It seems that all through canning season, jars were in short supply, at least around here. We stopped by Walmart on our way home from a trip that we really had to make yesterday. We were walking through the store not even looking for canning jars and WHAT?? I grabbed Vince’s arm and scared him half to death. I said “LOOK at those jars!” Yea . .what about them?
There were no prices. I scanned them with the Walmart app and it said “price not in the system”. I didn’t need jars but was curious as to the prices. As we walked, there were two or three end caps stacked with these jars and one of those had a price tag. I can’t remember if it was $14.97 or $15.97. Way more than they used to be but considering how long they last and the fact that we can’t can without them, I’d pay that price if I needed them.
It seems, from reports from other canners throughout this past year, some areas it was impossible to find jars, lids, etc. and in other areas it was hit or miss. Here, it was hard to find Kerr or Mason but Golden Harvest (or whatever they’re called) were almost always easy to find. They’re all regular mouth and I prefer wide mouth but . . we take what we can get when we need them.
As we were leaving the store, I said to Vince . . it’s so weird that during the peak of canning season, jars were hard to find. If things were normal, which I don’t think they are, no one would be canning much in January and I’ve never seen so many jars in one Walmart! The reason I say things aren’t normal (like anyone needs an explanation) is that I think people are buying food items like frozen veggies, meat on sale if they can find it, and canning it. Those with laying hens are trying to dehydrate or freeze dry the eggs and many people vacuum seal those in jars. I’ve even heard of people vacuum sealing rice in quart jars. I’m thinking . . it doesn’t take a whole lot of rice to fill up a whole lot of jars but to each their own.
Anyway, Vince said he figured those jars had been ordered and the plan was for them to be in stock in the spring (2022) and they didn’t arrive but now they have. Who knows?
But, it was nice to see all those jars so if anyone is low on canning jars, check your Walmart. Of course, the fact that our Walmart has jars doesn’t mean any other Walmart has jars.
Jimi says
Need to get some more wide mouth now that you have me canning potatoes. Used some sliced ones in a fast supper last night. So good ??
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I ended up quartering most of the potatoes and I actually prefer the regular mouth for potatoes because the “shoulder” of the jars kinda keeps them submerged. Canning those potatoes this year was one of the best things I’ve done lately. We love them cooked in the air fryer . . so quick!
Tanya says
I give away several jar of jelly, etc. nad never get jars back… It’s making it difficult to give any jars away if they are going to be costing a fortune. I ran out of jars this summer.
Esther Raber says
I had a senior lady tell me this and I done it for gifts I give away…that way if jars aren’t return…it’s not the canning jars
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I guess if we figure the jar is part of the gift and don’t expect to get it back, we won’t be disappointed.
Nelle Coursey says
I think maybe Vince is right about why there are so many in stock.
Susan says
I’m out of the canning business for the moment. I can’t stand as much as I need to for canning. But I’ll get back to it again when I can. I have quite a few jars, and it’s irritating to have to pay more than $1 per jar, but I have bought Golden Harvest and not had problems with them. That’s what our Dollar General had. If I found a really good deal on something, I’d buy a bunch and have a friend can them on the halves. We’ve done that before. I never thought about buying things at the grocery and canning that. I’ll have to think about it when Fresh Market has a good sale.
Julie Lawson says
I talked to a Walmart employee on a completely different from canning jars issue last fall. I was told that because of the pandemic, so much merchandise didn’t get delivered, and then it ALL was delivered. She told me they couldn’t even walk in the back, and had no choice but to put whatever came off the pallet out on the floor. Maybe your Walmart just got to the canning jar pallet? Another unintended consequence…..
Kim says
I saw half gallon jars in my walmart after a year of not seeing them. I was so excited!
judy.blog@gmail.com says
They’ve been plentiful here most of the time but darn, they are expensive!
John says
This has been the norm the last 3 winters in my area. Almost impossible to find at harvest, then they sit on the shelves until next summer. Walmart has little space in their back rooms so they make space on the floor hoping that people will stock up for next year. Most likely they will reduce the price if they sit for long. I wouldn’t pay those prices. Tractor supply was one of the cheapest for them the last few years.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
Right now our Tractor Supply only has pints and they’re $16/dozen. I do remember in the past that Tractor Supply had good prices on jars.
Theresa says
I hear you. 80 jars of Christmas Jam this year. A few will return jars.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
That’s crazy. So far, I seem to get most of mine back but most of my friends can too and know the value of canning jars. I hope more of your jars make their way home.