11 Pantry Staples You Can Make Instead of Buy
Why spend money on store-bought pantry staples when you can easily make them at home? From creamy peanut butter to hot chocolate mix, making your own versions not only saves you money but also lets you control the ingredients for a fresher, healthier option. Here are 11 pantry staples that are surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen.
Salad Dressing
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Making your own salad dressing is quick, simple, and a great way to skip the added preservatives. It’s a fresh, customizable option that enhances your salads with ingredients you trust. Get the recipe: Honey Mustard Vinaigrette Dressing
Taco Seasoning
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Homemade taco seasoning is a simple way to add bold flavour without the fillers and extra sodium found in store-bought packets. With just a few spices, you can customize the heat, adjust the salt, and always have a fresh, delicious blend on hand. Get the recipe: Homemade Taco Seasoning
Mayonnaise
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Homemade mayonnaise is rich, creamy, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have. It’s fresher, tastier, and free from unnecessary additives, making it a perfect homespun option. Get the recipe: Lemon Mayonnaise
Hummus
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Homemade hummus is smooth, flavorful, and way better than store-bought. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste, and made with all-natural ingredients. Get the recipe: Classic Hummus
Pasta Sauce
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Homemade pasta sauce is rich, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients. It’s fresher than store-bought, easy to customize, and perfect for having a delicious meal ready anytime.
Get the recipe: Rich 3-Ingredient Tomato Sauce
Granola
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Homemade granola is crunchy, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients you control. It’s fresher than store-bought, with clean, simple ingredients, and perfect for breakfast or snacking. Get the recipe: Peanut Butter Granola
Homemade Bouillon Powder
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Homemade bouillon powder is a flavorful way to enhance soups, stews, and sauces without the preservatives and excess sodium of store-bought versions. It’s easy to make and long-lasting, and it lets you control the ingredients for a cleaner, tastier option. Get the recipe: Homemade Bouillon Powder
Jam
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Homemade chia jam is naturally sweet, packed with fibre, and comes together in minutes. It’s a fresh, healthy alternative to store-bought spreads with no need for loads of sugar or preservatives. Get the recipe: Strawberry Chia Jam
Vegetable Broth
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Homemade vegetable broth is a smart way to use veggie scraps, saving money and reducing waste. It’s easy to make and a more natural alternative to store-bought versions. Get the recipe: Homemade Vegetable Broth
Peanut Butter
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Homemade peanut butter is simple to make with just a few ingredients, giving you a fresh, creamy, completely preservative-free spread. It’s a cost-effective option that lets you enjoy pure peanut flavour whenever you want. Get the recipe: Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Peanut Butter
Hot Chocolate Mix
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Homemade hot chocolate mix is a cozy, customizable treat that’s perfect for chilly days. You can control the sweetness and use high-quality ingredients, making each cup richer and more satisfying than store-bought versions. Get the recipe: Hot Chocolate Mix