You may not know this about me but I’m a bit of an organizing fanatic. Whether it’s keeping the aesthetic of this website clean and user-friendly, or storing leftovers in my refrigerator, I like my surroundings to be very orderly.
One of my favorite organizing tools is glass mason jars. I’ve been a mason jar devotee since the early 1990’s when I took my Ayurvedic training in New York City. Back then we were taught the principles of healthy cooking and food storage and those have stayed with me over the years. I’m still a total enthusiast when it come to glass. The first thing they often say when they walk in my kitchen is, “Why do you have so many glass jars?!” Here you’ll find out why glass is better than plastic!
1. Glass is Healthier than Plastic
I avoid plastic as much as possible for a number of reasons. First, plastic is made of petrochemicals that are full of toxic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC’s) known as xeno-estrogens. These chemicals can leach into your food and then your body.
2. Glass is Cheaper
Plastic containers cost a pretty penny. Glass on the other hand is cheaper and a better investment. This sturdy material lasts much longer than plastic. If you don’t want to buy glass jars, you can collect them. It still blows my mind that every time we finish a jar of almond butter or coconut oil, a beautiful piece of glass remains. Save for a year and you’ll have an entire matching set!
3. Easy to Organize
Glass containers are super easy to organize. Your struggle to find matching lids for plastic containers will be a thing of the past when you switch to glass.
4. Easy to Clean
Because of its solid and sturdy surface glass is a breeze to clean. You won’t scrub away at glass until it deteriorates and leaches into your food!
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5. Won’t Melt in Dishwasher
Unlike plastic, glass can be safely washed at high temperatures.
6. Doesn’t Stain
Glass doesn’t stain. Unlike plastic, this sturdy material does not absorb oils and spices. I love that I can drink a Golden Turmeric Latte out of a mason jar, then place it in the dishwasher, and pull it out looking brand new!
7. No Flavor Trespassing
Plastic is not a durable substance. Its pliability makes it absorb and retain odor. I wouldn’t want to store my Mustard Lime Chicken in a plastic container. The plastic would smell like the savory mustard and chili in this recipe no matter how much I washed it. Who needs lingering food odors in their storage containers? Everything tastes better in glass.
8. Mystery Food in the Back of the Fridge? No Thanks!
I like to see what’s in my fridge. Visibility makes that space so much easier to maintain. Who wants mystery foods concealed by plastic hiding out in the back of the fridge, turning into a science experiment?! Not me.
9. Saves Space
Glass is fantastic when it comes to using vertical storage space. Tall mason jars fill my fridge shelves and pantry taking up less horizontal real estate by occupying the vertical spaces in our fridge, pantry, and cabinets.
10. Glass is Beautiful
Yes, glass is beautiful. Glass is gorgeous and aesthetically pleasing. Our fridge looks like a work of art when I’m done cleaning it out and organizing it.
Buy Glass for Your Kitchen
These are my favorite jars for storage!
And here are some great pieces that can go from fridge to oven to table!
This post is an oldie but goodie from the archives, I first published it in 2008.
Anne Ritter says
I’ve been keeping our nuts in glass jars too but on the counter top. I basically have almonds & walnuts. What kinds of nuts have to be stored in the refrigerator or is it all of them?
Elana says
Anne, I keep all of our nuts and seeds in the fridge so that the oils in them don’t go rancid :-)
Alicia V says
The more I read about mason & glass jars, the more I get excited about converting my pantry to glass! Thanks for your insight on the glass vs plastic debate! Even though this blog post is a few years old, I assume you’re still using glass?
Elana says
Alicia, all glass, all the time :-)
Cindy Banes says
I have just discovered your books and blog. You are exactly what I’m looking for. Eating right, being healthy takes a lot of education, correct education. I’m going to be enjoying bread – finally!
As to storing the nuts in the fridge, I buy in larger quantity. I’ve been told that keeping the nuts and flour in the freezer helps to keep them fresh longer. Is this true?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Elana says
Cindy, you can keep them in the fridge or the freezer so their oils don’t go rancid :-)
Annette says
I love jars! I love being able to see everything, and it’s easy too – just save old jam jars etc… Although I do have the problem of having to search through all my lids to find matching ones haha
Elana says
Annette, I know lid organization is a bit of a project :-)
Lynn says
Hey Elana,
I just started on my journey and even though it is confusing, frustrating, and just plain hard I am already feeling much better just 2 1/2 weeks in! I love the photo of your pantry. Your food looks safe! Thank you.
Lynn
Elana says
Lynn, thanks for your wonderful comment!
Mama2one says
I just inherited all of my grandmother’s mason jars! All sizes for all kinds of storage. It’s a great everyday reminder of all the cooking she taught me. I have gotten jars at estate sales and such, but some days a real bidding war for jars.
Love the website and all the recipes and advice.
Elana says
Thanks so much!
Katherine says
I am a bit late to this conversation, but I make my own kombucha and store it (along with all my other food stuffs) in glass jars or containers as well. For those who are concerned about breakability, I bought a neoprene wine bottle sleeve and trimmed it to fit my jar. Keeps it insulated and it hasn’t broken thus far. Not the most elegant solution, but it does work and it should last for ages.
Elana says
Katherine, thanks for your comment and sharing your ideas!
Valerie Wilson says
I just found your website – how neat that you live in/near Boulder. I’m in Longmont!
I have been mostly GF for about 2 years, making and baking many of my own breads, pastries, etc. I have been looking for a healthier way of cooking GF – looks like almond flour can help.
I’ve been using canning jars to store beans n’ grains n’ things for years. I’m a long-time gardener and I enjoy “putting things by”, so have jars of assorted sizes to use. I use the plastic lids because they don’t touch the food (although they do out-gas, I suppose).
I’ve been using BPA free plastics too, now that they’re available, with my vacuum sealed foods in the freezer.
What are your thoughts on this?
Thank you, Valerie
Elana says
Valerie, I avoid using plastic in my kitchen whenever possible, I don’t think we have any plastic containers left in our house!
Teresa says
I do the same thing! We jar our own tomato sauce in September and as I use them I clean them out and store grains, nuts, etc. I love them!
Elana says
Teresa, that’s great!
Rachel says
I’ve been wanting to ditch plastic. Thanks for this awesome post! The Do-it-Best near me even has 1 gallon mason jars! I guess they are anniversary edition? Too cool!
Elana says
Rachel, that’s awesome!