15 Budget-Friendly Homemade Foods That Triumph Over Store Prices

Most Americans are watching their grocery bills soar and don’t know what to do. After all, everyone needs to eat, but it’s getting more and more expensive. Luckily, there are some food items you can whip up at home to lower your grocery bill and improve your skills in the kitchen! Check out the list of 15 foods that taste just as good, if not better, and will help you spend less at the supermarket.

1. Bread and Butter

Bread is a must-have in most homes, but it can become expensive when everyone eats sandwiches and toast. Making bread is insanely cheap, as the ingredients cost a pittance. You can also make your butter, which can be a little labor-intensive, so consider how much your time is worth.

2. Smoothies

Smoothies are a wonderfully healthy snack for people on the go, but a 12-ounce premade smoothie can run you close to $7. On the other hand, frozen fruit is affordable. Making smoothies at home can save you loads of money and ensure you eat less preservatives and sugar!

3. Dressings and Dips

Dressings and dips can be quite costly, whether a sesame salad dressing, French onion chip dip, or premade guacamole. However, making these foods at home can cut your grocery bill down substantially. Next time you reach for a bottle, consider how easy it would be to whip up with the ingredients you already have at home.

4. Cold Cuts

Sandwiches are already a pretty affordable meal for work lunches and hectic weeknights, but you can make them even more affordable by cooking your own meat and buying blocks of cheese. With homemade cold cuts, you’ll have larger quantities for less money; with homemade bread, these sandwiches cost you almost nothing!

5. Yogurt

Yogurt is an excellent snack for good digestion and strong bones, but it can cost as much as $5 per cup. Enjoy all the yogurt you want by making it at home. It may seem intimidating, but making yogurt is much easier than you think, and you only need a handful of cheap ingredients, such as milk.

6. Fermented Foods

Fermented foods like pickles, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha can be pricey. However, these fermented foods can be relatively easy to make, and the ingredients will cost you pennies. Plus, you can experiment with different flavors and perfect your fermented foods to suit your tastebuds.

7. Broth and Stock

Broth and stock may not seem very expensive, but you’re likely paying a fortune compared to making it at home. The best part is you can make broth and stock from leftover vegetables, meat, and bones, so you don’t need to buy fresh ingredients, and it’s a great way to utilize vegetable skins and usually discarded chicken bones. Homemade broth and stock is a beautiful method for combatting food waste.

8. Sauces, Spreads, and Syrups

Like dips and dressings, sauces, spreads, and syrups can also be made at home, saving you money. For example, make vanilla syrup with a dash of vanilla extract, sugar, and boiled water. Making jams and jellies is also more straightforward than you might think and wildly fun! Barbecue sauce is also a fun one to make and is super cheap.

9. Soup

Soup is a criminally underrated dish, and it often tastes exponentially better when made from scratch. Use the homemade broth, stock, and some leftover vegetables to throw together a carrot, cauliflower, or pea soup to warm everyone’s bellies. Even making something that seems fancy, like clam chowder, can be pretty cheap when made at home.

10. Dessert

Almost every dessert you can find in the bakery section of the supermarket can be made at home for substantially cheaper. Instead of spending $30 on a cheesecake, you can make one for $10. The same goes for cakes, muffins, pies, cookies, fudge, and more, so avoid the dessert aisle and hone your baking if you want to save money.

11. Homemade Pizza

Making your own pizza is not only a fun activity but also a cost-effective one. The basic ingredients for the dough (flour, yeast, water, and oil) are inexpensive, and you have the freedom to add your choice of toppings. This can be significantly cheaper than buying frozen pizzas or ordering from a restaurant!

12. Cakes and Other Baked Goods

Homemade cakes, cookies, and other baked treats are much cheaper than buying from a bakery. Ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs are inexpensive in bulk, and you can create a variety of desserts from these basic staples.

13. Granola

Commercial granola can be pricey, especially the organic or specialty types. Making granola at home is simple and cost-effective, using oats, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners. It also allows you to control the sugar and fat content.

14. Homemade Energy Bars

Energy bars are a popular snack for those needing a quick boost, but store-bought versions can be pricey and sometimes packed with added sugars and preservatives. Making your energy bars at home is a cost-effective alternative. You can use oats, nuts, dried fruits, honey or maple syrup, and even protein powder. Homemade energy bars allow you to customize the ingredients to your dietary preferences and control the amount of sugar and additives. Plus, they are perfect for on-the-go snacks or a post-workout energy boost.

15. Canned Beans versus Dried Beans

Using dried beans instead of canned ones is a classic money-saving tip. While canned beans are convenient, dried beans are cheaper and yield a more significant quantity once cooked. They require some planning for soaking and cooking but are cost-effective and healthier.

Source: Reddit.