We at American Heritage are delighted to see how much meal prep in jars is booming – and rightly so. We've all been there: no time in the morning, a quick healthy lunch, and no desire to cook in the evening. With our Ball Jars (the authentic Mason Jars from America), it's not only practical but also beautiful. The jars are airtight, stackable, reusable, and look fantastic on any kitchen shelf.
Today we're sharing our favorite ideas: from creamy overnight oats for the perfect breakfast to fresh Mason jar salads for lunch, and soups in jars that heat up in a flash. Plus, a little look at the history of Ball Jars – because it's simply fascinating where these iconic jars come from. Let's get started!
Why Ball Jars are the best meal prep helpers
We love Ball Jars because they're more than just for canning. They keep everything fresh (thanks to the perfect screw-top lid) and, with proper care, can last a lifetime – or even longer if you pass them on. They're unbeatable for meal prep in a jar.
- Portion size just right (pint ≈ 0.5 l for breakfast/salads, quart ≈ 1 l for soups)
- No plastic waste – great for anyone who wants to live more sustainably.
- Stackable in the refrigerator and suitable for transport (close the lid, put it in your bag and go)
- Layered look: This not only looks delicious, but also motivates you to eat healthily.
In short: With Ball Jars, " grabbing a quick bite " becomes a fun little ritual.
The history of Ball Jars – from 1880 to the present day
Ball jars are a true piece of American heritage. In 1858, John Landis Mason invented the first patented screw-top jar—the Mason jar—making home canning accessible to everyone. In 1880, the five Ball brothers founded their company in Buffalo, New York, and began glass production in 1884. By 1887, they had moved to Muncie, Indiana, and made Ball synonymous with reliable home canning jars. For generations, they have been used in countless American kitchens for jams, pickles, sauces, and preserves.
Today, Ball Jars are a cult item: In the USA, vintage jars are collected (we also have a range of antique jars in our Augsburg store) and in Europe, more and more people are discovering them for DIY, zero waste and meal prep in a jar.
We believe they combine tradition with modern everyday life – and that's precisely what makes them so special. Anyone in Europe looking to buy Ball Jars will find the originals in various sizes and sets with us. Our Augsburg store even has a few special colored glasses from limited editions.
Basic recipe: Overnight Oats – our favorite way to start the day
Overnight oats are our absolute favorite. No cooking, minimal effort, and in the morning a creamy, healthy breakfast is ready. Here's our tried-and-tested basic recipe for a pint glass (approx. 0.5 l):
Ingredients (1 serving):
- ½ cup rolled oats (preferably)
- ½ cup milk (plant-based or regular) - preferably Elmhurst from NY
- ¼ cup yogurt (for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp chia seeds (makes it creamier and higher in fiber)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- A pinch of cinnamon, vanilla or cardamom - also a good addition of pumpkin spice (even outside of pumpkin season)
Preparation (5 minutes):
- Put all the dry ingredients (oats, chia seeds, spices, sweetener) into the jar.
- Pour milk and yogurt over it.
- Stir well or simply shake (with the lid on!).
- Put it in the refrigerator overnight – done.
- Add toppings like berries, nuts, granola, apple pieces or coconut flakes in the morning.
Tip: If you use wide-mouth jars , everything is easier to pour and mix.
Variations that never get boring
To keep things varied, we are constantly trying out new combinations:
- Berry Dream: Fresh or frozen berries + a little lemon zest – fruity and fresh
- Chocolate banana: Cocoa powder + banana slices + a dollop of peanut butter – like a dessert, but healthy
- Apple-Cinnamon: Diced apple + extra cinnamon + walnuts – warm and autumnal.
- Tropical: Mango, pineapple, coconut flakes – summer feeling in January
Each variety keeps for 4-5 days – perfect for the whole week.
Mason Jar Salads: Crisp & colorful for your lunch break
Salads in jars are our secret weapon against soggy office breaks. The trick: layer from bottom to top so nothing gets soggy.
Basic structure:
- Below: Dressing (e.g. olive oil + balsamic vinegar + mustard)
- Then: Hard ingredients (chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots)
- Above that: Softer things (avocado, cheese, quinoa)
- Top: Leafy salad or herbs
Examples we love:
- Mediterranean: Feta, olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, oregano dressing
- Protein power: Grilled chicken or tofu, quinoa, bell peppers, spinach, tahini dressing
- Autumn salad: Diced pumpkin, arugula, pomegranate seeds, goat cheese, walnut dressing
Keeps fresh for 2-3 days – simply shake before eating and enjoy.
Soups in a jar: Warming & practical
For cold days or when time is short: soups in a jar. Pre-cook, let cool, pour into jars – done.
Our favorites:
- Classic tomato soup with basil
- Lentil soup with carrots & curry
- Creamy pumpkin soup with coconut milk
Preparation tip: Fill the soup into heat-resistant Ball jars ( quart-sized jars are ideal). At the office: Remove the lid, cover with a paper towel, and microwave for 2–3 minutes. Keeps for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Our top tips for successful meal prep in a jar
- Choose sizes: Pint for breakfast & salads, Quart for soups or larger portions
- Keep it fresh: Always seal tightly and store in a cool place.
- Boost sustainability: Reuse Ball Jars instead of single-use plastics
- Motivation: Beautiful glasses in the refrigerator automatically motivate us – we love the view in the morning!
- Accessories: Our lid sets, silicone inserts or carrying straps make everything even easier.
For a direct start to meal prep in a jar, the shop offers Ball Jars in various sizes, sets and with practical accessories – delivered from Augsburg.
PS: The glasses can simply go in the dishwasher, but the lids need to be washed by hand to ensure they last as long as possible.
