Do you often find yourself reaching for pre-packaged, ready-made meals or ingredients in the grocery store? While these items may offer convenience, they can significantly increase your weekly food bill. With rising food prices and a shift towards healthier eating, there’s never been a better time to reconsider these choices.
This list is based on real-world trends, data, and expert advice on how to reduce food costs and improve nutrition. You can expect to discover common grocery items that you are likely wasting money on by buying them pre-made, along with healthier and cheaper alternatives you can make at home.
Salad Dressings
Salad dressings are a staple in most households. They’re convenient and add flavor to your salads. However, they often contain preservatives, added sugars, and unhealthy fats, not to mention the cost associated with these small bottles.
Right now, there’s a growing trend towards healthier, home-made alternatives. You can easily prepare your own salad dressings using olive oil, vinegar, and a variety of seasonings. This not only saves you money but also allows you to control the ingredients, making your meals healthier. Check out this guide to making your own salad dressing.
Granola
Granola is a popular breakfast item, often enjoyed with yogurt or milk. Pre-packaged granola is convenient but it’s often filled with added sugars and can be quite expensive for the small quantities you get.
With the rise of healthier eating habits and budget-friendly meals, making your own granola at home has become a popular choice. It’s simple, cost-effective, and allows you to control the amount of sugar and the types of ingredients you use. Here’s a recipe you can try at home.
Soups
Canned or pre-packaged soups are a go-to for many people looking for a quick meal. While convenient, they often contain high amounts of sodium and can be quite pricey when compared to home-made alternatives.
Now, more than ever, people are turning to home cooking for healthier and more budget-friendly meals. Making soup at home allows you to use fresh ingredients and control the amount of salt, making it a healthier choice. This guide can help you get started with making your own soup.
Smoothies
Pre-made smoothies are often marketed as a healthy option, but they can be filled with sugars and preservatives. Not to mention, they can be quite costly especially when consumed regularly.
Given the current focus on healthy eating, making your own smoothies at home has become a popular trend. It’s not only cheaper but also allows you to control the ingredients and sugar levels. Here’s a list of 50 smoothie recipes you can try at home.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a common snack found in many households. While convenient for on-the-go snacking, pre-packaged trail mix is usually full of added sugars and salt, and can be quite expensive.
As people become more health-conscious, making your own trail mix at home is a great alternative. You can mix your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and dark chocolate for a healthier and cheaper snack. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started.
Guacamole
Many people buy guacamole pre-made from the store for convenience. However, store-bought guacamole can be expensive and often contains preservatives and artificial colors.
With the growing trend of home cooking and healthy eating, making your own guacamole at home is a great choice. It’s simple, cost-effective, and healthier. Try this recipe for a fresh, homemade guacamole.
Spice Mixes
Spice mixes are convenient for adding flavor to meals, but they can be costly and often contain additives and high amounts of salt.
As people aim to reduce their sodium intake and save money, making your own spice mixes at home is a great alternative. It’s easy, cheaper, and allows you to control the ingredients. Here’s a guide to making your own spice mixes.
Pasta Sauce
Pasta sauce is a staple in many households. While convenient, store-bought pasta sauce is often high in sugar and sodium, and can be quite pricey.
The trend towards healthier and budget-friendly meals has seen many people making their own pasta sauce at home. It’s simple, cheaper, and allows you to control the ingredients. Check out this simple tomato sauce recipe.
Pancake Mix
Pancake mix is a common item in many households. While it’s convenient, pre-made pancake mix can be expensive and often contains preservatives.
Given the current trend towards home cooking and healthier eating, making your own pancake mix at home is a great alternative. It’s not only cheaper but also healthier. Try this homemade pancake mix recipe.
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
