This Stardew Valley guide compares Kegs and Preserves Jars, two crucial tools for transforming crops into valuable artisan goods. While both increase profit, especially with the Artisan profession's 40% price boost, their efficiency and cost differ significantly.
Kegs vs. Preserves Jars: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Both Kegs and Preserves Jars convert produce into higher-value artisan goods, but the quality of the input doesn't affect the output's selling price. Therefore, use your lowest-quality produce for maximum efficiency.
Preserves Jars:
Produce Jellies, Pickles, Aged Roe, and Caviar. Obtained via bundles, the Prize Machine, or crafted at Farming Level 4 (50 Wood, 40 Stone, 8 Coal).
Item In Jar |
Product |
Base Sell Price |
Any fruit |
[fruit name] Jelly |
2 x [base price] + 50 |
Any vegetable |
Pickled [item name] |
2 x [base price] + 50 |
Morel, Chanterelle, etc. |
Pickled [item name] |
2 x [base price] + 50 |
Roe (except Sturgeon) |
Aged [fish name] Roe |
2 x [roe price] |
Sturgeon Roe |
Caviar |
2 x [roe price] |
Kegs:
Produce Wine, Beer, Pale Ale, Mead, Coffee, Juice, Green Tea, and Vinegar. Obtained via bundles, the Prize Machine, or crafted at Farming Level 8 (30 Wood, 1 Copper Bar, 1 Iron Bar, 1 Oak Resin).
Item In Keg |
Product |
Base Sell Price |
Any fruit |
[fruit name] Wine |
3 x [base price] |
Any vegetable (except hops/wheat) |
[item name] Juice |
2.25 x [base price] |
Hops |
Pale Ale |
300g |
Wheat |
Beer |
200g |
Honey |
Mead |
200g |
Tea Leaves |
Green Tea |
100g |
Coffee Beans (5) |
Coffee |
150g |
Rice |
Vinegar |
100g |
Which is Better?
Kegs: Generally yield higher profits, especially with Casks for aging (requires the final farmhouse upgrade). However, they're more expensive and time-consuming to craft and produce.
Preserves Jars: Cheaper and faster, ideal for early-game profits and low-value, high-yield crops. While less profitable per item, their speed can offset this.
Conclusion:
The best choice depends on your game stage and priorities. Preserves Jars are excellent for early-game income and quick turnovers. Kegs offer greater long-term profitability but require a larger initial investment and more patience. For optimal results, consider using both! The 1.6 update expanded compatible items, making both even more versatile.