Mason jars are one of the most useful things you can keep in your home, but their real power comes from the lid you put on them. The right lid turns a basic jar into a sprouter for fresh greens, a soap dispenser that cuts down on waste, a grater that saves space, or even a no-fuss hydroponic garden. Whether you want to eat healthier, get organized, or ditch single-use plastic, these upgrades can help you do it without adding more clutter.
In this guide, you’ll find the most functional and creative mason jar lids out there, along with practical ways to use them in real life, not just on Pinterest.
Grow Your Own Food with Sprouting Lids
If you’ve never tried sprouting at home, it’s surprisingly easy—and kind of addictive. Just grab a mason jar, a mesh-top sprouting lid, and your seeds of choice. That’s it. These lids keep airflow steady while draining out excess water, turning your jar into a little greenhouse right on your counter.
Alfalfa, broccoli, mung beans, radish—they all sprout fast, usually within a few days. Just rinse and drain twice a day, and you’ll be topping your sandwiches, salads, or grain bowls with fresh, crunchy greens by the end of the week.
Turn Your Mason Jar Into a Soap Dispenser
This is one of the easiest swaps to make—and honestly, it just looks better. A mason jar with a pump lid works great for hand soap, dish soap, or lotion. I keep one by the kitchen sink and another in the bathroom. They’re easy to refill, cut down on plastic, and don’t crack or tip over like cheap bottles.
If you’re using them near water, go for rust-resistant lids or something durable that holds up to moisture. Some sets even come with waterproof labels or matching jars if you want everything to look a bit more pulled together.
Want to see how it all fits together? This quick video walks you through assembling a stainless steel soap pump lid on a mason jar:
Recommended Soap Dispenser Lids
- Mason Jar Soap Pump Lid – Stainless steel, fits both regular and wide-mouth jars, and holds up well even with daily use.
- Glass Soap Dispenser Set – Comes with a clear jar and matte black pump. Nice option if you want it to look a little more polished.
If you’re into this kind of setup, I’ve also shared how I use a mason jar to neatly dispense coconut oil in the kitchen or in the bathroom —no more scooping from a greasy tub.
Use Silicone Lids to Cut Down on Plastic
Silicone lids are one of those swaps you don’t think you need until you’ve used them once—and then you start grabbing them for everything. They stretch just enough to seal tightly and don’t crack like plastic. I use them to cover leftovers, seal up jars in the fridge, or keep smoothies from spilling in the car.
They’re safe for the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher, which makes cleanup easy. Some are made to fit just mason jars, others stretch to cover bowls, mugs, or even half a lemon. If you’re trying to cut down on cling wrap, this is a no-brainer.
Recommended Silicone Lids
- BPA-Free Silicone Mason Jar Lids – Leak-resistant and made to fit snugly on standard jars. Great for fridge or pantry storage.
- Reusable Silicone Stretch Lids – A flexible set that works on everything from jars to mixing bowls. Handy to have in any kitchen.
![[16 Pack] Colored Plastic Mason Jar Lids](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ConVHTDgL._SL500_.jpg)
Add a Little Glow with Solar Mason Jar Lids
These are one of my favorite low-effort upgrades. Just pop a solar lid onto a mason jar and you’ve got an instant lantern. No batteries, no cords. I’ve used them on the balcony, in the garden, and even brought them camping. They charge during the day and automatically light up at night, which makes them great for setting the mood without thinking about it.
Some give off a soft white glow, others have a bit more flair with color or flicker. Just make sure you pick ones that are weatherproof if you plan to leave them outside.
Recommended Solar Lids
- Mason Jar Solar Lights – Classic glow and easy to set up. A nice way to add light without wiring anything.
- Hanging Solar Lantern Set – Comes with hooks or handles for hanging. Perfect if you want that cozy string-light vibe outdoors.
Grate Straight Into the Jar
These lids are way more useful than they look. If you ever find yourself digging around for your box grater and then dealing with the cleanup, this is a nice workaround. Just screw the grater lid onto a mason jar and shred cheese, garlic, or carrots straight into it. No extra dishes, no mess.
It’s great for prepping a bit of cheese to stash in the fridge or grating veggies for a quick salad. Some lids have both grating and slicing options, which is handy if you’re tight on drawer space and don’t want more gadgets lying around.
Recommended Grating Lids
- 2-in-1 Grater and Slicer Lid – Two textures in one lid, so you can grate or slice without switching tools.
- Stainless Steel Grater Lid – Fits most regular-mouth jars. Great for cheese, chocolate, or zucchini.
Turn Your Jar Into a To-Go Cup
Mason jar drinking lids are one of those things that seem too simple to matter—until you realize you’re using them constantly. I use mine for smoothies, iced coffee, lemon water, even protein shakes. They’re especially great if you’re trying to cut back on disposable cups or don’t love plastic tumblers.
Most come with a straw hole or sip top, and the good ones actually seal well enough to toss in a bag without worrying about leaks. Pair one with a reusable straw and you’ve got an easy grab-and-go option that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Recommended Drinking Lids
- Leakproof Mason Jar Lids – These come with secure closures and fun colors. Handy for kids or long commutes.
- Stainless Steel Lid and Straw Set – A sleeker option with a matching straw. Looks nice and holds up to daily use.
Ferment Without the Fuss
If you’ve ever wanted to try fermenting but felt overwhelmed, these lids make it way less intimidating. You screw one onto a mason jar, add your veggies and brine, and that’s basically it. The lid lets gases escape while keeping air out, so you don’t have to babysit the jar or worry about mold.
I’ve used them for sauerkraut, pickles, and even garlic honey. Some lids use airlocks, others are waterless, but they all make the process feel low-maintenance and doable—even if you’ve never fermented anything before.
Recommended Fermentation Lids
- Mason Jar Airlock Lids – Includes gaskets and valves to keep things bubbling without blowing up. Good for first-timers.
- Waterless Fermentation Tops – No need to fill anything with water. Just twist it on and let the ferment do its thing.
Bonus Lids You Didn’t Know You Needed
Some mason jar lids are just plain clever. Once you start using them, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without. From pouring oil to shaking cocoa powder or storing grated parmesan, these little upgrades can make your kitchen run smoother without adding clutter.
I’ve used flip-top lids for dry goods, pour spouts for salad dressings, and even a no-drip lid for honey. If you like containers that actually earn their place, these are worth checking out.
Want a closer look at some of the more creative lid attachments out there? This quick video walks through 10 mason jar add-ons you might not even know exist:
My Favorite Off-the-Radar Finds
- Manual coffee grinder lid
- Electric mason jar vacuum sealer
- Kratky wide-mouth hydroponic lid
- Mason jar pour spout for oils or dressings
