At American Heritage, we are delighted to see how much meal prep in a jar is booming – and rightly so. Who hasn't experienced it: no time in the morning, a quick healthy bite at lunch, no desire to cook in the evening. With our Ball Jars (the original Mason Jars from America), it not only becomes practical, but also truly beautiful. The jars are airtight, stackable, reusable, and look simply fantastic on any kitchen shelf.
Today, we're sharing our favorite ideas: from creamy overnight oats as a perfect breakfast, to fresh Mason Jar salads for lunch, to soups in a jar that can be heated up in a flash. Plus, a little look into the history of Ball Jars – because it's simply fascinating where these iconic jars come from. Let's go!
Why Ball Jars are the best meal prep helpers
We love Ball Jars because they can do more than just canning. They keep everything fresh (thanks to the perfect screw top) and, with good care, last a lifetime – or even longer, if you pass them on. For meal prep in a jar, they are unbeatable:
- 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 fridge and transportable (lid on, into the bag, and go)
- Layered look: Not only does it look delicious, but it also motivates you to eat healthy
In short: With Ball Jars, "eating quickly" becomes a fun little ritual.
The history of Ball Jars – from 1880 to today
Ball Jars are true American heritage. In 1858, John Landis Mason invented the first patented screw-top jar – the Mason Jar – which made 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 moved to Muncie, Indiana, making Ball synonymous with reliable home-canning jars. For generations, they were used in countless American kitchens – for jams, pickles, sauces, and pantry staples.
Today, Ball Jars are iconic: In the USA, vintage jars are collected (we also have a row of antique jars in our Augsburg store), and in Europe, more and more people are discovering them for DIY, zero waste, and of course, meal prep in a jar. We believe they connect tradition with modern everyday life – and that's precisely what makes them so special. If you want to buy Ball Jars in Europe, you'll find the originals in various sizes and sets with us. In our Augsburg store, there are even some colored special jars from limited editions.
Basic Recipe: Overnight Oats – Our favorite way to start the day
Overnight Oats are an absolute favorite with us. No cooking, minimal effort, and a creamy, healthy breakfast is ready in the morning. Here's our tried-and-true basic recipe for a pint jar (approx. 0.5 l):
Ingredients (1 serving):
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup milk (plant-based or classic) - preferably Elmhurst from NY
- ¼ cup yogurt (for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp chia seeds (makes it thicker and more fibrous)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Pinch of cinnamon, vanilla, or cardamom - also gladly Pumpkin Spice seasoning (even outside of pumpkin season)
Preparation (5 minutes):
- Put all dry ingredients (oats, chia, spices, sweetener) into the jar.
- Pour milk and yogurt over them.
- Stir well or simply shake (lid on!).
- Refrigerate overnight – done.
- In the morning, add toppings such as berries, nuts, granola, apple pieces, or coconut flakes.
Tip: If you use Wide-Mouth Jars, everything is easier to fill and mix.
Variations that never get boring
To keep things varied, we're constantly trying out new combinations:
- Berry Dream: Fresh or frozen berries + a little lemon zest – fruity-fresh
- Chocolate-Banana: Cocoa powder + banana slices + a dollop of peanut butter – like dessert, but healthy
- Apple-Cinnamon: Diced apple + extra cinnamon + walnuts – autumnal-warm
- Tropical: Mango, pineapple, coconut flakes – summer feeling in January
Each variation stays fresh for 4–5 days – perfect for the whole week.
Mason Jar Salads: Crunchy & colorful for lunch break
Salads in a jar are our secret tip against soggy office breaks. The trick: layer from bottom to top so nothing gets soaked.
Basic structure:
- Bottom: Dressing (e.g., olive oil + balsamic + mustard)
- Then: Hard ingredients (chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots)
- Above: Softer items (avocado, cheese, quinoa)
- Top: Leafy greens or herbs
Examples we love:
- Mediterranean: Feta, olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, oregano dressing
- Protein Power: Grilled chicken or tofu, quinoa, bell pepper, spinach, tahini dressing
- Autumn Salad: Pumpkin cubes, arugula, pomegranate seeds, goat cheese, walnut dressing
Stays fresh for 2-3 days – simply shake before eating and enjoy.
Soups in a jar: Warming & practical
For cold days or when you need something quick: Soups in a jar. Cook ahead, let cool, fill – done.
Our favorites:
- Classic tomato soup with basil
- Lentil soup with carrots & curry
- Creamy pumpkin soup with coconut milk
Preparation tip: Fill soup into heat-resistant Ball Jars (Quart size ideal). At the office: Remove lid, place paper towel over it, microwave for 2–3 minutes. Stays chilled for up to a week.
Our top tips for successful meal prep in a jar
- Choose sizes: Pint for breakfast & salads, Quart for soups or larger portions
- Keep fresh: Always seal tightly and store in a cool place
- Boost sustainability: Reuse Ball Jars instead of single-use plastic
- Motivation: Beautiful jars in the fridge automatically motivate you – we love the sight in the morning!
- Accessories: Our lid sets, silicone inserts, or carrying straps make everything even easier
For a direct start into meal prep in a jar, Ball Jars are available in various sizes, sets, and with practical accessories in the shop – delivered from Augsburg.
PS: The jars can simply go in the dishwasher, but the lids require classic handwashing to ensure they last as long as possible.
