Simple & Beautiful: Using Mason Jars to Store Dry Goods
Because home should feel both organized and inviting
Mason jars have quietly earned a permanent spot in my kitchen—and honestly, in almost every other room of my house. There’s just something about their simplicity that makes everything feel more intentional, more lovely, and more “put together” (even when the day is anything but).
When it comes to storing dry goods, mason jars aren’t just useful—they’re a visual reminder that beauty and function can absolutely go hand in hand. I even have a collection of vintage blue jars displayed in my laundry room for fun.
Here’s why I love using mason jars in my pantry and a few easy ways to make them work in your space too.
Why Mason Jars?
- They’re affordable. I’ve found most of mine at thrift stores, yard sales, and sometimes even in the back of my own cabinets.
- They’re see-through. I don’t have to wonder how much flour I have left—one glance and I know.
- They keep things fresh. With a tight seal, your dry goods are protected from moisture and little pantry invaders.
- They look beautiful. There’s something peaceful about open shelves filled with jars of oats, beans, rice, and flour all in a row.
What I Store in Mason Jars:
- Rolled oats
- Rice (white, brown, jasmine)
- Dried beans and lentils
- Flour and sugar
- Baking powder, cocoa, baking soda
- Pasta, popcorn kernels, and nuts
- Tea bags or loose leaf tea
- Coffee beans or grounds
If it’s dry and you use it regularly, a mason jar can probably hold it.
Tips to Make It Even Prettier & More Practical:
Label your jars – Whether you use chalkboard labels, handwritten kraft paper tags, or a label maker, knowing what’s what (especially if you store similar-looking items) is a must. I’ve even used a strip of masking tape and a Sharpie in a pinch.
Group by use or size – Keep baking staples together, snacks together, grains in one section, etc. It makes your pantry feel more intentional and saves time.
Store smaller amounts – If you buy in bulk, keep the overflow in airtight containers and refill your jars weekly. This keeps your shelves tidy while still saving money.
Use different sizes – Quart jars are great for pasta or flour, pint jars for spices and seeds, and half-gallon jars for things you use in bigger quantities like oats or rice.
I’ve found that creating beauty in the everyday moments—like scooping flour from a clear jar instead of a ripped paper bag—is one of the sweetest parts of homemaking. It turns chores into rituals and brings a little peace into the rhythm of our days.
“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”
— Proverbs 31:17 (NIV)
There is strength and beauty in the way we tend our homes. And something as simple as a row of mason jars can remind us that order, stewardship, and care can be part of even the most ordinary routines.
With flour on the counter and joy in my heart,
Aimee
