When it comes to preserving food, packaging homemade products, or even crafting, canning jars are a go-to choice. But if you’ve ever tried to shop for them, you’ve probably run into a common question: Should I use wide mouth or regular mouth jars? While they may seem similar at first glance, the size of the jar opening can make a big difference depending on your product, process, and preferences.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between wide mouth and regular mouth canning jars, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

What’s the Actual Difference?

The main difference between wide mouth and regular (or standard) mouth jars is the diameter of the opening at the top:

• Regular mouth jars have an opening that’s typically around 2.5 inches (70mm) across.

• Wide mouth jars have a larger opening, usually around 3 inches (86mm) in diameter.

This might not seem like a huge change, but that extra half-inch can significantly affect how the jar is used.

Wide Mouth Jars: Easy to Fill and Clean

Wide mouth jars are a favorite for those who want simplicity and ease of use. The larger opening—about 3 inches wide—makes these jars incredibly convenient when you're working with bulkier or solid items. If you’re preserving things like pickle spears, whole fruits, or tomato halves, the extra space makes it easier to load and unload without making a mess or breaking the contents.

They’re also perfect for thicker products like sauces, soups, jams, nut butters, or anything that needs to be spooned or scooped out. You won’t have to fight with narrow openings to get every last bit.

Another major benefit is how easy they are to clean. If you’re planning to reuse your jars, the wide opening means you can get a sponge or cleaning brush inside without any struggle. This makes wide mouth jars a popular choice not only for food preservation but also for DIY gifts, dry storage, and even candles or body care items like scrubs.

Many people also like the more modern, minimal look of a wide mouth jar, which pairs nicely with simple labeling or custom branding. Whether you’re making product for market or filling your own pantry, wide mouth jars are a solid, user-friendly option.

Regular Mouth Jars: Better for Pouring and Stacking

Regular mouth jars feature a slightly narrower opening, typically around 2.5 inches, and are great for more pourable or smaller-sized contents. The tapered neck helps control the flow of liquid, making these jars ideal for products like broths, sauces, salsas, dressings, or even infused vinegars.

Their shape also gives them a more traditional, classic appearance—which some people love for gifting or shelf display. If you’re going for a polished, uniform look, regular mouth jars often stack a little more neatly and take up slightly less space in tight areas like shelves or pantry bins.

Because of the narrower opening, they’re better for products you don’t need to spoon out or stir frequently. They hold dry ingredients like spices, loose-leaf tea, or powders very well, and they’re commonly used for jams and jellies too.

Cleaning regular mouth jars can be a little trickier than wide mouth versions, but if you're primarily using them for liquids or small dry items, that might not be a concern. They're dependable, cost-effective, and a great all-purpose option for both home and small business use.

What About the Lids?

Both wide and regular mouth jars typically use two-piece canning lids (a flat disc with a sealing compound and a separate screw band). It’s important to know that:

• Lid sizes are not interchangeable—you need wide mouth lids for wide mouth jars and regular lids for regular jars.

• Discount Vials offers a variety of lid types, including metal, plastisol-lined to suit your canning or product packaging needs.

We also carry complete sets and bulk packs so you can stock up on jars and closures together.

Which One is Right for You?

Here’s a quick way to think about it: