At my Wal-Mart they sold a pack of 9 or 12, I don't remember, for under 11 bucks, plus tax.Walmart has great glass and plastic airtight clamp on lids for under 8 bucks
Yup the smell of the food absorbs into the plastic material on the bottom of the lid that seals it it better.I have removed that crap before and the jar still sealed fine just not as well.but i finally broke down and got some snap lid mason jars they are the best,they seal really welltry cleaning the lid i have the same problem and i think the jar gets air'd out but the lid still stinks and when it gets put on again it stinks it up.
Better then pickle jars actually, the smell gets out easier and if some does stay who does not like a little strawberry weedi use jelly jars