Making certain grocery items at home can save you money and often results in better taste and quality. I’ve found that homemade versions let me control the ingredients, which is a big plus if you want to avoid preservatives and additives.
If you’re looking to eat healthier and enjoy fresher flavors, making some staples yourself is definitely worth trying. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and the kitchen experiments can be pretty fun too.
Homemade Tomato Sauce
I like making tomato sauce from scratch because it tastes fresher and lets me control the ingredients. Using fresh or canned tomatoes, I can adjust the flavors exactly how I want.
Adding simple things like garlic, onions, and herbs turns it into something special. I’ve also found tips on making homemade tomato sauce less acidic, which really helps balance the taste. You can check that out for easy tweaks.
If you’re in a rush, upgrading store-bought sauce with fresh herbs or sautéed veggies works well too. But nothing beats a sauce I made myself from fresh tomatoes.
Learn more about making tomato sauce at home here.
Freshly Ground Taco Seasoning
I like making my own taco seasoning because it tastes way fresher than store packets. Grinding spices fresh gives you control over the flavor and salt levels.
Mixing chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, onion, and a little brown sugar creates a nice balance without fillers. It only takes a few minutes and makes tacos feel homemade in every bite.
If you want to try it yourself, I found a great simple recipe that’s better than store-bought mixes here. The best part is how customizable it is to your taste.
DIY Chicken Broth
I always make my own chicken broth because it’s simple and tastes better than store-bought. I use leftover bones, scraps, and veggies like carrots, onions, and celery. It’s a great way to avoid waste and control what goes into my broth.
I usually simmer everything for a few hours to get a rich flavor. Sometimes, I add herbs like bay leaves and peppercorns to boost the taste. You can make it on the stovetop, Instant Pot, or slow cooker depending on your time. If you want to learn more about making broth from scraps, I found this homemade chicken broth guide helpful.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
I like making vanilla extract at home because it’s super simple and tastes better than most store-bought versions. All you really need are vanilla beans and vodka.
The flavor actually gets richer over time, so your patience pays off. Plus, you can keep topping off the jar with more alcohol to keep using the same beans.
It’s also way more cost-effective. I always feel good knowing there are no added preservatives or fillers in mine. If you want to try it yourself, this guide on how to make vanilla extract is really helpful.
Fresh Pesto Sauce
I’ve tried a bunch of store-bought pestos, but none really match the fresh flavor of homemade. The homemade kind uses simple ingredients like fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. It’s quick to make and tastes way brighter than jarred versions.
Store-bought pestos can sometimes taste a bit off or too garlicky, which throws off the balance. When I make pesto myself, I control the texture and flavor exactly how I want it. If you want a good shortcut, some larger containers from places like Costco offer decent flavor, but homemade still wins for me.
For more on store-bought options, check out this pesto taste test.
Custom Spice Blends
I’ve found that making my own spice blends is way better than buying them. When I mix spices myself, I control the salt, heat, and flavors exactly how I like them.
It’s also cheaper. Store-bought blends can get pricey for just a small jar. Plus, I avoid all the extra additives that you usually find in grocery blends.
Mixing spices is simple and quick. Once you have a few basics like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder, you can create endless combos. It’s fun and makes cooking more personalized. For ideas, check out some great homemade spice blends to try here.
Homemade Salad Dressings
I’ve found homemade salad dressings way better than store-bought ones. They taste fresher and you control what goes in, skipping preservatives and weird additives.
Making them only takes a few minutes with simple ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Plus, it’s easy to experiment with flavors to suit what I’m craving.
I store my dressings in mason jars, which keeps them fresh and ready for whatever salad or bowl I’m making. If you want quick, tasty options, homemade dressings are definitely worth trying. You can see some easy recipes at 8 healthy homemade salad dressings.
Scratch-made Tortillas
I learned that making tortillas from scratch is easier than I thought. With just a few simple ingredients like flour, water, and a bit of butter or oil, I can whip up fresh tortillas that taste way better than store-bought.
They come out soft, warm, and perfect for any meal. Plus, the process only takes about 30 minutes, which fits nicely into my busy day. If you want to try, there are plenty of easy recipes online showing you how to make homemade flour tortillas.
Giving it a go might change how you think about tortillas. I know it did for me.
