Weck jars are a popular alternative to Mason jars, made in Germany with glass lids and rubber sealing rings. They can be used for canning, although this method is not approved by the USDA.

According to Seamus Mullen, chef at the Institute of Culinary Education, there are plenty of alternatives to buying new Mason jars and lids.

But the scarcity of canning jar lids didn't change throughout the pandemic. Consumers kept wondering why there there were so few lids available and why they became so expensive.

Case in point: the new Cuppow, a clever molded lid for turning an ordinary Ball canning jar into a travel mug.

A shortage of mason jars, one piece lids and pressure canners is leaving those wanting to make preserves in a bit of a pickle.