How To Turn A Standard Mason Jar Into A 1950s Diner-Inspired Sugar Pourer

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Anyone on the hipster side of Pinterest in the mid-2010s is likely well-acquainted with the humble Mason jar's transition from utilitarian kitchen staple to a way of life. From rustic chic vessels for holding Insta-worthy cocktails to charming vases, succulent planters, and the ever-popular soap dispenser, Mason jars held our focus for nearly half a decade. Mason jars are central to many clever food prep hacks even now, along with offering an inexpensive-yet-attractive way to display some items, such as seasonings and even ordinary sugar.

Whether you've switched to Sugar in the Raw or still use the classic stuff, the question is how to store it while keeping it accessible for daily use. The bag it comes in isn't great for longterm storage since it can't easily be resealed, letting in moisture and even pests if you're really unlucky. Glass is better because it's nonporous, protecting your sugar from moisture and critters alike — something diner owners have known since the 1950s.

We're all familiar with the columnar sugar dispensers featuring clever, dome-shaped caps with a tiny flap to dispense just the right amount of sweet stuff. The good news is you can recreate these vessels at home with nothing more than a spare Mason jar and the right kind of cap. This hack lets you store your sugar properly while still keeping it easily accessible for morning coffee, oatmeal, a comforting cup of afternoon tea, or even toast with cinnamon and butter.

Depending on your crafting skills and budget, there are a few ways you can go about making your Mason jar sugar dispenser. First, make sure your jar is as clean and dry as possible — especially if you're repurposing a Mason jar used to cleverly hold all your favorite charcuterie-style snacks. Leftover scents from pastrami and olives could migrate to your sugar and moisture could cause it to crystalize, neither of which is ideal.

You also need a cardboard salt canister top, with the dispenser tab: Cut off the top of the canister with a sharp utility knife and slip it inside a Mason jar ring lid, then screw the whole thing to the top of your Mason jar. If your ring is a little smaller than the canister lid, cut it down until it fits (be sure the dispenser tab isn't covered by the edge of the ring). You can also purchase dispenser lids, such as a two-pack of Mason Jar Lifestyle retro diner-style lids for Mason jars. These are easy to use and dishwasher-friendly. Of course, if the answers to some of the most common questions about sugar put you off the sweet stuff, you can also use this clever Mason jar hack for other things. Salt, powdered Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, or any granulated seasoning you use daily works perfectly with one of these stylish, rustic, homemade dispensers.