Canning Labels for Mason Jars, Jam, Jelly, Pickles and More

Canning labels help identify, organize, present, and sell homemade or commercially prepared foods stored in mason jars and other canning containers. Whether you are preserving jam, jelly, pickles, salsa, sauces, soup, vegetables, fruit, honey, relishes, spices, or specialty foods, the right label makes it easier to display the product name, flavor, ingredients, preparation date, batch information, storage instructions, and branding.

Choose from blank labels on 8.5" x 11" sheets, blank roll labels for compatible Epson, Primera, and Afinia inkjet label printers, or custom printed roll labels produced with your artwork. Canning labels are available in rectangle, square, round, and oval shapes, with material options including white matte, semi-gloss, high gloss, clear, brown kraft, removable, waterproof film, fluorescent, recycled, and specialty finishes.

Because mason jars and canning containers vary in diameter, height, taper, lid size, shoulder shape, and usable label area, always measure the exact jar you plan to use. A paper test printed at actual size is the easiest way to confirm the label fits before ordering.

Why Choose Our Canning Labels?

Sheet Labels, Roll Labels or Custom Printed Canning Labels?

Canning Labels by Product Type

Different canned and preserved foods have different labeling needs. A simple gift jar may only need a product name and date, while retail products may need room for ingredients, net contents, nutrition information, allergen statements, producer information, lot codes, storage instructions, and barcodes.

Labels for Mason Jars

Mason jars are widely used for jam, jelly, pickles, vegetables, fruit, sauces, salsa, honey, soup, dry goods, and homemade gifts. Common placements include the side of the jar, the lid, the bottom, or across the lid and jar as a tamper-evident seal.

• Measure only the smooth label panel
• Avoid embossed lettering, raised measurements, seams, and curved shoulders
• Measure the lid diameter separately if you want a round top label
• Use a paper test to confirm the label does not extend onto curved areas
• Check whether the jar is a regular-mouth or wide-mouth style

View the Mason Jar Label Size Guide

Jam & Jelly Jar Labels

Jam and jelly labels often include the flavor, fruit variety, production date, ingredients, net weight, producer information, and storage instructions. A front label may be enough for gifts and small batches, while retail products may need a separate back label or a longer wraparound design.

• Rectangle front label for branding and flavor
• Round lid label for the product name or logo
• Front-and-back labels for ingredients and required information
• Wraparound label for additional space
• Tamper seal extending from the lid to the jar

Pickle, Relish & Fermented Food Labels

Pickle and relish jars are often refrigerated or handled around brine and moisture. For these products, a waterproof or moisture-resistant material can help the label stay readable and attractive through condensation, spills, and frequent handling.

Use enough label space for the product name, variety, ingredients, net contents, preparation date, batch information, producer details, and refrigeration instructions where applicable.

Salsa, Sauce & Condiment Labels

Salsa, hot sauce, pasta sauce, barbecue sauce, chutney, mustard, and other condiments benefit from labels that combine strong branding with practical product information. High gloss and waterproof materials are popular for retail-style packaging and products likely to be exposed to spills or refrigeration.

A front label plus a separate back information label often provides the clearest layout. Wraparound labels are useful when the jar has a long, smooth side panel.

Soup, Broth & Stock Labels

Soup, broth, and stock jars may require more information than a small front label can hold. A large rectangle, a front-and-back combination, or a wraparound label can provide room for ingredients, preparation instructions, storage guidance, dates, and batch details.

For refrigerated or frozen storage, test the material and adhesive under the actual temperature and condensation conditions.

Canning Labels for Gifts, Events & Small Batches

Printable canning labels are useful for holiday gifts, wedding favors, family recipes, fundraisers, church events, school projects, farm stands, farmers markets, and seasonal products.

• Print only the quantity needed
• Personalize names, dates, messages, flavors, and recipes
• Create coordinated lid and side labels
• Use removable labels for reusable jars
• Change designs for holidays, events, or seasonal batches

Choose the Right Canning Label Shape

Canning Labels on Sheets

Blank sheet labels are a convenient choice for home canners, small businesses, farms, craft makers, event planners, schools, churches, and short production runs. They are supplied on 8.5" x 11" sheets for compatible desktop laser or inkjet printers.

• Print small quantities as needed
• Change flavors, recipes, dates, ingredients, or product names
• Use compatible desktop laser or inkjet printers
• Choose from many shapes, sizes, and materials
• Store unused sheets for future batches
• Use downloadable templates for many popular layouts

Browse Blank Canning Labels on Sheets

Canning Labels on Rolls

Blank roll labels are designed for compatible inkjet roll-label printers such as Epson ColorWorks, Primera, and Afinia. They are useful for farms, food producers, commercial kitchens, co-packers, and growing businesses that want to print labels individually or in larger batches while controlling changing recipes, dates, lot codes, and barcodes.

• Print one label at a time or in larger batches
• Choose different core sizes and outside diameters
• Use paper, gloss, clear, kraft, and waterproof film options
• Apply labels by hand or with compatible application equipment
• Print changing flavors, recipes, lots, dates, and barcodes

For roll labels, the first dimension is the width across the roll and the second dimension is the length into the roll. Confirm your printer model, maximum roll width, core size, outside diameter, label gap, sensing method, and orientation before ordering.

Browse Blank Canning Labels on Rolls

Custom Printed Canning Labels

Custom printed canning labels are a good choice for established recipes, retail distribution, farmers markets, wholesale programs, and businesses that want labels delivered fully printed and ready to apply.

• Full-color printing using supplied artwork
• Professional appearance for retail and wholesale products
• Available in indoor and weather-resistant materials
• Suitable for jam, jelly, pickles, salsa, sauces, honey, soup, and other preserved foods
• Delivered on rolls for convenient hand or machine application

Shop Custom Printed Canning Labels

Choose the Right Canning Label Material

Waterproof & Moisture-Resistant Canning Labels

Waterproof or moisture-resistant labels are recommended when jars may be refrigerated, exposed to condensation, handled with wet hands, splashed with water, or exposed to brine, sauces, oils, and product residue.

Browse Waterproof Label Options

How to Measure a Canning Jar for Labels

• Measure the smooth, usable area where the label will be applied
• Avoid raised lettering, seams, ridges, embossed measurements, and sharply curved areas
• Measure the jar circumference for a full-wrap label
• Decide whether the label edges should meet, leave a gap, or overlap
• Measure the lid separately if you want a round or square top label
• Choose a label slightly smaller than the usable panel
• Keep important text away from the seam or overlap area
• Print a paper test at actual size before ordering

View Canning Label Templates

Application Tips for Canning Labels

• Apply labels to clean, dry jars at room temperature whenever possible
• Remove dust, oil, moisture, food residue, and fingerprints
• Do not apply labels to hot jars immediately after processing
• Start at one edge and smooth the label gradually across the jar
• Avoid placing labels over seams, ridges, embossed areas, or sharp curves
• Allow the adhesive time to bond before refrigeration or moisture exposure
• Test the complete application process before labeling a large batch

Frequently Asked Questions

What size label should I use for a canning jar?

The correct size depends on the jar diameter, height, smooth label panel, ridges, embossed areas, shoulders, and the amount of coverage you want. Measure the exact jar and test the proposed label size with a paper template.

Are canning labels available on both sheets and rolls?

Yes. Many canning label sizes and shapes are available on standard 8.5" x 11" sheets and on rolls for compatible inkjet label printers.

What label shape is best for mason jars?

Rectangles are versatile for front, back, and wraparound labels. Circles and squares work well on lids and bottoms. Ovals create a traditional appearance for jam, jelly, honey, preserves, and gifts.

What material is best for jam and jelly jars?

White matte, semi-gloss, and high gloss are common choices. Waterproof film is recommended for products exposed to refrigeration, condensation, spills, or frequent handling.

Do pickle jars need waterproof labels?

Waterproof film is usually the better choice when labels may be exposed to refrigerator condensation, brine, wet hands, spills, or frequent handling.

Can I use removable labels on reusable mason jars?

Yes. Removable labels are useful when customers may reuse or return the jar. Test the adhesive on the actual jar because removal performance can vary.

Can I print canning labels with an inkjet or laser printer?

Yes. Choose label material specifically designed for your printer type. Inkjet-only materials should not be used in laser printers.

Can you custom print my canning labels?

Yes. Custom printed canning labels are available using supplied artwork and are delivered ready to apply.

Should I request samples before ordering?

Yes. Jar surfaces, curves, moisture, refrigeration, ink, and storage conditions can affect label performance. Testing a sample helps confirm size, adhesion, print quality, and appearance.

Ready to Create Professional Canning Labels?

Whether you are labeling jam, jelly, pickles, salsa, sauces, vegetables, fruit, honey, soup, or another preserved product, we offer blank sheet labels, blank roll labels, and custom printed options to fit your production process.

Related Resources

• Mason Jar Label Size Guide
• Jar Labels
• Product Labels
• Waterproof Labels
• Label Size Guides
• Blank Sheet Labels
• Blank Inkjet Roll Labels
• Custom Printed Labels
• Label Templates