Which lids go with jam, honey and pickle jars?
The right lid is the one that matches your jar's neck size, not its capacity. As a rule of thumb from our range: 43mm for mini jam jars, 48mm and 58mm for small hexagonal jars, 63mm for the classic round and hexagonal jam jars up to 1lb, 66mm for the Hero jar, 70mm for 16oz pickle jars and 1lb honey jars, and 82mm for 2lb jam jars and large pickle jars. Most of our jars list their lid size in the product name, so check that first, then choose the finish.
At Bottle Company South the jars in this guide come supplied with lids, and we also sell twist-off lids from 38mm to 82mm on their own, so you can restock, change colour or refresh a range without changing jars.
How to find the right lid size
- Read the jar name: Most of our jars are listed with their lid size, for example "380ml (1lb) Jam Jar with 63mm Twist-Off Lid". That number is the one to match.
- Size is the neck, not the fill: Different capacities can share a lid. Our 190ml round jar, 280ml hexagonal jar and 380ml 1lb jam jar all take a 63mm lid, while a 345ml honey jar takes a 70mm cap.
- Twist-off or screw cap: Most of our jam and pickle jars use twist-off lids. The 345ml (1lb) honey jar is supplied with a 70mm gold metal screw cap instead, so reorder the same style.
- Specialist jars need specialist lids: The Elena jars use a 70mm deep twist-off lid that is designed for the Elena jars we sell and is not suitable for other jar ranges.
- Colour last: Once the size is right, pick a finish. Gold, silver, black and white suit most ranges, and gingham gives a traditional homemade look on 63mm jars.
Popular jar and lid pairings from our range
Jam jars
- 42ml jam jar with 43mm twist-off lid: About 5cm high and 4cm across the base. A mini jar for tasters, samples and wedding favours. Spare lids: 43mm twist-off jar lid.
- 110ml hexagonal jam jar with 48mm twist-off lid: About 7.75cm high and 5cm across the base. A small gift or sample hex. Spare lids: 48mm twist-off jar lid.
- 196ml (8oz) hexagonal jam jar with 58mm twist-off lid: About 8.75cm high and 6cm across the base. Spare lids: 58mm twist-off jar lids.
- 380ml (1lb) jam jar with 63mm twist-off lid: About 12.5cm high and 7cm across the base. The familiar 1lb jam jar, with gingham among the lid options. The same 63mm lid fits our 190ml round jam jar and 280ml hexagonal jam jar. Spare lids: 63mm twist-off jar lid.
- 750ml (2lb) jam jar with 82mm twist-off lid: About 14cm high and 8cm across the base. A large jar for bulk preserves, pickles, sauces and dry goods. Spare lids: 82mm twist-off jar lids.
Honey jars
- 345ml (1lb) honey jar with 70mm gold screw cap: About 9.5cm high and 7.5cm across the base, with a classic gold metal screw cap. For a matching gold screw top, see our 70mm gold screw top honey cap.
- 275ml Hero jar with 66mm twist-off lid: About 9cm high and 7cm across the base, with a gold or black lid. Spare lids: 66mm twist-off jar lid.
- 370ml Elena jam jar with deep twist-off lid: About 12.2cm high, a taller jar for honey, jams and sauces. Replacement lids: 70mm deep twist-off lid for Elena jars, in gold or black, for Elena jars only.
Pickle and chutney jars
- 475ml (16oz) pickle jar with 70mm twist-off lid: About 13.5cm high and 7.5cm across the base. The everyday chutney and pickle jar. Spare lids: 70mm twist-off jar lid.
- 2000ml (1/2 gallon) pickle jar with 82mm twist-off lid: About 21cm high and 11cm across the base. A wide opening for chunky pickles and bulk fills. Spare lids: 82mm twist-off jar lids.
Quick lid size guide
| Lid size | Jars in our range that use it |
|---|---|
| 43mm twist-off | 42ml jam jar |
| 48mm twist-off | 110ml hexagonal jar |
| 58mm twist-off | 196ml (8oz) hexagonal jar |
| 63mm twist-off | 190ml round, 280ml hexagonal and 380ml (1lb) jam jars |
| 66mm twist-off | 275ml Hero jar |
| 70mm twist-off | 475ml (16oz) pickle jar |
| 70mm gold screw cap | 345ml (1lb) honey jar |
| 70mm deep twist-off | Elena jars only |
| 82mm twist-off | 750ml (2lb) jam jar, 2000ml pickle jar |
Choosing a lid finish
- Jam and marmalade: Gingham on a 63mm jar gives a homemade, farm shop look. Gold or black feels more premium for gifting.
- Honey: Gold is the traditional choice, whether that is the screw cap on the 345ml honey jar or a gold twist-off on a Hero or Elena jar.
- Pickles and chutneys: Black, white or silver suit savoury ranges, and using one lid colour per flavour helps customers find their favourite on the shelf.
Conclusion: match the neck, then the look
Find the lid size in your jar's name, buy the same size and style, and only then choose a colour. Keep a stock of spare lids in your main sizes so a damaged or mismatched lid never holds up a batch.
Explore our lids, caps and corks
Browse our lids, caps and corks, with twist-off jar lids from 38mm to 82mm in a choice of colours, or call Anna and the team on 0117 986 9667 if you are not sure which lid fits your jar. For help choosing the jars themselves, see our jam jar size guide, pickle and chutney jar guide and honey jar size guide.