Over 35 of the Best Homemade Recipes for Grocery Store Swaps (2024)

Try these homemade recipes for grocery store swaps on food and cleaning supplies. These DIY versions of household and pantry staples can save you money and be a more healthy option too.

Over 35 of the Best Homemade Recipes for Grocery Store Swaps (1)

Those of us that consider ourselves to be “frugal” or “thrifty” have been making homemade recipes for grocery store swaps for a long time. These alternatives to store-bought products are not only budget-friendly but they are often better for you too. So, whether you are living in a time period when you have to stretch your budget, want to be more eco-friendly or maybe it’s a pandemic (😉)- there are bunches of grocery items to DIY, not buy, for you to try too.

I have collected a list of over 35 DIY grocery swap options for you to “make it, don’t buy it“. The lists are separated into Seasonings, Baking Supplies, Condiments & Pantry Items, and Household Cleaners. Stop buying and start making these grocery staples today.

Over 35 of the Best Homemade Recipes for Grocery Store Swaps (2)

Homemade Seasonings

If you love Everything Bagles, then you have to try this Everything Bagle Seasoning. (from Feast For a Fraction)

Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix can be used for dressing and other recipes. (from Mom Foodie)

This Italian Seasoning is perfect for your next pasta meal. (from Earth Food and Fire)

Opa! This Greek Seasoning Mix. (from To Simply Inspire)

Save Tuesday’s meal plan by always having Taco Seasoning on hand. (from Mission to Save)

Use this Pumpkin Pie Spice on your next Thanksgiving dessert. (from She Loves Biscotti)

Oo,ee Kit it up with this Cajun Spice Mix. (from Flavour and Savour)

We always have Cinnamon Sugar on hand, but you have to have just the right mix. (from Shugary Sweets)

Knowing how to make Chicken Stock is a must for all cooks. (from The Cozy Cook)

Yep, you can make your own Vegetable Bouillon too. (from Theis Healthy Kitchen)

Over 35 of the Best Homemade Recipes for Grocery Store Swaps (3)

Homemade Baking Supplies

Grab that bag and Shake n Bake with this classic chicken coating made at home. (from Life with Joanne)

Never throw away a heal or crust again! Make your own Breadcrumbs for less food waste and more savings. (from Mission to Save)

Pancakes for dinner? Yes! Try this Pancake Mix for your next “brinner”. (from Served from Scratch)

Bisquick Mix can be used for so many recipes, make your own to always have it on hand. (from Sugar and Soul)

Celebrate anything with this DIY Yellow Cake Mix. (from Served from Scratch)

Those on a Low Carb or Keto diet will be glad to know you can make your own Coconut Flour. (from Raia’s Recipes)

This Baking Spray is a must to keep right by your oven. (from A Turtle’s Life for Me)

I was surprised how easy it is to make your own Brown Sugar. (from The Yellow Bee Design Co)

Chocolate treats are always a hit, and so is this Homemade Brownie Mix. (from Mission to Save)

For baking or cleaning, Baking Powder is a must to keep on hand (and you can make it yourself too) (from Raia’s Recipes)

Over 35 of the Best Homemade Recipes for Grocery Store Swaps (4)

Homemade Condiments and DIY Pantry Staples

I may not leave any for the kids with this sugar-free, low carb Nutella Spread Recipe. (from Wholesome Yum)

Having PB&J, then use this homemade Strawberry Jam in your Instant Pot. (from Recipe This)

Is spaghetti a go-to meal in your house? Then make this Marinara Sauce. (from The Cozy Cook)

Warm up with this Hot Cocoa Mix (from Cradle Kitchen)

This Ranch Dressing is low carb and keto-friendly. (from Wholesome Yum)

Perfect for any salad, this Sweet Vinegar Dressing is versatile and light. (from Mission to Save)

This BBQ Sauce is perfect for your next cookout. (from The Things We’ll Make)

Introduce your palate to this creamy, garlic Aioli. (from The Things We’ll Make)

Yes you can make your own Mayonnaise. (from Raia’s Recipes)

Missing your fave Asian takeout? Try this Yum Yum Sauce. (from Recipes from a Pantry)

You must always have Ketchup on hand and this one is healthy too. (from Veggie Desserts)

Use this Tartar Sauce on your next fish and chips night. (from Veggie Desserts)

Over 35 of the Best Homemade Recipes for Grocery Store Swaps (5)

Homemade Cleaning Products and Household Items

In 2020 who would have guessed we wouldn’t be able to find Cleaning Wipes– so make your own! (from Crayons and Cravings)

Eating at home more, then you will probably need more Dishwasher Tabs too. (from Crayons and Cravings)

Get an all natural scent boost with this DIY Febreze alternative. (from Earth Friendly Tips)

Love the scent and feel of clothes washed with Fabric Softener? Then make this natural version. (from Savor and Savvy)

Most DIY detergent is the powder form, try this Liquid Laundry Detergent recipe. (from The Things We’ll Make)

Can’t stand the fingerprints and smudges on your appliances? Try this Stainless Steel Cleaner today. (from We Three Shanes)

Try these Beeswax Wraps as an alternative to plastic wrap. (from Earth Friendly Tips)

Over 35 of the Best Homemade Recipes for Grocery Store Swaps (2024)

FAQs

What dishes are good for the elderly? ›

Lunch
  • Homemade Creamy Vegetable Soup. This vegetable soup is easy to make and also quite healthy. ...
  • Lemon Herb Cauliflower Bean Dip. ...
  • Healthy Spinach & Mushroom Omelette. ...
  • Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes. ...
  • Quinoa Black Bean Burrito Bowls. ...
  • Very Veggie Fried Rice. ...
  • Simple Homemade Tomato Soup. ...
  • Basil Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Quinoa.

What foods can I make at home instead of buying? ›

7 Foods to Make From Scratch
  • Stock. If you only take one thing from this article, keep a container of veggie scraps in your freezer. ...
  • Bread. This one can be as easy or as complicated as you want, depending on what you are trying to make. ...
  • Hummus. ...
  • Salad Dressing. ...
  • Pasta Sauce. ...
  • Pickles. ...
  • Granola, Bars & Bites.
May 17, 2020

What are 5 foods that seniors should eat? ›

What to eat
  • fruit and vegetables.
  • potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy foods.
  • dairy and alternatives.
  • beans, pulses, fish, eggs and other proteins.
  • oils and spreads.

What is the cheapest food to make at home? ›

Cheap Family Meals Under $10
  • Spanish Rice Soup. ...
  • Ramen Noodle Stir Fry with Vegetables. ...
  • Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole. ...
  • Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli. ...
  • Creamy Tomato Bacon Pasta. ...
  • Easy Cheese Manicotti. ...
  • White Bean and Spinach Soup. ...
  • Black Bean Enchilada Casserole.
Jun 7, 2024

What foods are worth making from scratch? ›

Which foods are worth your time to make from scratch?
  • Pickles and preserves: worth making. View image in fullscreen. ...
  • Salami: buy it. ...
  • Stock: worth making. ...
  • Ice-cream: buy it. ...
  • Yoghurt and fresh cheese: worth making from scratch. ...
  • Butter: buy it. ...
  • Hummus: worth making from scratch. ...
  • Puff pastry: buy it.
Mar 12, 2024

What food should I buy for elderly? ›

There are many—but here are some superfood rockstars known to contribute to healthy aging.
  • Dark leafy greens. ...
  • Cruciferous vegetables. ...
  • Blueberries. ...
  • Nuts and seeds. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Salmon. ...
  • Plain Greek yogurt. ...
  • Avocados.
Apr 5, 2022

What foods are easy to swallow for elderly people? ›

Recommended Foods:
  • Pancakes or French Toast, well moistened with syrup.
  • Well cooked, moistened, boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes.
  • Oatmeal.
  • Cold cereal moistened with milk.
  • Moist macaroni and cheese/well-cooked pasta with meat sauce.

What should I cook for elderly parents? ›

Nutrition During the Golden Years: 7 Awesome Meal Ideas for Elderly Parents
  • Leafy Green Salads. ...
  • Sweet Summer Salad. ...
  • Herb-Roasted Chicken. ...
  • Tomato and Basil Flatbread. ...
  • Vegetable Stir-Fry. ...
  • Microgreen Pesto Pasta. ...
  • Guacamole Dip and Spread.

What is the safest food option for elderly? ›

Safer food choices for adults over age 65
Poultry and Meat
Riskier ChoiceSafer Choice
Riskier ChoiceSafer Choice
Premade deli salads, such as: Coleslaw Potato salad Tuna salad Chicken salad Egg saladHomemade deli salads
Vegetables and Fruits
22 more rows
May 2, 2024

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