Can Regular Mouth Lids Fit Wide Mouth Jars? A Guide for B2B Buyers and Lug Caps

Introduction

 

A common question many people ask is whether regular mouth lids can fit on wide mouth jars, or the other way around. Most of the answers you find online talk about Mason jars, where the regular mouth size is about 70 mm and the wide mouth is about 86 mm. These metal screw top lids are not interchangeable, and the difference is easy to understand.

But in the B2B glass packaging industry, things are not that simple. Beyond Mason jars, there are many more types of jars, neck finishes, and closure systems. One of the most widely used in food and beverage packaging is the twist lug lid, which follows different size standards and sealing methods.

In this article, we will explain the difference between regular and wide mouth jars, why lids are not interchangeable, and how twist lug closures work in real business applications. We will also introduce the range of Twist off lug caps in both regular and deep sizes, and share tips to help companies choose the right jar and lid combination for safe and efficient packaging.

Regular Mouth vs. Wide Mouth Jars in General

 

In the consumer market, most people know Mason jars. These jars usually come in two standard sizes. The regular mouth jar has an opening of about 70 mm, while the wide mouth jar has an opening of about 86 mm. Each size uses its own metal screw lid, and the two lids are not interchangeable. If you try to put a regular mouth lid on a wide mouth jar, it will not seal, and the same problem happens the other way around.

This system works well for home canning or small retail use. But in the industrial and commercial packaging field, things are more complex. Businesses deal with many different jar diameters, neck finishes, and closure systems, far beyond just Mason jars. This is why it is important for companies to understand the exact type of lid and jar they need before ordering in bulk.

Mason Jars and Metal Screw Lids

 

Mason jars with metal screw lids are very common in the retail and home canning market. The regular mouth size (70 mm) is often used for sauces, jams, jellies, honey, and other products that pour easily or have small pieces. The wide mouth size (86 mm) is more popular for pickles, fruits, nut butters, or products that need to be scooped out by hand. The wide opening makes filling and cleaning easier, while the regular mouth is more practical for liquids and everyday use.

Because these jars follow fixed standards, many consumers assume all glass jars and lids work in the same way. But this is not true. Mason jars and their metal screw lids are just one type of packaging solution. In the food and beverage industry, companies often use other closure systems, such as twist lug caps, which follow different size rules and sealing methods.

Twist Lug Closures: A Different System

 

Unlike Mason jars that use a metal screw lid, many food and beverage jars in the commercial market use a twist lug closure. A lug cap does not screw all the way down with continuous threads. Instead, it locks into place with small lugs on the cap that grip the jar finish when the cap is twisted. This system is quick to seal and easy to open, which is why it is widely used for jams, sauces, condiments, honey, and many other products.

However, lug caps are not interchangeable with Mason jar metal screw lids. Even if the diameter looks the same, the sealing method is different, and the closure will not fit properly. For a safe and secure seal, the cap and jar must be designed as a set. This is why businesses need to confirm the right jar neck finish and closure type before ordering in bulk.

Common Lug Cap Sizes (HUIHE PACK Products)

 

At HUIHE PACK, we supply a wide range of lug closures to fit different packaging needs. For regular neck jars, the common sizes include 48 mm, 53 mm, 66 mm, 70 mm, and so on. These are widely used for sauces, spreads, juices, honey, and condiments.

We also offer deep twist lug closures in larger sizes such as 58 mm, 70 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, and so on. These are designed for high-neck jars and are often chosen for premium honey, pickles, or larger beverage containers.

It is important to note that regular neck and deep twist lug closures are not interchangeable. Even if the diameters seem close, the sealing height and jar finish are different. To ensure a safe seal and smooth production process, closures must always match the exact jar neck design.

Beyond Jars: Twist Lug Caps for Sauce Bottles

 

Twist lug caps are not limited to wide jars of jam or honey. Their smaller sizes, such as 38 mm or 43 mm, are widely used for sauce bottles, chili paste, mustard, and dressing packaging. The twist-and-lock system works well even on narrow neck bottles, giving producers a reliable seal while keeping opening and closing easy for consumers.

In the food industry, twist lug caps are one of the most versatile closure solutions. From glass jars of pickles and fruit spreads to slim bottles of hot sauce, their compatibility across different product types makes them a practical choice for many brands. This is why twist lug caps remain one of the most common closure options in everyday glass food packaging.

Why Correct Jar and Lid Matching Matters for Businesses

 

In commercial glass packaging, choosing the right lid for the right jar is not just a technical detail — it is a business-critical decision.

Food safety is the first concern. A poor seal can allow air or bacteria to enter, which may lead to contamination or reduce shelf life. This is why many food brands prefer a twist off closure with vacuum button. The safety button provides a visible sign of vacuum integrity, reassuring both producers and consumers that the product is properly sealed.

Logistics and supply chain also depend on correct matching. If lids and jars are mismatched, sealing equipment may fail, resulting in wasted stock, unexpected returns, and shipping delays. These issues quickly add cost and disrupt operations.

Finally, brand reliability is directly tied to packaging performance. A properly matched jar and lid not only protect the product but also create a smoother, more professional customer experience. Businesses that invest in precise closure systems build stronger trust and long-term loyalty.

How to Choose the Right Lid and Jar Combination

 

For companies, the first step in packaging is to identify the product type. Different products—liquids, solids, or thick pastes—have varying closure requirements. For instance, sauces or honey might need a wider neck for easy filling, whereas beverages demand secure sealing to avoid leakage.

The filling and sealing process is another key factor. Automated production lines often have specific requirements for closure type and size. Using the wrong system can slow down efficiency or cause sealing failure.

Finally, consider industry standards in your target market. Some regions have strict regulations on food safety and packaging materials. Matching the correct lid and jar combination helps ensure compliance and smooth export operations.

To avoid costly mistakes, companies should always consult with a professional packaging supplier. Experts can recommend the most suitable jar–lid match for both local and international business needs.

HUIHE PACK Solutions for B2B Clients

 

At HUIHE PACK, we provide a full range of closures and glass jars in both regular neck and deep twist lug closure designs. Our products cover the most common sizes used across the food, beverage, honey, sauce, and dairy industries.
We support bulk purchasing, as well as OEM and ODM customization, giving businesses flexible options to match their brand and production needs. With years of experience in B2B packaging, our team helps clients achieve reliable sealing, safe transport, and strong shelf appeal.

Conclusion

 

Choosing the right lid and jar combination is not just about size—it’s about safety, efficiency, and customer trust. Regular mouth and wide mouth concepts help explain the basics, but in real B2B packaging, the situation is more complex. Twist lug closures, whether regular neck or deep twist lug closures, must always be paired with the correct jar design to achieve proper sealing.
At HUIHE PACK, we help businesses avoid the risks of mismatched packaging. With a wide selection of twist off closures with vacuum button and glass containers, plus OEM/ODM support, we are ready to provide packaging solutions that meet industry standards and market demands.

FAQ

 

Q1. Can regular mouth lids fit wide mouth jars?
No. The diameters are different, and lids are not interchangeable between regular and wide mouth jars.

Q2. Are Mason jar metal screw lids the same as twist lug closures?
No. Mason jars use a threaded metal screw lid, while twist lug closures rely on lugs and vacuum sealing. They are different systems and cannot be swapped.

Q3. What is a deep twist lug closure?
It is a high-neck version of the lug cap, often used on ergo jars and other specialized containers.

Q4. Can the same lug cap fit both regular neck and deep neck jars?
No. Even if the diameter is the same, the neck design is different, so the closures are not compatible.

Q5. Why is the vacuum button important on twist off closures?
The vacuum button shows whether the jar is sealed properly. It improves food safety and gives consumers confidence in product freshness.

Q6. What jar and lid sizes are most common for food and beverage packaging?
Popular lug cap sizes include 48, 53, 66, 70, 82 mm (regular neck) and 53, 68, 70, 90, 100 mm (deep neck), widely used for honey, sauces, dairy, and beverages.

Q7. Does HUIHE PACK support custom packaging?
Yes. We provide OEM/ODM services, helping businesses design closures and jars that fit their brand and production needs.