Over 35 of the Best Homemade Recipes for Grocery Store Swaps (2024)

Try these homemade recipes for grocery store swaps on food and cleaning supplies. These DIY versions of household and pantry staples can save you money and be a more healthy option too.

Over 35 of the Best Homemade Recipes for Grocery Store Swaps (1)

Those of us that consider ourselves to be “frugal” or “thrifty” have been making homemade recipes for grocery store swaps for a long time. These alternatives to store-bought products are not only budget-friendly but they are often better for you too. So, whether you are living in a time period when you have to stretch your budget, want to be more eco-friendly or maybe it’s a pandemic (😉)- there are bunches of grocery items to DIY, not buy, for you to try too.

I have collected a list of over 35 DIY grocery swap options for you to “make it, don’t buy it“. The lists are separated into Seasonings, Baking Supplies, Condiments & Pantry Items, and Household Cleaners. Stop buying and start making these grocery staples today.

Over 35 of the Best Homemade Recipes for Grocery Store Swaps (2)

Homemade Seasonings

If you love Everything Bagles, then you have to try this Everything Bagle Seasoning. (from Feast For a Fraction)

Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix can be used for dressing and other recipes. (from Mom Foodie)

This Italian Seasoning is perfect for your next pasta meal. (from Earth Food and Fire)

Opa! This Greek Seasoning Mix. (from To Simply Inspire)

Save Tuesday’s meal plan by always having Taco Seasoning on hand. (from Mission to Save)

Use this Pumpkin Pie Spice on your next Thanksgiving dessert. (from She Loves Biscotti)

Oo,ee Kit it up with this Cajun Spice Mix. (from Flavour and Savour)

We always have Cinnamon Sugar on hand, but you have to have just the right mix. (from Shugary Sweets)

Knowing how to make Chicken Stock is a must for all cooks. (from The Cozy Cook)

Yep, you can make your own Vegetable Bouillon too. (from Theis Healthy Kitchen)

Over 35 of the Best Homemade Recipes for Grocery Store Swaps (3)

Homemade Baking Supplies

Grab that bag and Shake n Bake with this classic chicken coating made at home. (from Life with Joanne)

Never throw away a heal or crust again! Make your own Breadcrumbs for less food waste and more savings. (from Mission to Save)

Pancakes for dinner? Yes! Try this Pancake Mix for your next “brinner”. (from Served from Scratch)

Bisquick Mix can be used for so many recipes, make your own to always have it on hand. (from Sugar and Soul)

Celebrate anything with this DIY Yellow Cake Mix. (from Served from Scratch)

Those on a Low Carb or Keto diet will be glad to know you can make your own Coconut Flour. (from Raia’s Recipes)

This Baking Spray is a must to keep right by your oven. (from A Turtle’s Life for Me)

I was surprised how easy it is to make your own Brown Sugar. (from The Yellow Bee Design Co)

Chocolate treats are always a hit, and so is this Homemade Brownie Mix. (from Mission to Save)

For baking or cleaning, Baking Powder is a must to keep on hand (and you can make it yourself too) (from Raia’s Recipes)

Over 35 of the Best Homemade Recipes for Grocery Store Swaps (4)

Homemade Condiments and DIY Pantry Staples

I may not leave any for the kids with this sugar-free, low carb Nutella Spread Recipe. (from Wholesome Yum)

Having PB&J, then use this homemade Strawberry Jam in your Instant Pot. (from Recipe This)

Is spaghetti a go-to meal in your house? Then make this Marinara Sauce. (from The Cozy Cook)

Warm up with this Hot Cocoa Mix (from Cradle Kitchen)

This Ranch Dressing is low carb and keto-friendly. (from Wholesome Yum)

Perfect for any salad, this Sweet Vinegar Dressing is versatile and light. (from Mission to Save)

This BBQ Sauce is perfect for your next cookout. (from The Things We’ll Make)

Introduce your palate to this creamy, garlic Aioli. (from The Things We’ll Make)

Yes you can make your own Mayonnaise. (from Raia’s Recipes)

Missing your fave Asian takeout? Try this Yum Yum Sauce. (from Recipes from a Pantry)

You must always have Ketchup on hand and this one is healthy too. (from Veggie Desserts)

Use this Tartar Sauce on your next fish and chips night. (from Veggie Desserts)

Over 35 of the Best Homemade Recipes for Grocery Store Swaps (5)

Homemade Cleaning Products and Household Items

In 2020 who would have guessed we wouldn’t be able to find Cleaning Wipes– so make your own! (from Crayons and Cravings)

Eating at home more, then you will probably need more Dishwasher Tabs too. (from Crayons and Cravings)

Get an all natural scent boost with this DIY Febreze alternative. (from Earth Friendly Tips)

Love the scent and feel of clothes washed with Fabric Softener? Then make this natural version. (from Savor and Savvy)

Most DIY detergent is the powder form, try this Liquid Laundry Detergent recipe. (from The Things We’ll Make)

Can’t stand the fingerprints and smudges on your appliances? Try this Stainless Steel Cleaner today. (from We Three Shanes)

Try these Beeswax Wraps as an alternative to plastic wrap. (from Earth Friendly Tips)

Over 35 of the Best Homemade Recipes for Grocery Store Swaps (2024)

FAQs

What foods can I make at home instead of buying? ›

7 Foods to Make From Scratch
  • Stock. If you only take one thing from this article, keep a container of veggie scraps in your freezer. ...
  • Bread. This one can be as easy or as complicated as you want, depending on what you are trying to make. ...
  • Hummus. ...
  • Salad Dressing. ...
  • Pasta Sauce. ...
  • Pickles. ...
  • Granola, Bars & Bites.
May 17, 2020

Which is better, homemade or store bought? ›

To put it simply: Store-bought may be more convenient, but homemade is often tastier (and healthier!) if you want to go all out. Quality-wise, there's no question that Homemade tops the charts – however, if money is an issue, those bags of pre-packaged dinners can provide a bank for your buck!

How to start making your own food? ›

10 Tips to Teach Yourself to Cook
  1. Get Into a Routine. Like anything, learning to cook well requires practice. ...
  2. Start With the Basics. ...
  3. Keep It Simple. ...
  4. Grow Your Spice Collection. ...
  5. Invest in a Set of Pans. ...
  6. Make Sure Your Knives Are Sharp. ...
  7. Plan Ahead. ...
  8. Cook in Bulk.

How to start cooking from scratch? ›

15 Tips to Teach You to Cook From Scratch
  1. Keep your pantry and fridge stocked.
  2. Don't be afraid to substitute.
  3. Dry your own foods.
  4. Can your own produce.
  5. Use a garden in acceptable seasons in your area.
  6. Use your crock pot.
  7. Prep your meats before you freeze them.
  8. Make breads and freeze them for later.

What is the cheapest food to make at home? ›

Cheap Family Meals Under $10
  • Spanish Rice Soup. ...
  • Ramen Noodle Stir Fry with Vegetables. ...
  • Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole. ...
  • Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli. ...
  • Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta. ...
  • Easy Cheese Manicotti. ...
  • White Bean and Spinach Soup. ...
  • Black Bean Enchilada Casserole.
2 days ago

What homemade food sells best? ›

Here are some ideas that are likely to sell quickly:
  • Candy and other confectionery.
  • Cookies, pastries, and other baked goods.
  • Dry herbs, seasonings, and herb mixes.
  • Homemade fresh bread.
  • Hummus and other dips.
  • Jams, jellies, and other preserves.
  • Nuts, coated, and uncoated.
  • Pickles and other pickled vegetables.

What is worth making at home? ›

Which foods are worth your time to make from scratch?
  • Pickles and preserves: worth making. View image in fullscreen. ...
  • Salami: buy it. ...
  • Stock: worth making. ...
  • Ice-cream: buy it. ...
  • Yoghurt and fresh cheese: worth making from scratch. ...
  • Butter: buy it. ...
  • Hummus: worth making from scratch. ...
  • Puff pastry: buy it.
Mar 12, 2024

Is homemade food actually healthier? ›

Cooking at Home is Healthier Than Eating Out

When compared with take-out or going out at fast food chains, a study showed those who cook more often had an overall more healthy diet and lower levels of cholesterol than people consuming restaurant food or unhealthy foods on occasion.

Is it cheaper to eat out or make your own food? ›

Is It Cheaper to Cook or Eat Out? For those who want a quick and easy answer: It's generally cheaper to cook food at home than eat out.

How do you make food when living alone? ›

To make the most of eating alone, follow these strategies.
  1. Learn to cook. There are many ways to hone your skills in the kitchen and add some flavor to your menus. ...
  2. Plan meals. ...
  3. Sign up for delivery. ...
  4. Consider Meals on Wheels. ...
  5. Find one-serving recipes. ...
  6. Make adjustments. ...
  7. Enhance the ambience. ...
  8. Pick up premade dishes.

How to create new recipes? ›

Tips to keep in mind when writing recipes:
  1. List ingredients in chronological order. ...
  2. Separate ingredients for major steps in a recipe. ...
  3. List steps in order, keeping instructions short and to the point. ...
  4. Give specifics about doneness. ...
  5. Include storage suggestions. ...
  6. Offer extra methods or substitutions (when tested).
Nov 19, 2020

What is the first thing I should cook? ›

Marshmallows. "The best thing for someone getting into baking to make: marshmallows," says pastry chef Stella Parks of BraveTart.com. "You mix corn syrup, sugar, and water and boil it to about 250 degrees, which makes it firmer.

How do I start cooking with no experience? ›

Join an apprenticeship

Joining an apprenticeship at a local restaurant or kitchen is a great way to gain practical experience as a chef. An apprenticeship could give you real-world knowledge and also help you decide which specialties or areas of expertise are right for you.

What is the easiest cuisine to learn? ›

6 Easy-to-Cook International Cuisines to Try
  • Mexican Cuisine. Mexican Cuisine is known for its tortillas and tacos. ...
  • Japanese Cuisine. Japanese Cuisine is another cuisine that you should try out. ...
  • French Cuisine. ...
  • Vietnamese Cuisine. ...
  • Italian Cuisine. ...
  • Spanish Cuisine.
Jan 14, 2022

What foods are worth making at home? ›

Which foods are worth your time to make from scratch?
  • Pickles and preserves: worth making. View image in fullscreen. ...
  • Salami: buy it. ...
  • Stock: worth making. ...
  • Ice-cream: buy it. ...
  • Yoghurt and fresh cheese: worth making from scratch. ...
  • Butter: buy it. ...
  • Hummus: worth making from scratch. ...
  • Puff pastry: buy it.
Mar 12, 2024

Is homemade food cheaper than store-bought? ›

It depends what you're factoring into the cost. If you're only factoring in monetary cost - as in you're comparing how much the individual ingredients would cost you if you were to make the same restaurant meal at home - then sure, it's cheaper to cook at home than having the same meal at a restaurant.

What food can I make to save money? ›

Budget-friendly family meals
  • recipeGiant veg rösti.
  • recipeHit 'n' run traybaked chicken.
  • recipeJools' sweet pea & prawn pasta shells.
  • recipePork meatloaf.
  • recipeFantastic fish tikka curry.
  • recipeBBQ baked beans.
  • recipeMichela's veg & lentil cottage pie.
  • recipeFamily spaghetti Bolognese.

What food can you make and sell? ›

People who manufacture food at home can only sell low-risk foods such as coffee and tea blends, dry foods such as granola, chips and popcorn, baked goods such as breads, cookies and some cakes, and jams and preserves. Many food items fall within acceptable parameters.

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