We’ve all done it—grabbed that $8 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 not only overpriced but often packed with preservatives, added sugars, and other ingredients we could do without. The good news? Many of these products are surprisingly easy to make at home—and taste a lot better too.
Here are some items you should consider skipping at the store and making yourself instead.
1. Almond Milk 🥛
Why Skip It:
Store-bought almond milk often contains added sugars, gums, and very few actual almonds. In some brands, you’re mostly paying for water and fillers.
Make It at Home:
Blend 1 cup of soaked almonds with 4 cups of water and strain through a nut milk bag. Add a dash of vanilla extract or a date for natural sweetness. It takes less than 10 minutes and tastes way better! See full recipe.
2. Salad Dressing 🥗
Why Skip It:
Store-bought dressings are often loaded with sugars, unhealthy oils, and preservatives. Even “healthy” brands can hide ingredients like canola oil or added sugars.
Make It at Home:
Try a simple vinaigrette:
- 3 parts olive oil
- 1 part vinegar (balsamic, apple cider, or red wine) or fresh lemon juice
- Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
Shake it up in a mason jar, and you’ve got a dressing that’s fresh, customizable, and free of junk.
3. Chili Oil 🌶️
Why Skip It:
Store-bought chili oil can be pricey and often contains preservatives, low-quality oils and sugar.
Make It at Home:
Toast spices like star anise, cloves, and Sichuan peppercorns. Heat avocado oil with garlic, ginger, and green onions, then pour over Korean pepper powder, sesame seeds, and salt. Finish with a splash of rice vinegar for depth of flavor. See full recipe.
Why It’s Better:
You control the heat level and flavor and avoid preservatives and low-quality oils. Plus, it tastes amazing!
4. Quinoa Salad 🥗
Why Skip It:
Store-bought quinoa salads are often overpriced and come with heavy dressings loaded with sugar and cheap oils.
Make It at Home:
Cook quinoa and toss with diced veggies (like cucumber, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes), fresh herbs, and a simple lemon vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add feta or chickpeas for extra protein. See full recipe.
Why It’s Better:
It’s fresher, cheaper, and you can customize the flavors and ingredients.
5. Hummus 🥣
Why Skip It:
Pre-made hummus can contain inexpensive oils (like soybean or canola) and preservatives. Plus, the texture is never as creamy as it should be.
Make It at Home:
Blend a can of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Add roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or spices for different flavors. It’s fresher, tastier, and you can control the ingredients.
6. Nut Butters 🥜
Why Skip It:
Many brands add palm oil, sugars, and even hydrogenated oils to what should just be nuts and a little salt.
Make It at Home:
Roast your nuts, blend them in a food processor with a bit of salt, and that’s it! You can add honey or cinnamon for extra flavor.
7. Granola 🥥
Why Skip It:
Store-bought granola is often a sugar bomb with misleading health claims. Some brands pack up to 20 grams of sugar per serving!
Make It at Home:
Combine rolled oats, nuts, seeds, honey, coconut oil, and a bit of salt. Bake at 300°F until golden brown. Add dried fruits or dark chocolate after baking.
8. Energy Bars 🍫
Why Skip It:
Store-bought bars often have preservatives, hidden sugars, and a lot of processed ingredients.
Make It at Home:
Blend dates, oats, nuts, seeds, and a scoop of protein powder. Press into a pan, refrigerate, and cut into bars.
9. Pasta Sauce 🍅
Why Skip It:
Jarred sauces can be packed with added sugars, low-quality oils, and preservatives.
Make It at Home:
Sauté garlic and onions in olive oil, add canned tomatoes or sauté cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 20 minutes. It’s fresher and free of unnecessary junk.
10. Pickles 🥒
Why Skip It:
Store-bought pickles can have preservatives and artificial coloring.
Make It at Home:
Slice cucumbers, add to a jar with vinegar, garlic, dill, salt, and water. Refrigerate for 48 hours, and you have fresh pickles without the extra stuff.
Bottom Line: DIY Is Easier Than You Think! 🌿
Making these items at home is not only cheaper, but also gives you full control over the ingredients and flavors. With just a bit of planning, you can skip the preservatives, save money, and actually enjoy fresher, tastier versions of these everyday staples.
So, what will you try making first? 🌱😊