Why do pickles in the store come in glass jars only?

Question

Its seems pickles are the only product I know of, that comes in glass jars only. Other things like jam, vinegar, mayonnaise, ketchup, or salad dressing come in both glass and plastic bottles. Why are pickles only available in glass jars?

Answer 1

Glass preserves the product better and longer by blocking any transmission of gasses or moisture and it is completely non-reactive.

Company marketing has likely decided their customers prefer glass or the plant doesn't want to spend the money to convert to handling plastic bottles.

Answer 2

Plastic Pickle Jars

Answer 3

I'd like to tell you that it is because pickles, like tomatoes react with certain metals, but that's not true. Plus it wouldn't explain the plastic jar question. I believe and have found no proof otherwise that it is simply because Heinz began selling jarred pickles in glass jars instead of earthenware pots like was previously done, because his competitors were adding things to the ingredients that were not altogether what you'd want in your pickles. Heinz could prove his ingredients were natural if they were showcased in glass jars. Other companies followed suit.

Answer 4

The large commercial size jars of pickles and relish are sometimes packed in plastic jars, so there is no reason not to do it, except consumers expect glass.

Answer 5

They can be found in plastic containers, but there may possible be a leak and air may get out, so it is only useful for short term.

With glass jars, it is unlikely there is a leak so for long term it is better.

Answer 6

They aren't. I often buy my pickles in a plastic container, similar to the type of containers you might get pasta salad in from the deli at the supermarket.

Pickles also used to be sold out of wooden barrels.

Answer 7

jam comes in glass, some salad dressings come in glass, pickles also come in plastic

Answer 8

Pickles sometimes come in plastic containers.

Answer 9

I have experienced pickly-buying in glass jars, plastic jars, and plastic bags.

Answer 10

Great question. I am going to keep an eye on the responses.