14 DIY Pantry Essentials That Cost Less to Make Than to Buy

Stocking a pantry with essentials doesn’t have to mean buying everything pre-made. Some of the most popular pantry staples can actually cost far less to make at home than they do to buy. Not only does going the DIY route save money, but it also allows you to control exactly what goes into your food, resulting in fresher, healthier options free from unwanted additives. Plus, making these items yourself is often simpler than you might think and can lead to delicious results.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is essential for baking, and making it at home is cost-effective and flavorful. To make, split 4-5 vanilla beans lengthwise, place them in a clean bottle, and cover with one cup of vodka. Let it sit for at least two months, shaking occasionally, until the vodka turns dark and fragrant. The longer it sits, the richer the flavor becomes. Store-bought vanilla extract can be expensive, but making it yourself provides a high-quality, pure flavor. Homemade vanilla extract lasts indefinitely and only gets better with time.

DIY Nut Butter

Nut butters like almond, peanut, or cashew are easy to make and often cheaper than store-bought. Toast two cups of nuts in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to release their oils, then blend in a food processor until smooth. Add a pinch of salt or a dash of honey if desired, adjusting for consistency. This process eliminates added sugars and preservatives, giving you a fresh, wholesome spread. Homemade nut butter can be stored in a jar and kept in the fridge for up to a month.

Homemade Applesauce

Applesauce is perfect for snacking and baking, and it’s simple to make at home. Peel, core, and chop about six apples, then cook with a cup of water and a dash of cinnamon on low heat until they soften, about 20 minutes. Mash or blend to your preferred texture, adding a touch of sugar if desired. Store-bought applesauce often contains extra sugars and preservatives, while homemade applesauce is fresh and flavorful. It can be kept in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for later use.

DIY Salad Dressings

Homemade salad dressings are healthier, cost less, and take just minutes to make. For a basic vinaigrette, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Shake or whisk until combined, and add herbs or garlic to taste. Store-bought dressings contain artificial flavors and preservatives that homemade versions avoid. Freshly made dressing keeps in the fridge for about a week, making it an easy addition to your meals.

Freshly Ground Flour

Grinding flour at home is easy and lets you enjoy fresher, more nutritious ingredients. Start with whole grains like wheat berries or oats, and grind in a high-speed blender or grain mill. Fresh flour is often richer in nutrients and flavor, as it hasn’t been sitting on shelves for long periods. Making your own flour costs less than buying specialty flours, especially in bulk. Freshly ground flour can be stored in an airtight container and used in baking for a delightful, wholesome taste.

Homemade Granola

Granola is a delicious breakfast or snack, and making it at home is much cheaper than buying premium brands. Combine 3 cups of oats with a 1/2 cup of nuts, a 1/4 cup of honey, and a 1/4 cup of oil, then bake at 300°F for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add dried fruit or spices to customize the flavor. Store-bought granola can be packed with sugars and preservatives, whereas homemade granola is fresh and customizable. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

DIY Spice Blends

Creating your own spice blends is quick, affordable, and allows you to control ingredients. For taco seasoning, mix 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and salt to taste. Making spice blends from common pantry spices saves money and avoids fillers found in pre-made mixes. This DIY option lets you adjust the flavor to your liking. Store homemade spice blends in jars for up to a year for easy, flavorful meals.

Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice adds brightness to recipes, and squeezing your own is both cheaper and fresher. Simply cut a lemon in half and use a citrus juicer to extract the juice, then freeze any excess in ice cube trays for future use. Store-bought lemon juice often contains preservatives, while fresh lemon juice delivers pure, natural flavor. Homemade lemon juice can last up to a week in the fridge or several months if frozen. You’ll save money and enjoy a fresher taste in every dish.

DIY Baking Powder

Baking powder is a common pantry item, but it’s easy and affordable to make yourself. Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda with 2 teaspoons cream of tartar for a quick single-use portion. This homemade version provides fresher, more effective leavening than store-bought baking powder that may lose potency over time. Without the fillers found in commercial baking powders, your baked goods will taste better. Make small batches as needed to ensure freshness.

Canned Beans Alternative

Instead of relying on canned beans, cook dried beans at home to save money and avoid excess sodium. Soak one cup of dried beans overnight, drain, then simmer with fresh water for about an hour until tender. Portion the cooked beans into freezer bags for a convenient, healthy substitute for canned beans. Store-bought beans are convenient but cost more and often contain preservatives. Homemade beans freeze well and provide a fresher, healthier option for recipes.

DIY Breadcrumbs

Homemade breadcrumbs are a great way to use up stale bread and avoid store-bought preservatives. Toast slices of leftover bread, let them cool, then pulse in a food processor until finely ground. You can also season the breadcrumbs with herbs, garlic, or Parmesan for extra flavor. Store-bought breadcrumbs can be pricey and contain added salt, but homemade breadcrumbs are fresher and versatile. Store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer shelf life.

Fresh Herb Butter

Herb butter is delicious and easy to make at home with just butter and fresh herbs. Soften a stick of butter and mix in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives. Shape the butter into a log, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate until firm. Store-bought herb butter often includes artificial flavors, while homemade herb butter is natural and customizable. It can last in the fridge for a week or be frozen for later use, adding gourmet flavor to any meal.

Simple Syrups

Flavored syrups elevate coffee and desserts, and homemade versions are easy to make with just sugar and water. Combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water in a saucepan, and simmer until the sugar dissolves. For flavor, add vanilla, mint, or cinnamon while it cools, then strain and store in the fridge. Store-bought syrups can be expensive and contain artificial ingredients, while homemade syrups offer fresh, authentic taste. Keep them in the fridge for up to a month for sweet, delicious flavor.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is simple to make at home with just milk and a little yogurt as a starter. Heat a quart of milk to just below boiling, cool slightly, then mix in 1 tablespoon of yogurt. Let it sit in a warm spot overnight, then strain through cheesecloth for a thick, creamy texture. Store-bought Greek yogurt is often pricey and contains stabilizers, while homemade Greek yogurt is pure and flavorful. This DIY yogurt can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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