If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably got a stash of 6 Jars (and Other Packaging) from the Grocery Store I Never Throw Away just taking over a whole corner of your kitchen. I swear, I can’t look at a good glass jar without thinking, “What could I put in that?” Instead of letting all those cool containers end up in the trash (which, by the way, feels just plain wrong), I’ve figured out a bunch of practical ways to reuse them. And, spoiler: my pantry has never looked neater. I’ve pulled some serious storage hacks from everything—salsa jars, cheese shakers, even quirky yogurt pots. If you’re juggling between making something tasty like this chicken chow mein with the best chow mein sauce and whipping up a sweet treat like delicious cherries in the snow, trust me, you’re going to want to save those jars.
The Story Behind This Recipe
I’m Cuts Food, the cook behind this 6 Jars (and Other Packaging) from the Grocery Store I Always Keep. After a few test runs, I dialed in the flavors so it’s easy and full of cozy vibes. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably got a stash of 6 Jars (and Other Packaging) from the Grocery Store I Never Throw Away just taking…
Popular Glass Jar Uses for Food Storage
Old glass jars might look like clutter, but—whoa—they solve some annoying kitchen problems.
- They’re sturdy and airtight, so your rice, lentils, or even cookies stay fresher.
- I use big ones for dried pasta or coffee beans.
- Small-mouthed jars? Oh, perfect for leftover sauces or salad dressings (I shake ’em right in there).
- You can even batch up homemade sugar cookie cheesecake for the holidays and stash the crumbs and toppings separately in different jars.
I started saving all my pasta sauce jars last year, and now my pantry is finally under control—no more stale crackers! Honestly, wish I’d figured this out years ago.
—Marcy S., home cook & serial snacker
Creative Uses for Grocery Store Packaging
Look, it’s not just the glass jars. Some of that funky packaging? Surprisingly useful.
- Shredded parmesan containers make great sprinkle jars for cinnamon sugar or cocoa powder—seriously.
- Plastic tubs are just right for meal-prepped salads or snacks for road trips.
- Those little honey bears or maple syrup bottles? Fun makeshift squeeze bottles for homemade sauces (and kids love ‘em).
I’ve even used a clean peanut butter jar to shake up my BBQ grilled vegetables marinade—saves dishes, okay?
Tips for Organizing Your Kitchen with Recycled Containers
Here’s where it gets a bit chaotic but stick with me.
- Mismatched jars look cuter than you’d think—just group by shape or color.
- Slap on a piece of masking tape with what’s inside (no guessing if that’s flour or powdered sugar!).
- Use wider jars in drawers for easy scoop access; tall ones fit best in the pantry.
- If you’re short on shelf space, stack plastic containers inside each other.
Trust me, you’ll look at your pantry and think it belongs in some five-star organizing article, not your own house.
Benefits of Reusing Jars for Storage
Sometimes I get all “eco-warrior” about it, but seriously—it matters.
- Reusing means less plastic hitting the landfill (which actually makes me feel like I did something good each week).
- Glass lets you see exactly what you’ve got, which saves shopping headaches.
- Way cheaper than buying new storage stuff.
- Honestly, snacks just taste fancier coming out of a cute jar.
Not to get dramatic, but every time I pour cereal from a jar, my morning feels, I dunno, elevated.
How to Clean and Prepare Jars for Reuse
Quick note here because no one wants spaghetti-scented cookies—
- Soak labels off with hot, soapy water; sometimes a little baking soda scrubs off that sticky gunk.
- Run jars through the dishwasher (skip the lids if they’re plastic—they might warp).
- Make sure everything’s bone dry before adding food (unless you want fuzzy science projects growing in there).
- Don’t use jars with cracked glass or dented lids for anything edible—just trust me.
Common Questions
Q: Can you freeze food in old glass jars?
Yep—but make sure it’s not filled to the brim. Glass breaks, y’all. Leave space for expansion.
Q: Is it safe to reuse plastic packaging?
Short answer—sometimes, yes, but never for hot stuff or microwave use. If it looks warped, toss it.
Q: What’s the best way to organize recycled jars?
Sort by height or use for easy stacking. Labels make life better, promise.
Q: How do I get rid of stubborn smells?
Try baking soda or leaving the jar open in sunlight for a day. Garlic be gone! (Usually.)
Q: Which jars are worth saving, honestly?
Sturdy glass with a solid lid is my jam. Wobbly, flimsy plastic—toss it.
Give It a Go—You Might Get Addicted
That’s it—no need to buy a million plastic bins you’ll regret later. Saving those 6 Jars (and Other Packaging) from the Grocery Store I Never Throw Away makes kitchen life way easier, a little greener, and honestly, a lot more fun. Check out these real-life jar hacks from The Kitchn if you want more inspiration, or get other tips at Yahoo’s quick guide. Start your own little stash—bet you surprise yourself!
