50 Easy Things to Make at Home Instead of Buying – Save Money and Waste Less

When we go to the grocery store these days, I think we can all agree that the prices are a lot higher than they used to be.

And if you have a family to take care of, those costs really start to add up. It makes you think about how to save money for other important things, like bills, school supplies, or even a fun day out with the kids.

That’s exactly what happened to me. One day, I stopped and thought, “Do I really need to buy all this stuff, or can I make some of it at home?”

And just like that, I started changing how I handle our money. Now, if there’s something I can easily make at home, I don’t buy it.

Not only does this help us save, but I also like knowing exactly what’s in the food we eat and the products we use. There are no weird ingredients, no extra waste, and a lot more control over how we live.

That’s why I put together this list of 50 easy things you can make at home instead of buying.

They’re all simple and useful, and most take just a few minutes to whip up. Trust me—it’s easier than you think, and your wallet will thank you.

1. Powdered Sugar

Making powdered sugar at home is beyond simple and only takes about 30 seconds from start to finish. There is no need to run to the store or buy it in plastic packaging.

What you need:

• Granulated white sugar
• Blender or food processor

How to make it:

• Pour 1 cup of granulated sugar into a blender.
• Blend on high for about 10–15 seconds until the sugar becomes a fine powder.
• Store in a dry, airtight container.

That’s it. No additives, no packaging waste, and it costs just a fraction of what store-bought powdered sugar does.

2. Brown Sugar

You can make your own brown sugar in under a minute using just two ingredients you probably already have.

What you need:

• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses

How to make it:

• Put the sugar in a mixing bowl.
• Add the molasses.
• Stir with a fork or spoon until fully combined and the sugar turns golden brown.

You can adjust the molasses to make light or dark brown sugar. It’s that easy—and no more buying those tiny, pricey bags at the store.

3. Tomato Sauce

Homemade tomato sauce has an unbeatable flavor, and you get multiple jars from just a few pounds of tomatoes.

What you need:

• 6 to 7 pounds of plum tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh or dried basil

How to make it:

• Wash the tomatoes and place them in a large pot of boiling water.
• Boil until the skins split (about 3–5 minutes).
• Drain, let them cool slightly, then peel off the skins.
• Puree the peeled tomatoes in a blender or food processor.
• In a separate pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Sauté garlic and onion until soft.
• Pour in the pureed tomatoes, add salt, pepper, and basil.
• Simmer on low for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

You’ll get several jars of fresh, delicious sauce—perfect for freezing or using right away.

4. Peanut Butter

Forget the store-bought jars with added sugar and preservatives. Homemade peanut butter is creamy, fresh, and healthier.

What you need:

• 16 ounces roasted peanuts
• Pinch of salt (optional)
• Food processor

How to make it:

• Pour the peanuts into your food processor.
• Blend for 8–10 minutes, stopping every 2–3 minutes to scrape down the sides.
• Keep blending until smooth and creamy.
• Add salt to taste, if desired.

Store in a clean jar. You can also experiment with honey or cinnamon for added flavor.

5. Bread

Bread-making might take a bit more time, but it’s incredibly rewarding—and it fills your home with that warm, cozy smell we all love.

What you need:

• Flour, water, yeast, salt (specifics depend on the recipe)
• Optional: sourdough starter if making sourdough

How to make it:

• Mix ingredients and knead into dough.
• Let rise for a few hours until doubled in size.
• Shape into loaves or rolls, and let it rise again.
• Bake in the oven at around 375–400°F until golden brown.

For detailed recipes, check out Zero Waste Chef’s bread section, which includes sourdough, pita, and soda bread.

6. Ketchup

Homemade ketchup is packed with real flavor and skips the corn syrup you find in store brands.

What you need:

• 6 lbs tomatoes
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 small onion
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup white vinegar
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar

How to make it:

• Wash and chop tomatoes.
• Cook tomatoes, garlic, and onion until soft.
• Blend into a smooth mixture.
• Add mustard seeds, sugar, and both vinegars.
• Simmer until thickened (about 1 hour).
• Cool and store in jars or a reused ketchup bottle.

This makes a good-sized batch you can freeze or keep in the fridge.

7. Mustard

Customize the spice level of your mustard and make it fresh in under 15 minutes.

What you need:

• 4 tablespoons mustard seeds (yellow, brown, or black)
• 2 tablespoons water
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt

How to make it:

• Grind mustard seeds until coarse.
• Mix with water and let sit for 1–10 minutes (the longer it sits, the spicier it gets).
• Stir in vinegar and salt.
• Store in a jar and refrigerate.

Let it sit for a day or two to mellow out the flavor before using.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

It is a great way to use apple scraps and cut down on waste—plus, there is no need to buy expensive bottles.

What you need:

• 2 cups apple peels and cores
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 cups filtered water
• Large jar

How to make it:

• Put apple scraps in the jar.
• Dissolve sugar in water, then pour over apples.
• Cover with a cloth and secure with a rubber band.
• Let sit in a dark spot for 3–4 weeks, stirring every few days.
• Strain and transfer to a clean jar with a lid.

Ready to use after a few more weeks. It’s tangy, fresh, and costs almost nothing.

9. Breadcrumbs

Don’t throw out stale bread—turn it into crispy, seasoned breadcrumbs instead.

What you need:

• 4 oz. stale sourdough bread (about 2–3 cups, torn)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

How to make it:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Pulse bread in a food processor until crumbly.
• Spread on a baking sheet and drizzle with oil and salt.
• Bake for 10–18 minutes; stir halfway.
• Cool and store in a jar.

Add garlic powder or herbs for extra flavor.

10. Vanilla Extract

This one takes time, but it’s easy, and the flavor is unbeatable.

What you need:

• 5–6 vanilla beans
• 1 cup vodka, bourbon, or whiskey
• Glass jar

How to make it:

• Split vanilla beans lengthwise.
• Place in the jar and cover with alcohol.
• Seal and store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 months.
• Shake once a week.

The longer it sits, the better the flavor. Use it just like store-bought.

11. Oat Flour

A perfect swap for regular flour in many recipes, and it’s incredibly easy to make.

What you need:

• Rolled oats
• Blender or food processor

How to make it:

• Add oats to the blender.
• Blend until they become a fine powder.
• Store in a jar or container.

Great for pancakes, cookies, or muffins.

12. Almond Flour

You’ll save a lot of money making almond flour at home, especially if you buy almonds in bulk.

What you need:

• Blanched almonds (no skins)

How to make it:

• Add almonds to the blender.
• Pulse until fine and powdery—don’t over-blend, or you’ll get almond butter!
• Store in an airtight container.

Perfect for gluten-free baking.

13. Croutons

Upgrade your salads and soups with homemade croutons.

What you need:

• Stale bread
• Olive oil

How to make it:

• Wet the bread lightly under water and microwave it for 30 seconds.
• Cut into cubes and brush with oil.
• Bake at 400°F for 5–7 minutes until crispy.

Season with garlic powder, herbs, or cheese for a fun twist.

14. Veggie Stock

A waste-free way to use up veggie scraps and add flavor to your cooking.

What you need:

• Onion skins, celery leaves, carrot tops, garlic peels, mushroom stems
• Water
• Large pot

How to make it:

• Store scraps in the freezer until you have enough.
• Add to the pot and cover with water.
• Boil, then simmer for 1 hour.
• Strain and store in jars or freeze.

No need to buy cartons or cans again.

15. Chicken Broth

This one’s a classic and a perfect way to use up those leftover chicken bones. Homemade broth tastes better, has less salt, and costs next to nothing.

What you need:

• Chicken bones (raw or cooked)
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 2–3 celery stalks
• 2–3 carrots
• Water

How to make it:

• Place chicken bones, onion, celery, and carrots in a large pot.
• Fill with water until everything is covered.
• Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer.
• Simmer uncovered for 2–3 hours.
• Strain the liquid into jars or containers.

Let it cool before refrigerating or freezing. Use it for soups, rice, or even sipping on a cold day.

16. 16. Toothpaste

Why pay for tubes when you can make your own natural toothpaste with just a few ingredients—and avoid the chemicals?

What you need:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 5–10 drops of peppermint essential oil

How to make it:

• Mix coconut oil and baking soda in a small bowl until smooth.
• Add peppermint oil and stir well.
• Store in a small jar with a lid.

Use a clean spoon to scoop it onto your toothbrush. You can refill the jar again and again.

17. Mouthwash

This homemade mouthwash is gentle and refreshing and only takes about 5 minutes to make.

What you need:

• ½ cup aloe vera juice
• ½ cup distilled water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon xylitol (optional for sweetness)

How to make it:

• Mix all ingredients in a clean bottle or jar.
• Shake well before each use.

Swish for 30 seconds and spit. It’s clean, fresh, and alcohol-free.

18. Deodorant

Make your own extra-strength deodorant with ingredients you can pronounce. No aluminum, no waste.

What you need:

• 2 tablespoons shea butter
• 2 tablespoons cocoa butter
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil

How to make it:

• Melt shea and cocoa butter in a bowl over hot water.
• Remove from heat, add arrowroot powder, baking soda, and vitamin E oil.
• Stir until smooth and pour into a cleaned-out deodorant tube.
• Let it harden in the fridge.

Works great, smells nice, and you can reuse the same tube.

19. All-Purpose Cleaner

Clean your home without harsh chemicals. This cleaner works on most surfaces and smells fresh.

What you need:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• Citrus peels or a few drops of essential oil (like lemon or lavender)

How to make it:

• Mix water and vinegar in a spray bottle.
• Add citrus peels directly to the bottle or essential oil for scent.
• Let it sit for a day before using it.

Shake before each use. Great for counters, sinks, and windows.

20. Toilet Fizzies

Think bath bombs—but for your toilet! These fizz and clean with zero scrubbing.

What you need:

• ¾ cup baking soda
• ½ cup citric acid
• Zest of 1 lemon or orange
• 10 drops essential oil (lemon or orange work well)
• 1–2 tablespoons water

How to make it:

• Mix baking soda, citric acid, zest, and essential oil in a bowl.
• Slowly add water, a bit at a time, until the mixture holds together like damp sand.
• Press into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
• Let dry for 6–8 hours, then pop out and store.

Drop one into the toilet, let it fizz, then flush.

21. Tub Scrub

Say goodbye to grime with this super simple, tough-on-dirt tub scrub.

What you need:

• ¾ cup baking soda
• 2–3 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide
• 2–3 tablespoons liquid castile soap

How to make it:

• Mix all ingredients in a bowl until it forms a paste.
• Apply to your tub or sink with a sponge, scrub, and rinse.

It leaves your tub shining like new.

22. Rosewater Toner

A gentle toner that smells amazing and leaves your skin refreshed.

What you need:

• 1 cup rose petals (fresh or dried)
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel

How to make it:

• Boil water, add rose petals, simmer for 10 minutes.
• Strain the water into a jar and let it cool.
• Add witch hazel, stir, and store in a spray bottle.

Great for your face, linens, or a refreshing spritz in hot weather.

23. Sugar Body Scrub

How about smooth, glowing skin? Yes, please. This scrub smells as good as it works.

What you need:

• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of ½ lemon

How to make it:

• Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
• Store in a jar with a lid.

Use in the shower, scrub gently, and rinse. It leaves your skin soft and citrusy fresh.

24. Cold Brew Coffee

Skip the pricey bottles and brew your own cold coffee at home—easy, tasty, and saves serious cash.

What you need:

• Cold brew pitcher with mesh filter
• 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans (Lavazza works great)
• 4 cups cold water

How to make it:

• Place coffee in the mesh filter and add water to the pitcher.
• Steep in the fridge overnight (12–24 hours).
• Remove the filter, pour, and enjoy.

Store in the fridge for up to a week. Smooth and strong!

25. Greek Yogurt

Thick, creamy, protein-packed yogurt made right at home.

What you need:

• 4 cups milk (whole milk works best)
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt with live cultures (like Stonyfield)

How to make it:

• Heat milk to 180°F, let cool to 110°F.
• Stir in yogurt starter and mix well.
• Pour into a container, cover, and incubate in a warm place (or use an Instant Pot) for 6–8 hours.
• Strain through a cloth or paper towel for thicker Greek-style yogurt.

Store in jars. Save a spoonful as your next starter.

26. Oat Milk

Make your own oat milk in minutes, save money, and skip the additives.

What you need:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 4 cups water
• Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon vanilla

How to make it:

• Blend oats and water for 30 seconds.
• Strain through a fine mesh or nut milk bag.
• Add maple syrup and vanilla if desired.

Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake before use.

27. Hummus

Creamy, protein-rich hummus made to your taste—and so much more for less money.

What you need:

• 1 can chickpeas (or 1½ cups cooked)
• ¼ cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and water to taste

How to make it:

• Blend everything in a food processor until smooth.
• Add water a little at a time for a creamier texture.

Makes about 2 cups. Store in the fridge or freeze extras.

28. Pizza Dough

Homemade pizza dough is simple, delicious, and perfect for any topping.

What you need:

• 2½ cups flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

How to make it:

• Mix yeast and water, and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add flour, salt, and oil. Mix into dough.
• Knead for 5–10 minutes, let rise 1 hour.
• Roll out and bake at 450°F for 10–12 minutes.

Top with sauce, cheese, and whatever else you love.

29. Pasta

If you’ve never had it, fresh pasta tastes like heaven—and it’s easier than it sounds.

What you need:

• 2 cups flour
• 3 eggs
• ½ teaspoon salt

How to make it:

• Mix flour and salt, make a well, and add eggs.
• Stir and knead into dough.
• Let rest for 30 minutes, roll thin, and cut into shapes.
• Boil for 2–4 minutes until tender.

Use for fettuccine, lasagna, or stuffed pasta like ravioli.

30. Spaghetti Sauce

Skip the jar and make the rich, flavorful sauce at home.

What you need:

• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, pepper, sugar to taste

How to make it:

• Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
• Add tomato paste, herbs, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.
• Simmer for 15–20 minutes; stir often.

Tastes better than store-bought—and makes plenty for leftovers.

31. Pesto

If you’ve paying $10 for a tiny jar of pesto, you’ll love how easy it is to make your own—and how much better it tastes.

What you need:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves (grow it in a pot—it grows fast!)
• 2 cloves garlic
• ¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a cheaper option)
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup olive oil
• Salt to taste

How to make it:

• Toss everything except the olive oil into a food processor.
• Blend while slowly pouring in the olive oil until smooth.
• Taste and add salt if needed.

Store in jars in the fridge or freeze in small batches for year-round pesto happiness.

32. Crème Fraîche

This is basically the French cousin of sour cream, and it’s ridiculously easy to make at home.

What you need:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon buttermilk

How to make it:

• Stir buttermilk into cream in a clean jar.
• Cover with a cloth and leave on your counter overnight.
• It thickens as it sits—chill in the fridge before using.

Perfect for dolloping on soup, dessert, or adding creaminess to sauces.

33. Soda Pop

With a SodaStream or similar fizzy water machine, you can make your own soda exactly how you like it.

What you need:

• SodaStream machine
• Real sugar syrup (store-bought or homemade)

How to make it:

• Carbonate cold water using your machine.
• Add a splash of syrup—stir and sip.

Healthier than store sodas, no high fructose corn syrup, and customizable flavors.

34. Salad Dressing

Stop paying $4 a bottle for dressing. You can whip up your own in under a minute.

What you need:

• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup vinegar (balsamic, apple cider, red wine, you choose)
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt, pepper, and herbs to taste

How to make it:

• Put everything in a jar with a lid.
• Shake until combined.

Keep it in the fridge and shake it before each use. Endless flavor options!

35. Tuna Salad

Tuna salad from the deli costs way too much for something this simple to make.

What you need:

• 1 can tuna, drained
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

• Mix everything in a bowl.
• For a smoother texture like the deli version, use an immersion blender.

Great on sandwiches, crackers, or straight from the bowl.

36. Kefir

A fizzy, probiotic drink that’s fun to make and a fraction of the store-bought cost.

What you need:

• Water kefir grains (get from a friend or online)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 4 cups water
• Fruit for flavoring

How to make it:

• Dissolve sugar in water, and add kefir grains.
• Cover with a cloth and ferment for 1–2 days.
• Strain out grains, add fruit, and ferment another day for flavor.
• Chill and enjoy.

Reuse grains again and again. Healthy and cheap!

37. Kimchi

Store-bought kimchi is pricey, but homemade kimchi is incredible, and the best part is you can have loads of it for way less.

What you need:

• 1 head napa cabbage, chopped
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1 radish, sliced
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1-inch ginger
• 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)

How to make it:

• Salt the cabbage and let it sit for 2 hours.
• Rinse and mix with other ingredients.
• Pack into a jar, press down, and cover loosely.
• Ferment at room temp for 3–5 days.

Tangy, spicy, and perfect with rice, noodles, or on its own.

38. Omelette

Eggs at home are pennies compared to $12 diner omelets.

What you need:

• 2–3 eggs
• Splash of milk
• Salt and pepper
• Fillings: cheese, veggies, ham, etc.

How to make it:

• Beat eggs with milk, salt, and pepper.
• Pour into a greased skillet over medium heat.
• Add fillings, cook until set, fold, and serve.

Fast, filling, and easy on your wallet.

39. Cornbread

Warm, crumbly, and cozy. Cornbread is a classic comfort food.

What you need:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

How to make it:

• Mix all ingredients into a batter.
• Pour into a greased skillet or pan.
• Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.

Great with chili, stew, or butter and honey.

40. Tater Tots

Crunchy, golden tots—homemade and deliciously budget-friendly.

What you need:

• 2 cups grated potatoes
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Salt to taste

How to make it:

• Grate potatoes and squeeze out moisture.
• Mix with flour and salt.
• Shape into small cylinders.
• Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or fry until golden.

Kids love them, and they’re freezer-friendly.

41. Tallow

Beef tallow is great for cooking and is nearly free if you use scraps.

What you need:

• Beef fat scraps

How to make it:

• Cut the fat into small pieces.
• Heat slowly in a pot until melted.
• Strain into jars and let cool.

Use for frying, roasting, or making soap.

42. Bone Broth

Nutritious, rich broth from bones you’d normally toss.

What you need:

• Chicken or beef bones
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Salt
• Water

How to make it:

• Add bones, vinegar, and salt to the pot.
• Cover with water and simmer for 12–24 hours.
• Strain, refrigerate, and skim off tallow.

Great for soups, cooking grains, or sipping.

43. Crescent Rolls

Soft, buttery rolls that beat anything from a can.

What you need:

• Debra Falkiner’s recipe from St. Charles, Missouri
• 1 package yeast
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup butter
• 3 cups flour
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup sugar

How to make it:

• Make the dough and let it rise.
• Roll out, cut triangles, roll into crescents.
• Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.

Perfect with dinner or breakfast.

44. Chocolate-Hazelnut Butter

Homemade Nutella-style spread that’s rich and indulgent.

What you need:

• 1½ cups roasted hazelnuts
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
• Pinch of salt

How to make it:

• Blend hazelnuts until smooth.
• Add cocoa, sweetener, and salt.
• Blend again until creamy.

Spread on toast or fruit, or eat with a spoonful.

45. Tortillas

Tender, chewy tortillas in just 30 minutes.

What you need:

• 2 cups flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup water
• 3 tablespoons oil

How to make it:

• Mix ingredients and knead into dough.
• Divide into balls and roll out.
• Cook in a skillet for 1 minute per side.

Fresh and perfect for tacos or wraps.

46. Guacamole

Creamy, zesty guac—made just how you like it.

What you need:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• Fresh cilantro

How to make it:

• Mash avocados and mix in other ingredients.
• Season with salt and pepper.

Serve with chips, tacos, or sandwiches.

47. Granola Bars

Chewy, satisfying bars that beat store-bought.

What you need:

• 2 cups oats
• ½ cup raisins
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup nut butter

How to make it:

• Mix all ingredients.
• Press into a pan and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
• Cool and cut into bars.

Customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or seeds.

48. Jam

Homemade jam is pure fruit joy.

What you need:

• 4 cups fruit (like blueberries or strawberries)
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

How to make it:

• Cook everything in a pot until thick (20–30 minutes).
• Pour into clean jars, cool, and refrigerate or freeze.

Spread on toast and swirl into yogurt.

49. Pancakes

Fluffy, golden pancakes are ready in minutes.

What you need:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

How to make it:

• Mix ingredients into the batter.
• Pour onto a hot skillet and flip when bubbles form.

Make extra freeze for quick breakfasts.

50. Salsa

Fresh, zesty salsa that’s better than any jar.

What you need:

• 4 tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 1 jalapeño
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro

How to make it:

• Roast tomatoes, onion, and pepper.
• Blend with lime juice and cilantro.
• Season with salt.

Scoop with chips or top your favorite dishes.

And there you have it! These are 50 easy things you can make at home instead of buying from the store.

Go ahead and try a few of these ideas. Start small—maybe make your own breadcrumbs or toothpaste—and see how easy it can be. Little by little, it really adds up.

Put aside the money you would’ve spent on these items. Watch those savings grow, and use them for something special later on—a family treat, a rainy-day fund, or even just peace of mind.

You’ll be surprised how much you can save just by making a few small changes. Give it a try—you’ve got nothing to lose and lots to gain!