How a Handheld Vacuum Sealer and Mason Jars Can Save You Money
Sneak Preview: Using a handheld vacuum sealer with Mason jars helps extend the freshness of food, reducing waste and saving money. This method is ideal for small households, bulk shoppers, and those with limited freezer space.

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Are you tempted to buy bulk food but worry it will spoil before you can use it? Do fresh veggies on sale call your name, but you hesitate because they won’t last long? If you live far from town or have limited refrigerator space, a handheld vacuum sealer can be a game-changer.
I first discovered vacuum sealing when I started packing chopped romaine lettuce into Mason jars. My method keeps chopped lettuce fresh for 7–10 days without browning. Since publishing that trick in 2009, I’ve learned even more about the benefits of vacuum sealing, especially for small kitchens and households. A portable handheld sealer makes food storage easier, saving both money and space.

Why Skip a Countertop Vacuum Sealer?

Downsides of Large Units:
- Takes up valuable counter space
- Noisy operation
- Higher cost than a handheld model
- Short lifespan with frequent use
When a Countertop Model Might Be Worth It:
If you regularly vacuum-seal meats for freezing or sous vide cooking, a larger unit may be more efficient. It’s also better suited for sealing irregularly shaped foods in vacuum bags rather than jars.
Benefits of a Handheld Vacuum Sealer
- Affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Battery-powered (no cords except for charging) (paid link)
- Manual hand pumps available—no electricity needed
Why Use Mason Jars for Vacuum-Sealed Storage?

- Easy to find in multiple sizes
- Reusable and dishwasher-safe
- Protects delicate foods from crushing
- Uses flat lids that can be resealed multiple times
Note: Flat lids are reusable for vacuum sealing but not for pressure canning.
What Is a Mason Jar Lid Sealer?

A lid sealer (also called an adapter) allows you to vacuum-seal Mason jars. They come in two sizes: wide-mouth and regular-mouth. Wide-mouth jars are easier to seal, while regular-mouth jars can be trickier to load and vacuum-seal properly.
How to Vacuum Seal a Mason Jar

- Fill the jar with your chosen food. Ensure the rim is clean.
- Place a flat metal canning lid on top. Do not screw on the metal collar.
- Position the lid adapter on top of the flat lid.
- Use the vacuum sealer’s nozzle to cover the hole on the adapter.
- Activate the vacuum sealer. The pitch of the sound will change as the air is removed.
- Once sealed, remove the adapter and check the seal by pressing the lid’s center. If it moves, reseal and ensure the rim is clean.
- Once sealed, screw on the metal collar for extra security during storage.
What Foods Can Be Vacuum-Sealed in a Jar?
Pantry Items: Crackers, cookies, dried beans, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, candy, homemade spice blends, and more.
Refrigerated Foods: Shredded cheese, fresh herbs, chopped veggies, and leftovers (must be kept in the fridge).
Grains & Baking Staples: Flour, cornmeal, pancake mix, rice, instant yeast, and dried milk—helps prevent spoilage and pests.
In case you are wondering about foods that you should not vacuum-pack, check out this post. In the case of lettuce, see this post about why I do not add extra veggies to my lettuce.
How to Get Started with Vacuum Sealing
- Choose a reliable handheld vacuum sealer (paid link). They don’t need to be expensive.
- Get the right Mason jar adapter (paid link) for wide-mouth or regular jars.
- Stock up on Mason jars in various sizes (thrift stores are a great place to look).
FAQ
- How is vacuum sealing different from canning?
- Vacuum sealing removes air to extend shelf life, but it does not make food shelf-stable. Refrigeration is required for perishable items.
- Can I vacuum-seal leafy greens like spinach?
- I don’t recommend it. They are too fragile and you won’t get more than a day or two of freshness for your trouble.
- Why won’t my jars seal?
- Make sure the rim is clean, the flat lid is properly placed, and the adapter is secure. Try resealing if needed. Other reasons can also prevent sealing.
- Can I freeze vacuum-sealed jars?
- Yes, but leave room for expansion to prevent breakage.
- Can I use my countertop FoodSaver for Mason jars?
- Yes, if you have a jar-sealing adapter.
- Do I need the metal screw-on collar after sealing?
- Not for storage, but it adds extra security if jars are moved around frequently.
- Can I vacuum-seal a cut avocado?
- Yes, but not much longer than 24-36 hours, in my experience. As with all vacuum-sealed food, the fresher it is going into the jar, the better the results.

Final Thoughts: I’ve been vacuum-sealing lettuce and other foods in Mason jars for nearly 20 years. This simple method saves money, reduces waste, and keeps food fresh much longer.
Questions? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com. Hope to see you again soon!
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.