Ever grabbed that $9 bottle of almond milk or a fancy jar of salad dressing without thinking twice? While some store-bought items are worth the convenience, others are overpriced and packed with preservatives, added sugars, and processed oils. The good news? Many of these everyday foods are surprisingly easy to make at home — and taste better, too.
Making your own versions means:
- Fewer additives
- Better flavor
- More nutrient density
- Big savings over time
1. Almond Milk (or other nut milk) 🥛
Blend 1 cup of soaked almonds with 3–4 cups of water (depending on how creamy you want it), then strain through a nut milk bag. Add a dash of vanilla extract or a date for natural sweetness. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days.
📍 Want the recipe? Homemade almond milk
2. Salad Dressing 🥗
Try a simple vinaigrette: 3 parts olive oil, 1 part vinegar (balsamic, red wine, or apple cider), a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake in a mason jar. No sugar, no additives—just flavor.
3. Chili Oil 🌶️
Toast spices like star anise, cloves, and Sichuan peppercorns. Heat avocado oil with garlic, ginger, and green onions. Pour over Korean pepper powder, sesame seeds, and salt. Finish with a splash of rice vinegar for depth.
📍 Want the recipe? Easy chili oil or Chili oil with aromatics
4. Hummus 🥣
Blend a can of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Add extras like roasted red peppers, herbs, or sun-dried tomatoes. So much creamier and fresher than store-bought.
5. Energy Bars 🍫
Blend Medjool dates, almonds or walnuts, nut butter, vanilla, sea salt, and a scoop of protein powder. Roll into balls or press into bars. Optional add-ins: cacao powder, coconut, or chia seeds.
6. Nut Butter 🥜
Roast nuts and blend in a food processor with a pinch of salt. Done. Customize with cinnamon, honey, or even cacao nibs.
7. Tuna or Chicken Salad 🥗
Use wild tuna or shredded rotisserie chicken. Mix with Greek yogurt or avocado, chopped celery, onion, lemon juice, and mustard. Serve in lettuce cups or on top of greens.
8. Pasta Sauce 🍅
Sauté garlic and onions in olive oil, then add canned tomatoes or fresh cherry tomatoes with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
📍 Want the recipe? Pasta & simple pasta sauce→
9. Quinoa Salad 🥗
Cook quinoa, let cool, and toss with chopped cucumber, tomato, herbs, and lemon vinaigrette. Add chickpeas or feta for extra protein.
📍 Want the recipe? Quinoa salad.
10. Cooked Beans + Lentils 🫘
Rinse and soak dried beans overnight. Simmer in water for about 45 minutes until tender.
Lentils don’t need soaking—just simmer about 20–25 minutes until tender.
Add a bay leaf, garlic, or onion while cooking for extra flavor.
Way cheaper, cleaner, and more customizable than canned.
📍 Want the recipe? Here’s a Simmered Black Beans and Yellow Split Pea Dahl
11. Bone Broth 🍲
Simmer leftover bones (like chicken, beef marrow, or oxtail) with onion, garlic, celery, carrots, herbs, and a splash of vinegar for 8–24 hours. Strain and store. Homemade broth is collagen-rich, gut-healing, and budget-friendly.
If you don’t have the time (or the bones), a quality store-bought bone broth—like Fond—is a great option too.
12. Roasted Veggies 🥕
Toss veggies like sweet potato, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts in olive oil and herbs. Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes until golden and crisp.
📍 Want the recipe? Roasted Vegetables →
13. Hard-Boiled Eggs 🥚
Making hard-boiled eggs at home ensures you have a healthy protein snack readily available.
A simple method: Place eggs in a saucepan and cover eggs with cold water by about an inch. Bring the water to a boil, turn off heat, cover, and let the eggs sit for 9 to 12 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Transfer eggs to an ice bath for about 15 minutes to cool (makes peeling easier)& store in fridge.
Bottom Line: Homemade Is Easier Than You Think
With a little planning, these DIY swaps can reduce your exposure to preservatives, seed oils, and hidden sugars—and save you money. Best of all, they bring you closer to real, nourishing food.
