The Great Mason Jar Shortage of 2020

Pandemic related shortages have dominated 2020. Whether it be toilet paper, hand sanitizer, or pelotons — they have all had moments of fluctuating scarcity. However, one — dare I say — crisis that has received significantly less attention is the the Great Mason Jar Shortage of 2020. Stuck inside, many of us took on new hobbies. I got back into obsessing over the best way to grill a steak and my girlfriend has finally realized her full potential as a master puzzler (a term I just made up for someone who completes puzzles with extraordinary efficiency). These shortages say a lot about us as consumers, and the Great Mason Jar Shortage of 2020 has an interesting lesson for us: while many of us learned new skills, it seems to be the case that many folks have learned the same skills!

The History of Mason Jars You Didn’t Know You Needed

Time for a brief history lesson. The mason jar was invented by John Landis Mason in a small New Jersey town. He filed a patent in 1857 for the clear, sealable jar to be used for canning purposes. While I am no expert in intellectual property, I do know that patents eventually expire and once this happened, manufacturers stood at the ready to boost production of the convenient glassware significantly. Hence, you’ll see most mason jars branded Ball, Kerr, or Kilner (for our friends across the pond).

However, the advent of modern food preservation techniques in the 20th century, a la the freezer, diminished the popularity of mason jars as a method for food preservation. That is until unimaginative party planners across the globe (with a big time assist from Pinterest), began stuffing mason jars with flowers, candy, and any other party favors that could fit. It’s quite jarring the lengths they’ll go for the right aesthetic! So now, these jars have taken on new lives as cocktail glasses, candle holders, or a hipster’s glass of choice for water.

Why Can?

There are two practical reasons why folks take on DIY canning. Firstly, it’s cheaper than buying canned goods at the market. Secondly, you can can anything your heart desires, avoiding foods that someone in your household might be allergic to, or simply not a fan of.

Will we overcome?

America is famous for its ability to unite during times of need. The industrial push during WW2, or rooting for the New Orleans Saints after Hurricane Katrina come to mind. Like any great American company, Newell Brands, the manufacturer of the iconic Ball and Kerr jars, is here to save the day. In a statement to CNN, a company spokesperson laid out their plan to prevent the crisis from spreading any further: “We have increased glass production, found additional lid manufacturers and expanded our pack out locations to replenish stock as quickly as possible.” On behalf of all Americans, let me say Thank you, Newell Brands.

So there you have it. Americans are all taking on the same hobbies, including canning, which is leading to a jar shortage, but fear not, because Newell Brands is saving the day. Our precious mason jars will be back on Brooklyn wedding tables in no time. Until then, keep canning, but please don’t use them as tacky party items. The market just can’t handle that demand.

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