I realized my kitchen had a lot of things I didn’t really need. Over time, I started cutting back on certain items that were just taking up space and adding to my expenses.
By stopping my purchases of these things, I was able to save hundreds of dollars without affecting my daily routine. It made me rethink what’s truly necessary in the kitchen and helped me simplify both my space and spending.
Pre-packaged salad mixes
I stopped buying pre-packaged salad mixes because they often cost more than buying fresh ingredients separately. The greens in those bags tend to lose freshness quickly, which makes them less appealing to eat.
I also noticed some kits come with added dressings and toppings that can sneak extra calories, salt, and preservatives into my meals. Making my own salad lets me control what goes in and keeps things simple and fresh.
For me, skipping pre-packaged salads has saved money and cut down on packaging waste, which is a nice bonus. If you want to learn more, check out this article on foods you should never buy pre-packaged.
Single-use plastic wrap
I stopped buying single-use plastic wrap because it felt wasteful and honestly, there were better options out there. I switched to reusable silicone wraps and beeswax food wraps, which are easy to clean and last much longer.
It wasn’t hard to adjust, and my food stays fresh just as well. Plus, I save money by not constantly replacing plastic wrap. If you want to quit too, check out these silicone alternatives or beeswax food wraps for simple swaps.
Bottled salad dressings
I stopped buying bottled salad dressings because they’re often packed with preservatives, added sugars, and unhealthy oils. It felt like a quick fix, but those dressings didn’t really help my health or budget.
Making my own dressings at home turned out to be way cheaper and fresher. Plus, I control exactly what goes in—no surprise additives or extra sodium.
Cutting out store-bought dressings saved me money and made my salads taste better overall. If you want to try it, there are tons of simple recipes online to get you started.
More on why these dressings aren’t great for you can be found at things I no longer buy salad dressings.
Flavored coffee creamers
I used to grab flavored coffee creamers all the time because they made my morning coffee taste fancy. But I realized they often come loaded with added sugars, fats, and artificial ingredients.
Cutting them out saved me money and helped me avoid those unnecessary calories. Plus, I found that simple milk or plant-based alternatives can still give my coffee that smooth texture without the extras.
If you want to learn more about why skipping flavored creamers can be good, check out this article on the unhealthiest coffee creamers.
Instant noodles
I used to keep a stash of instant noodles for quick meals, but I stopped buying them. They were convenient, sure, but often left me feeling less satisfied and not very healthy.
Cutting them out saved me money since I wasn’t buying single-serve packages all the time. Plus, it pushed me to cook more fresh meals, which felt better for my body and my budget.
If you want to save and eat better, skipping instant noodles is a small change that can add up over time. For more tips on cutting kitchen costs, check out 13 Things I Stopped Buying for My Kitchen That Saved Me Money.
Pre-cut fruit trays
I used to buy pre-cut fruit trays because they seemed convenient for quick snacks or parties. But I realized they are often expensive and don’t last very long once opened.
The extra packaging and labor costs really add up. Plus, the fruit can spoil faster than whole fruit.
Now, I buy whole fruits and cut them myself. It takes just a few minutes and saves me money while keeping the fruit fresher longer.
If you want to see why these trays aren’t worth it, check out 7 Costco products shoppers don’t recommend buying.
Ready-made frozen meals
I used to grab ready-made frozen meals all the time for convenience. They seemed like a quick fix after busy days.
But many of these meals are loaded with sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives. I realized they weren’t great for my health or my budget.
Cutting them out saved me money and pushed me to prepare simple, nourishing meals instead. It wasn’t hard once I found a few easy recipes.
If you want to check which frozen meals to avoid, this list of worst frozen meals helped me choose better options.
Store-bought spice blends
I used to buy store-bought spice blends all the time. They were convenient but often expensive and sometimes full of additives.
Making my own blends is cheaper and lets me control the flavors. Plus, I know exactly what’s going into my food.
Now I mix a few key spices at home and store them in airtight jars. It saves money and tastes fresher. If you want some inspiration, there are great guides online about DIY spice blends like this one on making your own seasoning mixes.
Sugary breakfast cereals
I used to grab sugary cereals all the time because they were quick and tasty. But I realized most of them have way too much sugar—sometimes more than 10 grams per serving.
Switching away saved me money and helped me avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives. Plus, I felt better choosing options with more fiber and less junk.
Now, I pick cereals that don’t spike my energy or leave me crashing mid-morning. Cutting out sugary cereals made a noticeable difference in my grocery bills and daily routine.
You can find more on which cereals to avoid and why in this list of sugar-loaded cereals.
Bottled pasta sauces
I used to buy bottled pasta sauces all the time. They seemed convenient, but I realized I was spending more than necessary on something I could easily make from scratch.
Now, I keep basic ingredients like canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs on hand. Mixing these myself tastes fresher and costs a lot less.
If I do grab a jar, I often improve it by adding sautéed onions or fresh herbs. It’s an easy way to upgrade store-bought sauce without breaking the bank.
For ideas on great store-bought options to try or avoid, this best store-bought pasta sauces guide is helpful.