Save Money and Time by Making These 18 Grocery Staples at Home
The cost of groceries can add up quickly, but what if you could cut down on expenses without sacrificing quality? Many everyday items can be made right in your own kitchen with minimal ingredients and effort.
From snacks to staples, you can save big by skipping the store-bought versions and making them yourself. Here are 18 grocery items that are not only easy to prepare at home but also help you save money in the long run.
Bread
Making your own bread can be surprisingly easy and incredibly satisfying. With just a few basic ingredients—flour, yeast, water, and salt—you can create fresh, warm bread that’s free from preservatives.
Homemade bread also lets you control the ingredients, making it healthier and often more affordable than store-bought loaves.
Granola
Granola is a versatile snack or breakfast option that’s simple to make. By combining oats, honey, nuts, and a little oil, you can bake up a batch of homemade granola that’s crunchy, satisfying, and much cheaper than the pre-packaged versions.
You can also customize it with your favorite add-ins like dried fruits or seeds.
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Yogurt
Making yogurt at home only requires milk and a starter culture, and it’s much more cost-effective than buying individual containers from the store. Plus, homemade yogurt tends to be creamier and can be flavored with natural ingredients like honey or vanilla.
Pasta
Instead of buying dried pasta, consider making your own fresh pasta. All you need is flour, eggs, and a little water to create fresh, soft pasta.
You can shape it into whatever style you like, whether it’s spaghetti, fettuccine, or ravioli. It’s a fun, cost-saving alternative for pasta lovers.
Pizza Dough
Making pizza dough at home is incredibly simple and much more affordable than buying pre-made dough. All you need is flour, yeast, salt, and water.
Once mixed and kneaded, you can freeze extra dough for future pizzas. Plus, the taste and texture of homemade dough far surpass the store-bought variety.
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Salad Dressing
Store-bought salad dressings can be loaded with preservatives and additives, but homemade dressings are fresh and free from artificial ingredients. With just olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and herbs, you can whip up a simple vinaigrette.
Add your own spices and flavors to customize it to your liking.
Nut Butter
Making your own nut butter, like peanut or almond butter, is super easy and much cheaper than buying jars at the store. Simply blend roasted nuts in a food processor until smooth, adding a little oil or salt for flavor.
You can also try different nuts or mix-ins like honey or cinnamon.
Hummus
Hummus is another item that’s easy to make at home and much more affordable than store-bought versions. With canned chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, you can create a creamy, flavorful dip or spread.
Customize it with different spices or veggies to suit your taste.
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Oatmeal
Skip the instant oatmeal packets and make your own stovetop oatmeal with old-fashioned oats, milk, or water. Not only is this option cheaper, but it’s also healthier since you can control the sweetness and add your own toppings like fruit, nuts, or seeds.
Pancake Mix
Instead of buying ready-made pancake mix, you can easily make your own by combining flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This DIY version is more affordable and eliminates the need for added preservatives. Just add milk and eggs when you're ready to cook.
Ice Cream
Making ice cream at home can be a fun and cost-effective way to enjoy this sweet treat. With just a few ingredients like cream, sugar, and flavorings, you can create your own frozen dessert without the added sugar and preservatives found in store-bought varieties.
Plus, it’s a great way to experiment with unique flavors.
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Tortillas
Homemade tortillas are simple to make with just flour, water, oil, and salt. They cook up soft and warm, perfect for tacos, wraps, or quesadillas.
Not only are they more affordable than store-bought versions, but they also taste far fresher.
Potato Chips
Instead of buying bags of potato chips, try making your own at home. Slice potatoes thinly, season them to taste, and bake or fry them for a crispy, homemade snack.
You can flavor them with salt, vinegar, or even spices like paprika and garlic powder.
Spice Mixes
Pre-made spice mixes can be expensive, but creating your own spice blends is easy and budget-friendly. With a few simple ingredients like garlic powder, cumin, or chili powder, you can make your own taco seasoning, Italian herbs, or curry powder.
This allows you to customize flavors while saving money.
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Jam and Jelly
Making homemade jam or jelly is a great way to preserve fruits at their peak and enjoy them all year round. With fruit, sugar, and pectin, you can create a batch of delicious jam that’s free of preservatives and much cheaper than store-bought versions.
Muffins
Baking your own muffins is easy and can be done for a fraction of the cost of store-bought varieties. Whether you prefer banana, blueberry, or bran, you can control the ingredients and add your own flavor twists, like chocolate chips or nuts, all while saving money.
Mayonnaise
Making mayonnaise at home requires just eggs, oil, and a little mustard or lemon juice. It’s a quick, cost-effective way to avoid store-bought mayonnaise, which can contain artificial ingredients.
You can also customize your homemade version by adding herbs, garlic, or spices.
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Chicken Broth
Homemade chicken broth is a great way to use leftover bones and scraps, turning them into a rich, flavorful base for soups, stews, and gravies. It’s easy to make in large batches, and the cost is much lower than store-bought versions, plus it’s free from added preservatives.
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