Mason Jars in the Freezer | Can They Handle the Cold?

[@1870s]

Let's call this myth busters of homesteading. I am not sure where the thought process originated which says you can not freeze products in Mason Jars, but it's completely false. I have been freezing safely in Mason jars for years and never had a single jar break. Watch this guide for tips on how to safely freeze in glass jars. If you're in need or some canning lids, check out 🥫 FORJARS :: forjars.co/?sca_ref=1911228.45BY9FFxdg (Promo Code SHOP1870 to get 10% off)

[@jensdailylife4656]

It’s even right on the box packaging freezer safe 🤷‍♀️

[@Karen-sv9yn]

Do you use the same jars for heat canning or do you keep them separate

[@susanhopkins3324]

I like to store chopped onions this way, no onion odor in freezer.

[@TheSwissy4me]

That’s a great idea!

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Good idea!

[@sheilaimhof7915]

I need to try this for onions! Great idea

[@NYNY-900]

Thank you Susan! Great tip!

[@pink071602]

I never thought to do this. Thanks for the great idea.

[@threadlovert1393]

I’ve always froze food in my Mason jars. I learned that from my mom. She did it for over 50 years. She even placed seeds that she was going to plant next year in jars and placed those in the freezer. She passed away last year on Mother’s Day. Dad passed a few months later. I still miss them both. They’d be happy to see I’m still canning, planting and most likely they’d be interested that I’m now freeze drying. I never heard that myth that you could not freeze items in jars. I wonder how that started?

[@suemagyari2992]

If a person tends to knock the frozen jars into something they can get breakage.The easy fix for this is to use sox or sleeves that have holes and cannot be used for clothing anymore. Just slide the sock or sleeve over the jar so that any hard knocks get absorbed by the fabric. Works great.

[@gardengrowinmawmaw8642]

Pull an old sock up over those jars, and they will be further protected from breaking when bumped.

[@MaryBornforHealth]

Thanks, Rachel. One thing I do now is put a ring of parchment paper on top of what I am going to freeze in the jar because I've found it prevents freezer burn. Crystals form on the top of liquids as it freezes and these can sometimes get freezer burn and affect the flavor of what it is you are freezing. I simply put the lid on top of wax paper or parchment paper and draw a circle; then when I am cutting, I cut inside of the circle I drew.

[@k.p.1139]

I LOVE freezing in my jars! Been doing it for years. For us, it's part of our storm prep! I make coffee, fill some jars and in the freezer! That way, I have coffee 😁😁AND, if the power goes out, it's free ice to help keep stuff frozen. Also, having leftovers frozen, works the same. Meals already done, thaw heat and serve. You can set thawed jars right into water, and boil it to heat the leftovers..No pots to clean.

[@Greens5511]

Oh my goodness, that's a great tip on heating it up in boiling water 👍👍 I never thought about that!

[@brianczuhai8909]

Can you pull the top off and nuke it in the microwave frozen? I can with my plasticware or pop it into a bowl to do so, since it doesn't have shoulders like a glass jar might.

[@LindaYoung-nw4xl]

I leave the lid to the jar loose or expansion. I tightened it down after it freezes.

[@thatlittlehomestead]

This is great. Thank you for sharing❤️ I started freezing whole organic milk that my husband and I get at Costco because we could not finish the 2 gallons by exp.. It’s $11.99 for 2 gallons so the price is great! It started with excess I would freeze but now in order to not have to go to Costco as often we buy 4 gallons at once and I put it into wide mouth quart jars to freeze. I fill to about an inch from the curve then I let that freeze over 24 hours. I save some extra of the milk for “ topping off”. The following day I pull all the jars out and top them off, after freezing I put a plastic lid on each jar. I keep 2-3 quarts at a time in the fridge and as we use them I just add another jar into the fridge to defrost. It tastes after shaking nearly exactly like fresh milk. It also saves a lot of money and prevents waste.

[@heatherrue2655]

When a jar doesn’t seal, in the freezer it goes ❤

[@valeriejohnston6574]

I didn’t know you could freeze oil. Thanks Rachel! ❤

[@texasshire760]

Me either. I’d love to hear more about that…

[@Nancy-zk9dj]

Yes, I never thought of doing that either. I've seen herbs chopped up and frozen in ice cube trays filled with oil, just never thought to freeze the oil. This helps a lot!

[@magsstewart5488]

Yanno, I’ve never heard to not freeze in jars, but it’s honestly never in my life occurred to me to do so! I have tons of store jars/lids that I was just about to clear out, too. I don’t know why you posted this video today, but you just made my day!

[@katel9378]

I always freeze in jars. The only thing I do is leave the lid off overnight. That way if something expands too far, I won't damage the jar. That said, I do take care watching the fill line. Once it's frozen I put the lids on. Probably not the way to do it, but it has worked for me. I was paranoid in the beginning. My method started because of that.

[@Nancy-zk9dj]

I've done that too!

[@thestickerfarm1254]

That’s how I do it also. Freeze without lid, then put lid on.

[@bevwilson982]

I freeze with the lid on, but loose. Then I tighten it the next day

[@laurenrzempoluch2569]

I've heard that's actually the perfect way to do it

[@Greens5511]

I do freeze in jars for many years, but I have had my share of breakage. It's a learning curve, on staying well below that line that won't b there is older jars. I personally won't use regular lid sized jars they will break easier especially with liquids. Also I always refrigerate the contents overnight before putting them in the freezer.

[@AzaleaBee]

I am the same. I freeze in wide mouth mason jars that have no neck, cool in the refrigerator first (also great for removing a film of fat off stock), and I do not use my older more antique jars for freezing.

[@buckonono7996]

In addition to wet types of foods, we also freeze things like Chex Party Mix and Puppy Chow in glass jars. They stay fresh and it helps to make in advance of the holidays. I think freezing in glass is really the way to go. No warped container, no stains or odors. We use any type of glass jar but I go for the non canning jars first. You never know when a good deal will turn up and you might need the canning jars for that.

[@homesteadwithhannah]

Jars are the best investment - not only for regular canning but so many other storage needs! Thanks for "myth busting"!!

[@elliev3593]

I am so glad you made this video. I started using canning jars for freezing soups a few years ago and recently started hearing folks say that was a no no. What I do before putting the jars in the freezer, I put the jars in the fridge overnight, then move them into the freezer the next day. That’s worked out really well.

[@kathysoltys3104]

Yes. I found that to be my downfall with broken jars too.

[@franwilson9324]

Thanks Rachel. In all my 50+ years of freezing in jars, I’ve only every had one break. It was totally my error, a regular mouth jar that I overfilled. I was probably in a hurry and not being careful enough. I appreciate you sharing your experience and wisdom!

[@rebeccadees2300]

Thank you for this information. I just filled three mason jars with leftover cooked cabbage and I followed the directions.

[@oceangolf3076]

Thanks for the information. Without knowing I recently froze quarts of pea soup and chicken noodle soup. I didn’t realize there was a mark so I will look for it in the future. I stayed an inch down and haven’t have any problems so far. New at canning and preserving so it’s nice to receive confirmation that I’m doing the right thing

[@mrs.creeksidemaples2866]

I’m like you Rachel… use what I have on hand and freeze in my jars without breaking… EVER… take care and have a blessed day!!!

[@n3rdygrl]

Thanks for sharing this! I've always been amazed when anyone looks in my freezer and gets upset when they see things frozen in jars. Less is more when you're freezing liquid no matter what container you use. They can all "explode" in the freezer if you overfill.

[@tinatippin5705]

I am absolutely blown away. So many brilliant ideas. My sweet husband will stop giving me a hard time about saving certain store jars and working those labels off. I use them for dry storage, jams and spices, but thought the freezer was off limits unless I invested in new canning jars. This is so liberating! Proves I can still learn new things at my age. Thank you and so many other ladies who have shared their practical uses.

[@victoriajohnson3034]

I use my canning jars for all things food! Freezer, fridge, canning, vacuum sealed, vinegars, fermentation, you name it!!

[@wendyr435]

I appreciate the information and I did do some research at the Ball website and the National Center for Food Preservation, yes you can freeze in Mason jars but they do caution against using store bought jars. I'll just be safe and use my freezer safe Pyrex dishes with the silicone lids. They stack better in a freezer.

[@littleearth-steading3673]

I feel like this is inspirining a canned freezer pantry challenge?? Loved the video and thank you for your advice!!

[@juliahunt4526]

I have been canning food all my life … been freezing only a year now because I didn’t want freezer burnt .. wow I am going to freeze everything now I can’t can … thank you so much for your videos…

[@carolynsinyard1306]

I never thought about freezing in jars, but I will start using some of my jars in the freezer. Have a blessed weekend.

[@sailorgirl2017]

This is the pantry of my dreams!! I love it. I live aboard a sailboat now, so my pantry is different, but I love this so very much. Thank you for discussing freezing with mason jars, I will remember that.

[@tibbs4000]

Thanks so much Rachel! I have had anxiety about glass jars bursting in my freezer but thanks to this advice I just bought 3 liters of buttermilk ranch dressing for a steal and then froze it in glass jars. All still intact! Thanks again.

[@sherrylynn4671]

I haven't even started watching your video yet but just had to comment to say how happy it makes my heart to see your beautiful canning pantry. And your hair is so pretty!

[@laurenrzempoluch2569]

Isn't it just lovely!! All that lovely canned food!! I want to come to dinner at your home Rachel!!

[@marking-time-gardens]

Thank you Rachel for another great food preservation tip! Blessings on your day Kiddo!🥰🌻🐛💕

[@bethanystallings1818]

This is going so save me so much in gallon size ziplock bags! Thank you! I don't know why I never thought to use my jars for left over freezer meals.

[@maryloudonovan5148]

I’ve frozen soup in jars, thought I left enough space, but didn’t know exactly where the fill line was. My breakage trouble came mostly during thawing until I read that one should remove the lid.

[@debramede3735]

I lost food freezing in mason jars, but it's because I didn't observe headspace guidelines, and it was a regular mouth jar with a neck. So now I will try again. Thank you.

[@CherylAnderson0]

I have used canning jars to freeze in mostly when I didn’t have anything else at the time. Currently I have about 4 gallons citrus juice frozen I didn’t want to can because heat changes the taste a bit and frozen thaws tasting perfectly fresh. One thing I do you didn’t mention (besides leaving extra headspace for expansion) is freeze with the lids loose then after it’s frozen solid then tighten the lids tight. It’s just how I’ve always done it thinking then there’s no pressure in the jar when the liquid expands. I’ve not had any break either and it’s not something I like to do using my canning jars that way nor do it unless I really need to but it certainly works well.

[@kittyrichards9915]

I pushed the fill limit on chicken broth and broke a couple jars. Learned my lesson.

[@hopeup2792]

Thanks for sharing about other empty store jars. I had to check because I didn’t have any freezer bags for let over stew… this will save me money on using some of those in the future for some items. Thanks again for your effort to share.

[@rachelmick4051]

Thank you for the education, Rachel!

[@charlenegrady8781]

Thank you Rachel. I have never froze anything in my jars but now after seeing this video I’m not afraid to try. Thanks again❤️🇺🇸

[@whitecreekhomestead6277]

I agree! Thanks Rachel!

[@Faith-in-him]

Hi Rachel. Just subbed. Never knew you could do this. Me thinking tomato sauce was acidic enough to water bath is what brought me here! 😩 who knew?? Not this new to canning novice 🤭 your video saved my whole crock pot full of homemade tomato sauce and my very generous neighbor’s (who grew the tomatoes and shared them with me) efforts and loving kindness didn’t go to waste!! Thank you also for the tip that I CAN use my regular mason jars in the freezer. Btw…I just learned that Google is the guilty party for starting the myth. 😵‍💫 no worries. YT and your channel to the rescue!! Got to go now. I’ve a huge crockpot of tomato sauce to jar up! Oh! Also just learned you can’t use thickeners like corn starch when canning. Who knew?? Not me! 🤷‍♀️ 😏

[@evaarnim]

I agree I put the other half of a jar in freezer allot thank you

[@lynsmith2698]

Great video Rachel. I too have been freezing in jars for decades as well. Thanks so much. 🇨🇦🌷

[@sandrad682]

I also use mine following the same guidelines. I've never had one break. Thanks for sharing with everyone Rachel.

[@victoriajohnson3034]

Never thought of freezing my herb infused oils!! Great idea!!!!

[@OldCritters]

Great point I’ve been reusing jars for this for 40 years. Excellent video.👍💞

[@lannettewilson9553]

Thank you sooooo much. I beleived the myth for yrs. I cant tell you how much broth i have tossed. Thank you.

[@cynthialewis7080]

Have a blessed weekend.

[@paulacanyon1085]

Thanks,. I can start using my extra jars

[@gilthedrummer]

awesome vid! i had never thought of this method, and it's crazy cause i have hundreds of jars around from canning! And thanks for reassuring that the jelly jars wont break as mason says. You got yourself a sub!

[@brianczuhai8909]

Wow! That's a biggie! Thought you were crazy when you were reorganizing your freezer and pulled out some. Worth looking into again. I seemed to recall glass pop or beer bottles will break. We used to put them in there for quick cooling but forget about them. Krogers had a sale on 1/2 gal milk. Put one in the freezer. and the plastic expansion bits on the side expand out. That's a great tip for leftover canning items you don't have enough left for another jar to vacuum seal. You can recycle your used lids for that. You must actually read the canning book or something.

[@cathyb3790]

Awesome ,,,I am presently digging in my cupboard and finding my glass jars to use ,,Thank You ,,I also use all the yogurt ,sour cream containers I have they are Great too,,,plastic would probably thaw quicker ,,but heck use what you already have 👍

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I'm with you! Use those jars as long as you give them space!

[@mrsaguas524]

Thank you Miss Rachel for this video. And you’re so pretty!!!!!

[@Karen-sv9yn]

I freeze in jars all the time. What I learned was that if you are going to use them for freezing then don't use the same ones for heat canning. No idea if this matters but it just makes sense in case the jars are compromised in any way from the freezing.

[@LindaYoung-nw4xl]

I found out the hard way, that jars with shoulders will break! Straight sides always work.

[@thebigmann81]

Exactly, shoulder or neck is a no and straight is a yes

[@michelewilliams6241]

I get so excited when I see you post a new video!

[@leesamahaffey694]

I have frozen in jars many times and never noticed the fill line for freezing. Learned something today :) Thanks!

[@scrapbookingwithjen8622]

I have frozen potato soup in mason jars and have had two break. Could be because I froze them in regular mouth and maybe overfilled. I did make sure to cool them first.

[@daveandellenbartlett8725]

I actually never considered freezing leftovers in jars 😮 great tip!

[@LeahCary78]

I freeze flour, and oils in jars. Never had any problems either. ❤

[@williej3831]

I just froze a dozen oatmeal cookies in a quart size wide mouth. Works great to keep cookies fresh when you can’t eat the whole batch before going stale.

[@mckus20011]

Cool I didn’t know that. Thanks Rachel 😊

[@vnickcolvin4971]

I have frozen broths and leftovers, these tips are worth repeating too!😊❤

[@kathleenbell218]

The problem I have had is quart jars. I make a carrot cauliflower soup that is blended. I have had quart jars break even though I have left space for expansion and used wide mouth. I think what may have happened is the top part of the soup froze first and didn’t allow the bottom part of the soup to expand up.

[@billierichter1379]

Your hair looks beautiful!

[@liancabastian6732]

I'm so glad you did this video. Thank you, Rachel ❤

[@cherokee8647]

Good video....thank you! Glad to know about store bought jars Too. 👍👍👍👍

[@hollynelson543]

Hi Rachel ❤

[@soniab.estacio3008]

Thank you ❤ God bless .. I use my mason jars in the freezer

[@kimfowler6132]

This was perfect timing! I was just wondering about this today! 😘

[@elizabee8273]

I just knew it! Won't be secretive about it any longer.

[@jonizabel1952]

Thank you for addressing this Rachel! I have heard people saying we can't freeze in maso jars, but it definitely caught my attention when I saw your jars in the freezer. Thank you, as always, for great, useful content! Blessings ❤️

[@donnacaputo3078]

Good info. Clears up a lot of questions about which jars to use and how to fill. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@christdriven8790]

Awesome, I'm just finding this out, u know how we assume things 😁 thx.

[@1870s]

Happy to help!

[@judydrouhard2651]

Good to know. Thanks🥰

[@juneauesque]

This came at the perfect moment. I have a few quarts of chicken broth and not enough time to can that I wondered if I should freeze.

[@debs2842]

I freeze things in jars. I don't put the lid on until it's frozen that way if it expands it doesn't break the jar from the pressure when its frozen i put the lid on and use old socks with toes cut off over the jar to keep them from getting bumped when moving them.

[@gardeningcookingandlife2924]

I am so glad you posted this video. I will definitely start freezing in jars.

[@lisajenson1982]

❤ Thank you for this video!! I froze some chili in a mason jar, and it cracked. I was thinking because a temperature change.....NEVER occurred to me I over filled it!!

[@tracycouture3955]

Awesomeness 💐💃 I saw your jars in the freezer so I tried it with my batch of Turkey bone broth 💞 now I can make chicken and beef bone broth and have it handy in the freezer since I use them so often 🙏Blessings

[@deborahdillon5298]

I will have to try it again but 10 years or so ago, I was given some bone broth in mason jars. She told me to freeze them (4 quarts, regular I think). And 3 broke, a royal mess in the freezer! I know one wasn't full at all but I was very surprised and disappointed (what a waste of good broth). If so many of you have had success with this, so can I, I hope!!

[@pamelaulrich8615]

I have frozen in empty jars and Mason jars for years too...I currently have bone broth and freezer jam and applesauce in my freezer...never have had a problem

[@staceyw7092]

I was always told they had to be the widemouth ones. I put some broth in the regular mouth ones and when they thaw it out, they cracked.

[@corirhoton1003]

Just curious, how did you thaw your Jars when they broke ? Left on the counter, or in the fridge ? Or was it something like a room temperature water bath

[@GlitterandJams]

I have frozen many times in jars! So convenient for leftovers and extra canning ingredients! ❤❤

[@tristaperkins7112]

When I do a huge batch of homemade soup or huge batch of spaghetti sauce, I always freeze in either my store jars or half gallon pickle jars. It works perfectly.

[@tristaperkins7112]

I just always try to use the jars that aren't as easily use for heading, for my freezing. And freezing glass totally reduces the freezer burn aspect.

[@sherriekemper1828]

You're so right. The only breakage I've had has been when I've way overfilled the jar. Otherwise, no problems ever.

[@susanmassey9635]

Thank you so much for this information .

[@donnamcknight3175]

Thank you Rachel. I had no idea!

[@Famcke]

❣ - MUST WATCH VIDEO!!! Great info! Thank you for sharing 💐 💙🙏🇺🇸

[@denisebrady6858]

Brilliant video Rachel as I believed the Myth too hahaha. I won't from now on. Cheers Denise-- Australia

[@TrixieJFerguson]

I did have a jar break on me once in the freezer. I froze the contents without the lid just to be safe and then after it was frozen I put the lid on. I don’t know why but it completely cracked and fell apart in the freezer sometime later. If you put your glass jars in your freezer, make sure you have plenty of room so nothing gets jostled around. I’m guessing that’s how I got my cracked jar.

[@lavernfoy4591]

Thank you so much for the wonderful information about freezing in jars, that’s amazing ❤️

[@kevinlittle9483]

Thank you! I did not realize you could do this! I learned something new!!🤗

[@patharrington8575]

The pint and a half jars have a freezer line as well. Thank you.

[@tonia5182]

Hi Rachel, I never knew you could freeze food in canning jars. Thanks for that insight 👍 👌

[@wendieo5146]

Water expands and the water within the broths, soups, gravies, jams, etc is what is expanding when frozen. 100% oils are not prone the same expansion problems. We always tilted our unfrozen regular mason jar as we put it in the freezer for the initial freeze if there was a question as to if the expansion would rise into the narrower neck of the regular mouth. mason jar. That diagonal frozen top of the liquid relieves any chance of expansion pressure on the glass jar. So if in doubt if it is slightly into the narrow neck, just tilt it to freeze it by having one edge just below where the neck tapers inward.

[@BroomstickChik]

Thank you for this video! I had no idea!

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

i go use mine in the freezer all the time with no issues. I leave the lid loose till its frozen and extra head space for it to expand

[@merrilynhurd850]

Great news. Thank you so much.

[@alisapence3281]

I will freeze some of my left overs if I know we are not going to eat it the next day. Although, I do try to use them up within a month or so. But, I did find this very informative. I did have one leak out as I put to much in the jar, so now I know not to push the limit.