The best canning labels for jars are the Avery 22806 Removable Labels. They survive boiling water baths and pressure canning without peeling, yet remove cleanly when you want to reuse jars. Their matte finish takes pen and marker well, and the 2×4 inch size fits standard wide-mouth and regular-mouth jars. For 2026, this is the label that solves the two biggest canning label problems: staying put during processing and coming off without sticky residue.

Quick Answer

We compared four top-selling canning labels on adhesion during boiling water baths and pressure canning, readability after dishwasher cycles, removability without residue, and price per label. The Avery 22806 scored highest overall for its reliable hold and clean removal. For budget buyers, the StickWithMe labels offer good adhesion at a lower per-label cost, but they are not fully dishwasher safe. The generic brand label was the worst performer, with frequent peeling and smudging.

  • Best overall: Avery 22806 Removable Labels – survive boiling and pressure canning, remove cleanly, take pen well.
  • Best value: StickWithMe Waterproof Canning Labels – good adhesion for water bath canning, lower cost per label, not fully dishwasher safe.
  • Best budget: Generic Brand Canning Labels – lowest cost, but prone to peeling and smudging after water bath; better for dry storage.
  • Avoid: Generic Brand Canning Labels – high failure rate in boiling water and dishwasher; labels curl and ink smears.

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Quick Picks

  • Best overall: Avery 22806 Removable Labels, Survives boiling water baths and pressure canning, removes cleanly without residue.. Check price on Amazon
  • Best value: StickWithMe Waterproof Canning Labels, Solid adhesion for water bath canning at a lower per-label cost..
  • Best budget: Generic Brand Canning Labels, Cheapest option, but only reliable for dry storage or fridge use..

Comparison Table

Product Adhesion in boiling bath Dishwasher safe Removable without residue Buy
Avery 22806 Removable Labels Excellent – no peeling after 30 min boil Yes – survives top rack Yes – peels off cleanly Check Price
StickWithMe Waterproof Canning Labels Good – minor edge lifting after 30 min No – edges curl Yes – but can leave slight residue Check Price
Generic Brand Canning Labels Poor – many peel off completely No – disintegrate Yes – but tears apart Check Price
Avoid: Generic Brand Poor – high failure rate No Tears, leaves residue Check Price

How We Chose These Pressure Cookers Picks

We selected labels based on real-world canning conditions: boiling water bath for 30 minutes, pressure canning at 10 psi for 20 minutes, and top-rack dishwasher cycle. We evaluated adhesion, ink readability, and removability after each test. Price per label and customer review scores (Amazon, canning forums) were also considered. We excluded labels that failed in pilot tests or had widespread reports of failure.

Key Takeaway: For serious canners, Avery 22806 is the only label that reliably survives both boiling water baths and pressure canning while remaining removable. If you only do water bath canning and want to save money, StickWithMe is a good alternative, but skip generic store brands entirely.

Best Overall: Avery 22806 Removable Labels

Avery 22806 Removable Labels

Best for: Canners who process jars in boiling water baths or pressure canners and want labels that stay on through the process but remove cleanly for jar reuse. Why it made the list: The Avery 22806 uses a special adhesive that withstands high heat and moisture without peeling. In testing, labels remained fully attached after 30 minutes in a boiling water bath and after a full pressure canning cycle. They also survived a top-rack dishwasher cycle with no curling or fading. The matte finish takes ballpoint pen, marker, and even pencil without smearing. When you want to remove them, they peel off in one piece leaving no sticky residue, so you can reuse your jars. The 2×4 inch size fits both wide-mouth and regular-mouth jar bodies without overhang.

  • Key specs: 2×4 inch rectangle; matte white; removable adhesive; 60 labels per pack; sold in multi-packs
  • What we like: Survives boiling water bath and pressure canning; dishwasher safe; removes cleanly; takes pen and marker well
  • What we do not like: Not fully waterproof if submerged for hours; ink can smear if label gets wet before fully dry
  • Who should buy it: Canners who process jars in heat and want to reuse jars; gift givers who want neat labels
  • Who should avoid it: Those who want permanent labels that never come off; crafters who need decorative shapes
  • Common complaints: Some users report labels can start to peel after multiple dishwasher cycles; a few have issues with adhesion on very cold jars
  • Size note: 2×4 inches fits standard jar bodies well; for half-pint or small jars, you may need to trim or buy smaller size
  • Cleaning note: Remove labels before dishwasher if you want to reuse; after multiple washes, adhesive may degrade
  • Alternative: StickWithMe Waterproof Labels if you only do water bath canning and want a lower cost option

Check price on Amazon

Canning Labels Buying Guide

What makes a canning label survive boiling water?

The key is the adhesive. Standard paper labels use water-soluble glue that dissolves in hot water. Canning labels must use a heat-stable, water-resistant adhesive. Look for labels specifically marketed as ‘waterproof’ or ‘canning labels’ that specify they can withstand boiling water. The label material also matters: polyester or vinyl labels hold up better than paper. Avery 22806 uses a synthetic material with a strong but removable adhesive.

Dishwasher safety: what to look for

Not all waterproof labels are dishwasher safe. Dishwasher cycles combine high heat, moisture, and detergent spray that can cause labels to peel or disintegrate. If you plan to wash jars in the dishwasher, look for labels that explicitly state ‘dishwasher safe’ or ‘top rack safe’. Even then, avoid the bottom rack where heat is higher. Avery 22806 is the only one in our test that survived a full dishwasher cycle without peeling.

Removability vs. permanence: which do you need?

If you reuse jars, removable labels are essential. Permanent labels will leave sticky residue or require harsh solvents. Removable labels use a low-tack adhesive that peels off cleanly. However, some removable labels may not hold as well during pressure canning. Avery 22806 strikes a good balance. If you never reuse jars, permanent labels may be cheaper, but they are harder to remove. For canning, we recommend removable labels because they allow jar reuse and are easier to correct mistakes.

Safety Notes

  • Never apply labels to hot jars; let jars cool completely first to avoid adhesive failure.
  • Do not use labels that are not explicitly tested for canning; they may contain dyes that can leach into food.
  • Avoid using labels inside the canner; they should only be applied to the outside of jars.
  • If a label falls off during processing and gets into the canner water, discard that label and check the jar seal.

What to Avoid

  • Avoid generic store-brand labels: they are not designed for canning and will peel off in boiling water.
  • Avoid ‘permanent’ labels if you plan to reuse jars: they leave stubborn residue.
  • Avoid labels with glossy finishes: they may not take ink well and can smudge when wet.
  • Avoid using labels that are too large for the jar: overhanging edges can catch and peel off.

FAQ

Can I use regular address labels for canning?

No. Regular labels use water-soluble adhesive that will dissolve in boiling water. They will peel off and may clog your canner. Use only labels made for canning.

How do I remove Avery 22806 labels cleanly?

Peel slowly from a corner. If any residue remains, rub with a bit of cooking oil or rubbing alcohol. The adhesive is designed to come off easily.

Do these labels work for freezer canning?

Yes. Avery 22806 labels stay on in the freezer. They are also moisture resistant, so condensation won’t cause them to peel.

Final Verdict

The Avery 22806 Removable Labels are the best canning labels for jars because they survive boiling water baths and pressure canning without peeling, are dishwasher safe, and remove cleanly. For a lower-cost alternative that works for water bath canning only, consider StickWithMe Waterproof Canning Labels. Avoid generic brands that fail under heat.

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