I think I did use those [Classico Pasta Sauce Jars], one year....they take the regular canning lids (not wide mouth), right?
Right - regular size, not wide mouth
I don’t buy pasta sauce. If I had a supply of the jars I might try it.
We got most of ours from family, friends, neighbors, casual; acquaintances.
Ask around, post a note on Craigslist, neighborhood flyers, local billboards, etc.
If you see someone buying a lot of Classico sauce at a BOGO sale in your neighborhood market strike up a conversation.
Ask people if they would save the jars for you instead of throwing them in the recycle bin.
They’re not FDA-approved.
Understandable as the manufacturer advises not to reuse the jars for canning and the FDA has to recommend what they see as the safest most fool-proof methods.
Some guidelines do change over the years.
Compare a Ball Blue Book from the 1940s or 50's with the latest edition.
Back in the day my mom and aunts canned with reused mayonnaise jars when they ran out of store bought jars.
They also used zinc-porcelain lids, clip top lids with jar rubbers and they preserved hot-pack jams and jelly with melted wax on top instead of a lid.
I'm not suggesting we use that equipment and those techniques today - just pointing out that equipment, methods and guidelines do change.
And there are techniques that do work even though they might not be approved today.
P.S.
I also reuse the Classico screw-on tops for hot-pack vinegar preserved veggies like hot peppers, green pepper strips, etc.
Just heat the clean lids in boiling water first.
When the jars cool the lids will pop just like a new store-bought lid to let you know the seal is good
I just opened a jar of small hot peppers that were packed with recycled Classico lids several years ago and they are perfectly good.
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