Buying packaged foods can be convenient, but it often comes with a higher price and extra ingredients you might not want. If you’re looking to save money and eat healthier, making some of these foods yourself can be a smart move.
You can cut your grocery costs significantly by swapping packaged items for homemade versions that taste just as good and cost about half as much. This article will show you which common packaged foods you can easily replace with DIY alternatives.
Pre-cut fruits and veggies
Buying pre-cut fruits and veggies might save you a bit of time, but it usually costs a lot more. You can easily spend twice as much compared to whole produce.
The sliced pieces spoil faster because they’re exposed to air and bacteria. This means you often end up throwing some away sooner than you’d expect.
Plus, fresh whole fruits and veggies tend to keep their flavor and nutrients longer. Making the effort to cut them yourself usually pays off. Check out more on why pre-cut produce is pricier and less fresh at this guide on pre-cut fruits and vegetables.
Cheez-Its snack-sized bags
You’ve probably grabbed those Cheez-Its snack-sized bags at the store for a quick, cheesy bite. But buying them individually can add up fast.
Making your own cheese crackers at home cuts costs and lets you control the flavors. Plus, you can pack just the right amount for your lunch or snack time without overspending.
If you want convenience without the price hike, try homemade versions instead of the typical Cheez-It packs you see in stores like Target.
Single-serve potato chips
If you’re buying single-serve potato chips, you’re probably paying way more per ounce than larger bags. Those little packs are convenient but come with a premium price.
Instead, buy a big bag and portion out your own servings. Use reusable containers or snack bags to keep things fresh. This way, you save money and avoid wasting snacks.
Prices for a full-sized bag have gone up, but dividing your own snacks still beats buying singles. It’s a simple swap that can cut snack costs without losing convenience.
Why Buying Single-Serve Snacks Is Hurting Your Wallet
Packaged salad mixes
You might grab packaged salad mixes for convenience, but they often cost way more than making your own. Plus, some have hidden sodium or preservatives that sneak in.
Making your own salad means fresher greens and better control over what you eat. It’s easy to buy whole lettuce or spinach and toss in your favorite veggies.
Also, you avoid risks like contamination or recalls that sometimes happen with prepackaged salads, which can be a headache for your health and kitchen. For more details on safety concerns, check packaged salad recall info.
Pre-packaged smoothie packs
You might think grabbing pre-packaged smoothie packs saves time, but they often cost as much as buying fresh fruit yourself. Plus, when you make your own, you control exactly what goes in.
Frozen mixes can be convenient, but making your own blends lets you customize flavors and add extras like protein or greens. It’s easy to save money and get exactly what you want.
If you want to check prices or options, sites like Walmart’s frozen smoothie packs can give you a good idea of what you’re paying for.
Bottled salad dressings
You might think grabbing bottled salad dressings is easier, but they often come packed with added sugars, unhealthy oils, and preservatives. These ingredients can sneakily reduce the healthiness of your salad.
Making your own dressings at home is surprisingly simple and way cheaper. You control what goes in, avoiding emulsifiers and additives you’d usually find in store-bought versions.
Plus, homemade dressings taste fresher and can be customized to fit your preferences. It’s a small change that saves money and boosts your meal’s nutrition. See more on why to skip store-bought dressings here.
Microwaveable frozen meals
You might think frozen meals save time, but they can cost twice as much as homemade versions. Many store-bought options are loaded with salt and preservatives, which you can avoid by cooking simple meals yourself.
Making your own frozen meals lets you control ingredients and portion sizes. Plus, it’s easy to bulk cook, freeze, and microwave when you need something quick. For healthier choices, check out dietitian-approved frozen dinners to see what’s typically available in stores.
Pre-sliced sandwich meats
You might think grabbing pre-sliced sandwich meats from the store saves time, but they often dry out fast and can carry extra preservatives. Making your own sliced meats lets you control freshness and ingredients.
Plus, buying whole cuts or roasting your own deli meat usually costs less. You avoid the high sodium and nitrates common in packaged options. It’s an easy swap that tastes better and saves money.
For tips on choosing healthier deli meats, check out this guide on least processed deli meats.
Ready-made pasta sauces
You might think grabbing a jar of pasta sauce is a no-brainer, but making your own can save you money and taste better. Store-bought sauces often have extra sugar and preservatives.
When you make sauce yourself, you control the ingredients and skip the junk. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick—just tomatoes, garlic, and a few herbs.
Buying sauce feels convenient until you realize you’re paying for packaging and additives. Making it at home halves the cost and upgrades your pasta game. For more on which sauces to avoid, check this guide on jarred pasta sauces.
Single-use plastic wrap
You probably use plastic wrap without giving it much thought. Switching to reusable beeswax wraps or silicone lids saves you money and cuts down on waste.
Making your own beeswax wrap at home is simple and way cheaper than buying plastic wrap constantly. Glass containers with lids are another great alternative you’ll appreciate for storing leftovers.
Cutting out single-use plastic wrap not only helps your wallet but also reduces the plastic that ends up in the environment. Check out options for better alternatives to plastic wrap.
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