What Are Glass Jars Called? Types and Uses Explained

Glass jars are usually named for their shape, closure, or intended use. You may hear storage jar , canning jar , Mason jar , or apothecary jar , but those names do not mean the jars are interchangeable. We use “glass storage jar” as the broadest term for a jar that holds household items.

A Mason jar is a type of canning jar named for John Landis Mason, who patented a threaded jar closure in 1858. You can recognize the familiar style by its screw-threaded neck, but appearance alone does not establish that a jar is suitable for home canning. For preserving food, use a jar and lid specifically made for that purpose and follow tested canning instructions.

Our team calls a jar with raised lettering or patterns an embossed glass jar. “Vintage-style” describes its look; it does not necessarily mean the glass is old. An apothecary jar typically has a decorative profile and a fitted lid, while a pantry jar is intended for convenient storage. If you want a raised-glass look, explore our 23.7-ounce vintage embossed glass storage jar guide.

The right name is useful, but the closure matters more when you choose a jar. A loose-fitting lid suits some dry-item storage, whereas an airtight closure is better when you need to limit exposure to moisture or air. Compare the stated capacity with what you plan to store, and allow room to remove the contents comfortably rather than filling the jar to its rim.

We recommend confirming that a jar is designated for food contact before using it for snacks or pantry ingredients. For a display jar, consider whether its opening lets you add and remove the items without scraping your hands against the glass. Avoid treating decorative glass as microwave-safe, freezer-safe, or canning-safe unless it is expressly made for that use.