With the cost of groceries skyrocketing, it’s no wonder that many of us are feeling the pinch at the supermarket checkout.
From a loaf of bread costing up to $8 to exorbitantly priced pre-made meals, the financial burden of buying groceries can be overwhelming.
But what if you could trim that bill without compromising on the quality or variety of your meals?
You might be surprised to learn that there are all kinds of food you can make at home – and save a significant amount of money in the long run. And it’s not just about skipping that daily coffee shop visit; the savings extend to everyday essentials you probably never thought to DIY.
From shredded cheese to pasta sauce and even your morning bagel, making these items at home saves money and allows you to control what goes into your food. You might already own most of the equipment needed to get started!
In this article, we’ll break down the economics of home-cooking vs. store-bought for various food items.
To give you a comprehensive understanding of just how much you could save, we’ll discuss:
- the initial cost of any equipment you may need
- compare unit prices
- look at monthly savings
So, let’s dive in and explore ways you can cut your grocery bill by making these fifteen foods at home.
Does homemade food save money?
One of the primary motivations to cook or bake at home is to save money, but many people wonder if making your food at home actually saves you money.
Let’s start by acknowledging the obvious: Homemade food is generally fresher and doesn’t contain the preservatives that many store-bought items have.
So, right off the bat, you’re gaining in terms of quality.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—time.
Yes, making food at home can be time-consuming. However, when we calculate the cost savings per unit, you’ll often find that the time invested is well worth it.
But it’s essential to keep in mind that dining out isn’t necessarily a time-saver either. Think about the time you spend driving to a restaurant, waiting for a table, waiting for the food, and then driving back home.
Depending on the restaurant and the distance, this could easily add up to a couple of hours. When you compare that to the time spent making a meal at home, the difference might not be as stark as you initially thought.
Make at home example: Bread
Let’s consider the example of bread, a staple in many households.
A loaf of store-bought bread can set you back anywhere from $3 to $6. Meanwhile, making a loaf at home generally costs about $1 to $3 for the ingredients.
Although it might take about 2-3 hours to bake the bread, including preparation and cooking time, the savings per loaf come out to approximately $2 to $5.
If you consume a loaf of bread a week, that’s a monthly saving of $8 to $20, which adds up significantly over the year.
But what about equipment?
Certain foods require specific equipment to make at home. For instance, if you decide to invest in a bread maker, you can get a decent one for $120*, you might wonder if it’s really worth it. To find out, consider the break-even point.
If you save about $4 per loaf of bread, then you would need to make 30 loaves of bread to recoup the cost of a $120 bread maker.
After that point, every loaf you make contributes to more savings.
*It might be a good idea to start at the low end and if you decide you’re into it, then you can jump up to the fancy/pricey ones.
Things to Make at Home to Save Money
The grocery store can be a financial trap if you’re not careful, with enticing pre-made or pre-packaged foods that you could easily make at home for a fraction of the price.
Not only will your wallet thank you, but your health might as well. Here are fifteen things to make at home to save money.
How to Shop: 3 Different Thrifty Grocery Lists for the Week→
1. Shredded Cheese
Store-bought cost: Around $4-$6 for an 8-ounce bag
Homemade cost: $2-$3 for an 8-ounce block
Equipment Needed: A cheese grater
Savings: Up to $3 per 8 ounces
Buying a block of cheese and grating it yourself can cut the cost in half. A typical cheese grater costs about $10, and you’ll break even after just a few uses.
2. Bread
Store-bought cost: $3-$6 per loaf
Homemade cost: $1-$3 per loaf
Equipment Needed: Oven, mixing bowls, baking sheet or loaf pan
Savings: Around $2-$3 per loaf
We’ve already discussed bread, but it’s worth repeating. The long-term savings are substantial, and you get the bonus of a home filled with the smell of fresh-baked bread.
3. Spices Mixes
Store-bought cost: $3-$6 per jar
Homemade cost: Less than $1 per jar
Equipment Needed: Small jars and mixing spoons
Savings: Up to $5 per jar
Commercial spice mixes often have added salt and preservatives. By buying whole spices and grinding them at home, you not only save money, but also avoid unnecessary additives.
4. Smoothies
Store-bought cost: $5-$8 per smoothie
Homemade cost: $1-$3 per smoothie
Equipment Needed: Blender
Savings: Up to $5 per smoothie
A decent blender may cost around $50, but considering the savings per smoothie, you’ll break even quickly. You also get to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier option.
5. Coffee
Store-bought cost: $3-$5 per cup
Homemade cost: Less than $1 per cup
Equipment Needed: Coffee maker or French press
Savings: Up to $4 per cup
While the initial investment in a good coffee maker can be steep, the daily savings add up rapidly. Given that a coffee maker can range from $30 to $300, even at the higher end, you’ll break even after about 100 cups.
6. Pasta Sauce
Store-bought cost: $3-$5 per jar
Homemade cost: $1-$2 per jar
Equipment Needed: Stove, pot, blender (optional)
Savings: Up to $3 per jar
Jarred pasta sauces often contain added sugars and preservatives.
Make at home pasta sauce is not only more cost-effective, but also healthier. Even if you invest in a hand blender for smooth sauces, costing around $30, you’ll break even after 10-15 jars.
7. Baby Food
Store-bought cost: $1-$2 per jar
Homemade cost: Less than $0.50 per jar
Equipment Needed: Blender or food processor
Savings: Up to $1.50 per jar
Making your baby food allows you to control exactly what goes into it, offering your child a healthy start. Even accounting for the initial investment in a food processor, you’ll find the savings quickly accumulate.
8. Salad Dressing
Store-bought cost: $2-$5 per bottle
Homemade cost: $1-$2 per bottle
Equipment Needed: Whisk, bowl, storage bottle
Savings: Up to $4 per bottle
Most salad dressings are simple to make, requiring only a few ingredients. Homemade versions are often healthier, containing fewer additives and preservatives.
9. Hummus
Store-bought cost: $3-$5 per tub
Homemade cost: $1-$2 per tub
Equipment Needed: Food processor, mixing bowl
Savings: Up to $3 per tub
Chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and some spices are all you need to make hummus at home. Not only do you save money, but homemade hummus often tastes better and is free from preservatives.
10. Granola
Store-bought cost: $5-$8 per bag
Homemade cost: $2-$4 per bag
Equipment Needed: Oven, baking sheet
Savings: Up to $4 per bag
Homemade granola is customizable, healthier, and far cheaper than what you find in stores. And you can make it in large batches, saving time and money in the long run.
11. Iced Tea
Store-bought cost: $1-$3 per bottle
Homemade cost: $0.20-$0.50 per bottle
Equipment Needed: Pitcher, boiling kettle
Savings: Up to $2.50 per bottle
Iced tea is refreshing, but can be expensive when bought by the bottle. The make at home version is extremely cost-effective and allows you to control the sweetness and flavor profile.
12. Pickles
Store-bought cost: $3-$5 per jar
Homemade cost: $1-$2 per jar
Equipment Needed: Jars, boiling water bath canner, or large pot
Savings: Up to $3 per jar
Store-bought pickles often contain artificial preservatives. Making them at home is straightforward and allows you to customize flavors. You can even pickle other veggies you love, extending your savings.
13. Nut Butter
Store-bought cost: $5-$10 per jar
Homemade cost: $2-$4 per jar
Equipment Needed: Food processor
Savings: Up to $6 per jar
You can turn your favorite nuts into nut butter in minutes with a simple food processor. This lets you avoid any additives or preservatives, and it’s generally cheaper, especially if you buy the nuts in bulk.
14. Popcorn
Store-bought cost: $3-$5 per microwave bag
Homemade cost: $0.50-$1 per serving
Equipment Needed: Large pot
Savings: Up to $4 per serving
Instead of buying microwave popcorn, popping your own kernels is far cheaper and avoids the added chemicals in many store-bought options.
15. Pizza Dough
Store-bought cost: $3-$5 per pre-made dough
Homemade cost: $1-$2 per dough
Equipment Needed: Mixing bowl, kitchen counter or board for kneading
Savings: Up to $3 per dough
Make at home pizza dough saves you money and lets you customize your crust how you like it.
Food to Make at Home: Final Thoughts
Taking the reins of your grocery bill doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or flavor; it means smarter choices that benefit both your wallet and well-being.
With a little time and effort, here are fifteen make at home foods that can provide your family with healthier, fresher and less expensive options.
You’ll also find that the cost savings quickly add up, especially when you consider the long-term benefits of dodging preservatives and other additives. Happy cooking and even happier saving!
Editor’s note: This article was originally published Sep 4, 2023 and has been updated to improve reader experience.
