Looking for simple ways to cut your grocery bill?
Making things from scratch at home can save you hundreds every year—and it’s easier than you think! From pantry staples to cleaning products, here are 25 everyday items you can DIY to save money and simplify your shopping list.
Want to cut your grocery bill even more? Check out my 10 practical ways to save money on groceries for simple, realistic tips that actually work!
Homemade Pantry Staples
These are the basic foods that I used to buy all the time but now make at home for way less money!
1. Pizza Dough
Making my own dough costs almost nothing compared to store-bought or takeout. I just mix flour, yeast, water, and a little oil—super easy!
It’s great fun to make pizza with the kids! And everyone can choose how they like it (deep pan for me please!)
2. Bread
A simple homemade loaf costs much less than shop bought if you’re talking good quality bread. Plus, it tastes amazing and makes the house smell incredible!
Small caveat to this one, the soft white cheap sandwich loaves are in fact cheaper than home made (in my experience). I just prefer the texture and flavor of ‘proper’ bread, and I know a lot of people care about the ingredients in their food.
3. Yoghurt
Yogurt can get expensive, especially when you’re talking fancy flavors—but now I make my own with milk and a little starter culture. You can even flavour it with fruit or honey. Super delicious!
4. Granola
Store-bought granola is so overpriced! Making it at home with oats, honey, and nuts saves me a fortune. It makes the kitchen smell incredible too.
Want my go-to granola recipe? It’s super simple, delicious, and makes enough to last the week (if it doesn’t get eaten first!). Check out my full recipe here: Homemade Granola That’s Better Than Store-Bought
5. Pancake & Waffle Mix
Instead of expensive pre-mixed pancake batter, I mix flour, eggs, milk, and a little baking powder.
You can even mix the dry ingredients, and store that! When it comes time for pancakes, just add the liquid. I’ll be honest, this tip is more worth your time if you have freeze dried or powdered eggs and milk.
6. Spice Blends (Taco Seasoning, Italian, BBQ Rubs)
Pre-mixed spices are marked up like crazy. Mixing my own taco seasoning (chilli, cumin, garlic, etc.) takes seconds and costs so much less.
Planning meals on a budget? Homemade yogurt, pizza dough, and stock are great meal prep staples! Learn how to get started in How to Start Meal Planning When Overwhelmed.
7. Chicken Stock / Bone Broth
Instead of buying cartons of stock, I save bones from roast dinners and make homemade broth. It’s free and tastes way better!
For saving space when storing it, you can cook it down (to get some of the water and therefore volume out) and freeze them in ice cube trays!
8. Pasta Sauce
I used to buy jars of pasta sauce, but now I just cook tomatoes, garlic, and herbs—so much tastier and healthier. I never realised how much I was spending on those!
If you’ve got fussy kids who won’t touch anything with a hint of vegetable – you can always get the blender out for a smooth sauce!
Homemade Cleaning Products
Household cleaning products are full of chemicals and expensive—but homemade versions work just as well!
Saving money on cleaning products is just the beginning! If you’re looking for even more money-saving hacks, don’t miss my post on 21 Frugal Living Tips That Will Save Your Family Hundreds.
9. All-Purpose Cleaner
Vinegar, water, and lemon essential oil = a powerful cleaner for next to nothing. It’s super easy to make and keeps well, more than long enough to get through the whole bottle.
10. Laundry Detergent
Making my own saves 50% compared to big-brand detergents. Plus, it’s eco-friendly! One recipe I’ve tested would be just washing soda, borax and a grated Castile soap bar. You can also add a couple drops of an essential oil and customise it with your favourite scent!
It’s just as effective as store bought, though I wouldn’t say that it is any better or any worse.
11. Dishwasher Tablets
Store-bought tablets are expensive, but making them with baking soda and citric acid saves a ton. They cost way less per load, and are easy enough to make.
I’ve written a full tutorial on how I make these dishwasher tablets—they’re super easy and save me a ton of money!
You can even keep them in powder form and use a little scoop to save yourself a job of tablet-ifying them (is that a word? It is now…).
12. Fabric Softener
White vinegar + essential oil = cheap, natural softener that leaves clothes fresh. It also prevents that weird gunk from building up in your washing machine drawer! Double bonus.
It is worth mentioning that I’ve heard stories about white vinegar eating away at some internal elements of washing machines. However, I’ve been doing it for years and never had any issues! Just something for you to keep in mind.
13. Glass Cleaner
Vinegar + water = streak-free mirrors and windows for free!
I don’t know if you can tell, I love white vinegar. But yeah, I think this one speaks for itself. I believe everyone and their mother has heard about this one.
Home & Personal Care DIYs
I stopped buying overpriced beauty & home essentials—and honestly, I don’t miss them!
14. Hand Soap
Diluting castile soap saves tons of money compared to shop-bought soap pumps.
15. Body Scrubs
Sugar + coconut oil = better than expensive exfoliating scrubs.
Honestly, if you’ve got a lotion you love you can put your sugar in there and rinse it off – two steps in one!
16. Lip Balm
Beeswax + coconut oil = DIY lip balm for a few cents. On top of that, I think it smells just delicious.
17. Candles
I melt down leftover wax and reuse old candle jars to make fresh candles.
To get wax out of the bottom of your candle jars, fill the jar with boiling water and it should melt and float to the top. It will go solid as it cools and you can get it out that way!
18. Deodorant
Baking soda + coconut oil is a natural alternative to chemical-filled deodorants.
Homemade Snacks & Convenience Foods
Instead of buying expensive snacks, I now make them at home for way cheaper!
19. Iced Coffee
I stopped spending money on overpriced iced coffees ages ago.
Now I make my own at home and save a small fortune! If you want to know exactly how I do it—check out my full post: How to Make Iced Coffee at Home (Better Than Starbucks!).
20. Croutons
I use stale bread instead of buying bags of croutons—super easy! This one blew my mind, I’ve never thrown out stale bread since!
Bonus item: Breadcrumbs!
21. Potato Chips
Thinly sliced potatoes, baked in oil and seasoning = homemade crisps for a fraction of the cost.
I do have to say, I cannot cut them thin enough by hand. I always use my food processor to slice but I’m sure a mandolin would work even better!
22. Popcorn
Buying loose kernels instead of microwave packs saves so much money.
Tip: I always make Popcorn on the stove instead of microwaving it, I just find it easier and less wasteful. Paper bags are great but go in the trash, and I’ve melted many plastic containers that claimed they were made for microwaving popcorn!
23. Frozen Smoothie Packs
Instead of buying pre-packaged smoothie mixes, I prep frozen fruit in bags for easy blending!
Try Making Just One!
I know it can feel overwhelming to make everything from scratch, but start small! Try swapping one or two store-bought items for homemade versions and see how much you save.
Ready to take your frugal living game to the next level? See how I save hundreds every month with smart, frugal grocery habits in Grocery Prices Are Insane – How I Save Hundreds Monthly.
What things do you already make from scratch? I’m always looking for new ideas!
Which one are you going to try first?
Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your experiences!
