clear glass jars and pink and blue cups arranged on a countertop

When Oui by Yoplait yogurt first came out in glass jars, I’d bought one of each flavor. The same thing happened when I’d discovered pot de crème desserts made by California-based Petit Pot. Ditto the creamy French yogurt by La Fermière.

In addition to the decadent treats they contained, the little glass jars and terra cotta cups absolutely delighted me!

Similar jars and cups have been beautifully repurposed as flower bud vases, tealight candle holders, and even as a catchall tray for candy, paper clips, or coins.

But when I’m not reusing my jars as dessert cups by eating yogurt or pudding out of them, they’re just hidden away in the cupboard! They need to be seen!

With that in mind, I’d like to share five more ways to reuse those little glass jars and terra cotta cups.

Rinse cup for your paintbrush

Never again make the unfortunate mistake of rinsing your paintbrush in your coffee mug! I nearly did this a few times while I was exploring acrylic painting!

Photo by Cup of Couple on Pexels.com

Salt box

If you buy seasoning or finishing salt, like French grey sea salt (sel gris) in bulk, scoop a small portion into a little jar to keep on the kitchen counter.

Photo by Castorly Stock on Pexels.com

Sugar packet holder

I save the extra sugar packets I’m given in restaurants and store them in the little jars. They look cute on the dining table.

Photo by Towfiqu Barbhuiya on Pexels.com

Garlic keeper

I love garlic and I use it in almost every savory dish I make. For convenience, I like to separate cloves of garlic from the bulb and store them unpeeled in a little jar. They look cute on the kitchen counter (next to the salt!)

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Butter churn jar

I recently learned how to make homemade butter! These jars are perfect for little hands, so making butter can also be a fun, family-friendly activity!

store-bought French bread and my fresh homemade butter

How to make butter: Fill the jar halfway with heavy whipping cream, add a pinch of salt (if you wish), snap on the lid, and shake the jar vigorously for about 15-20 minutes (that’s less time than it takes to watch an episode of Emily in Paris!)

Your efforts will result in a creamy beurre which you can then slather on a fresh baked baguette. You can also make pancakes, biscuits, and soda bread with the buttermilk left over in the jar.


How do you reuse little glass jars and terra cotta cups? Let me know in the comments below!