9 Pantry Items I Never Buy Pre-Made Anymore

The decision to switch to homemade pantry items was primarily driven by three factors: cost savings, health benefits, and environmental impact. By making my own pantry items, I found that I was able to save a significant amount of money. I was no longer paying for packaging or the convenience of pre-made items. I was simply paying for the raw ingredients, which are typically much cheaper.

In terms of health, making my own pantry items allowed me to control what goes into my food. I could eliminate additives, preservatives, and unhealthy ingredients that are often found in pre-packaged foods. Additionally, I noticed a significant reduction in waste, contributing to a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Pre-packaged foods often come in non-recyclable packaging, which adds up over time.

Salad Dressings

Store-bought salad dressings are notorious for their long list of ingredients, many of which are artificial additives. By making your own dressing, you can stick to natural ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking. A basic vinaigrette, for example, requires just oil, vinegar, mustard, and some seasoning.

Cost-wise, making your own salad dressing is a no-brainer. A bottle of store-bought dressing can cost upwards of $3, while homemade versions can be made for a fraction of this price.

Bread

Homemade bread is not just fresher and tastier, but also healthier. Store-bought bread often contains additives and preservatives to extend its shelf-life, which are absent in homemade versions. Making your own bread at home may seem daunting, but it’s simpler than you might think. Basic bread recipes only require a few ingredients: flour, yeast, water, and a bit of salt.

When it comes to cost, baking your own bread can save you money in the long run. While the initial cost of ingredients might be higher, they will yield many loaves, bringing down the cost per loaf significantly.

Pasta Sauce

Store-bought pasta sauce is often high in sugar and sodium. Making your own allows you to control these levels and use fresh, wholesome ingredients. You can customize your sauce to your liking, adding herbs, spices, and vegetables of your choice. Recipes for homemade pasta sauce are plentiful and easy to follow.

In terms of cost, a jar of store-bought pasta sauce can cost anywhere from $2 to $7, depending on the brand. Making your own can cut this cost in half, especially if you use seasonal ingredients or those you already have on hand.

Granola

Store-bought granola is often loaded with sugar. Making your own at home allows you to control the sweetness and add nutritious ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Plus, homemade granola is easy to make – just mix your ingredients, bake until crispy, and let cool.

In terms of cost, making your own granola can be much cheaper than buying it in the store. A bag of store-bought granola can cost anywhere from $3 to $6, while homemade granola can be made for less than $1 per serving.

Peanut Butter

Many store-bought peanut butters contain unhealthy oils and added sugars. When you make your own, you use just one ingredient: peanuts. All you need is a good food processor, and you can have fresh, natural peanut butter in minutes.

Cost-wise, making your own peanut butter can save you money, especially if you buy peanuts in bulk. A jar of store-bought peanut butter can cost anywhere from $2 to $5, while homemade peanut butter costs just the price of peanuts.

Jam

Store-bought jam is often loaded with high-fructose corn syrup. Making your own allows you to use natural sweeteners and ripe, flavorful fruit. Plus, homemade jam is surprisingly easy to make. All you need is fruit, sugar, and a bit of lemon juice.

In terms of cost, making your own jam can be much cheaper than buying it in the store, especially if you use in-season fruit. A jar of store-bought jam can cost anywhere from $3 to $7, while homemade jam can be made for a fraction of this price.

Broth

Store-bought broth often contains excess sodium and additives. Making your own allows you to control these levels and use up vegetable scraps and bones that would otherwise go to waste. Homemade broth is easy to make, requires little active time, and can be frozen for future use.

In terms of cost, making your own broth is significantly cheaper than buying it in the store. A carton of store-bought broth can cost anywhere from $2 to $4, while homemade broth costs just pennies per serving.

Pickles

Store-bought pickles often contain preservatives and artificial colors. Making your own allows you to use fresh cucumbers and a simple brine of vinegar, water, salt, and spices. Plus, pickling is not limited to cucumbers – you can pickle a variety of vegetables for a tangy, crunchy addition to meals.

In terms of cost, making your own pickles can be much cheaper than buying them in the store, especially during cucumber season. A jar of store-bought pickles can cost anywhere from $2 to $5, while homemade pickles cost just the price of cucumbers and vinegar.

Spice Mixes

Store-bought spice mixes often contain additives and anti-caking agents. Making your own allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking. Plus, homemade spice mixes are easy to make – just mix together the desired spices in the right proportions.

In terms of cost, making your own spice mixes can save you money, especially if you buy spices in bulk. A jar of store-bought spice mix can cost anywhere from $2 to $5, while homemade spice mixes cost just the price of individual spices.