caffeine withdrawal.
8. Sewing or Repair Kit
Use a small jar to store buttons, thread, needles, safety pins, and even a thimble. Glue a pin cushion to the inside of the lid if you’re feeling crafty.
9. Seed Storage
Dry seeds + silica gel packet + labeled mason jar = a prepper’s spring garden waiting in the wings.
10. Document Jar
Waterproof important documents using a mason jar lined with a zip bag or mylar pouch. Store copies of ID, emergency contacts, insurance info, and even handwritten instructions.
The beauty of the mason jar? It’s sturdy, reusable, and always up for the task—kind of like a good prepper.
So next time you’re tempted to toss that empty jar in the back of the cupboard, ask yourself… could this be my next emergency power-outage cake holder?
(Answer: yes. Yes, it could.)
Stay prepped and prepared,
Pepper
