Mrs. Wages Product FAQs:

Have you ever wondered about the best way to use Mrs. Wages canning packets? I get some frequently asked questions from readers about this brand in particular, so I thought I’d answer a few of those product FAQs here.

(Please note a lot of this advice also applies to other brands of seasoning packets. Mrs. Wages mixes just happens to be some of the most popular canning mixes and a brand I’ve previously recommended in other videos.)

Do I have to add acid to tomatoes when using Mrs. Wages?

One of the most frequent questions I get is: “If I’m using a canning packet, do I need to add extra citric acid to my tomatoes?”

Here’s the short answer: If your packet is specifically designed for canning you do not need to add lemon juice or citric acid. These packets have been tested for safe canning. Just follow the directions on the packets.

• Mrs. Wages salsa mixes at Amazon. Available in Classic, Medium, Mild and HOT.
• Mrs Wages tomato sauce mixes at Amazon. Pasta sauce, Tomato Soup, Chili and Pizza sauce.

A few important points to remember: Only use packets that are formulated for canning. Follow the package directions exactly. If it doesn’t say to add anything extra, you don’t need to. Using the correct packet ensures your jars are safe and your sauce will turn out delicious.

So, next time you’re making tomato sauce at home, just trust the tested recipe in the packet—it’s designed to keep your jars safe.

Here are some seasoning packets I would recommend on Amazon.

How Can I Thicken Mrs. Wages Salsa?

Another common question I get is about thickening: “Can clear gel be used in canning with Mrs. Wages salsa?”

The answer is no—clear gel is not recommended for adding to salsa during canning. These seasoning packets already include everything you need for safe canning.

If you prefer a thicker salsa, here are some safe alternatives after opening the jar:

• Add a little tomato paste for richness.
• Drain some of the liquid to make the salsa chunkier.
• Sprinkle in dried tomato powder to thicken naturally. (Side note: Watch ingredients to make sure it is just tomatoes and not a bunch of fillers.)

It’s easy to confuse clear gel and pectin—they’re both thickeners, but they have very different purposes – read more about these difference here. For canning, always stick with the packet instructions.

Have Another Mrs. Wages Question?

Let me know and I might just add it to this page. 🙂