There are many ingredients that are easier and cheaper to make yourself than to buy at the supermarket. It is also often much healthier to make your own as you can avoid preservative and other additives.

Here are 16 examples of such ingredients, along with details on how to make them:

1. Bread: Making your own bread at home is often cheaper and more satisfying than buying it from the store. Plus, you can control the ingredients and add in things like whole grains and seeds for added nutrition and flavor. To make bread, simply mix together flour, yeast, salt, and water to form a dough, then knead and shape the dough, let it rise, and bake in the oven until golden-brown.
2. Yogurt: Making your own yogurt is a simple and cost-effective way to enjoy this delicious and healthy food. To make yogurt, heat milk until it reaches a temperature of 180-185 degrees Fahrenheit, then cool it to 110-115 degrees Fahrenheit and add a starter culture. Let the mixture incubate at a warm temperature for several hours, then refrigerate to set the yogurt.
3. Pasta: Making your own pasta is a cost-effective way to enjoy this delicious and versatile food. Simply mix together flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt to form a dough, then roll the dough out and cut it into the desired shapes. Cook the pasta in boiling water until al dente, then toss with your favorite sauce.
4. Cheese: Making your own cheese at home is a fun and rewarding activity that allows you to create delicious and unique varieties of cheese. To make cheese, heat milk until it reaches a temperature of 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit, then add a starter culture and let the mixture incubate for several hours. After the curds have formed, cut the curds and let them drain, then press and shape the cheese and age it for the desired length of time.
5. Ketchup: Making your own ketchup at home is a simple. Simmer diced tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, and spices in a saucepan until thick and saucy, then purée the mixture in a blender or food processor. Transfer the ketchup to a jar or container and store in the refrigerator.
6. Granola: Making your own granola at home is a tasty and healthy way to enjoy this popular breakfast food. To make granola, simply mix together oats, nuts, seeds, sweetener, and oil, then spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and bake in the oven until crisp and golden-brown. Let the granola cool, then stir in dried fruit and store in an airtight container.
7. Pickles: Making your own pickles at home is a simple and cost-effective way to enjoy this tangy and flavorful snack. Simply slice cucumbers and pack them into a jar, then add vinegar, water, sugar, and spices. Let the pickles sit in the brine for several days to allow the flavors to develop, then refrigerate and enjoy.
8. Jam: Making your own jam at home is a delicious way to pass time. To make jam, simply simmer fruit, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan until thick and jammy, then transfer the jam to a jar or container and store in the refrigerator.
9. Mayonnaise: Making your own mayonnaise at home is a simple and cost-effective way to enjoy this creamy and flavorful condiment. To make mayonnaise, simply whisk together egg yolks, vinegar, mustard, and oil until thick and emulsified, then season to taste.
10. Hummus: Homemade hummus is much cheaper and tastier than store-bought versions, and it’s easy to make in large batches to last for several days. To make hummus, blend cooked chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and seasonings until smooth.
11. Ice cream: Making your own ice cream at home is often cheaper and more satisfying than buying it from the store. To make ice cream, mix together cream, sugar, and any desired flavorings and churn in an ice cream maker. Alternatively, pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until desired consistency is reached. Enjoy immediately or store in the freezer for later.
12. Salsa: Homemade salsa is often fresher and more flavorful than store-bought versions. Just combine chopped tomatoes, onions, peppers, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Mix well and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Optionally, add diced avocado or diced mango for added flavor.
13. Mustard: Homemade mustard is often healthier than store-bought versions. To make mustard, mix mustard seeds, vinegar, and water in a blender until smooth. Optional ingredients such as salt, sugar, and spices can also be added for flavor. The mixture can then be transferred to a jar and left to ferment for a few days or used immediately.
14. Hot sauce: Homemade hot sauce is often fresher and easier to customize. To make hot sauce, combine hot peppers, vinegar, and seasonings in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and adjust the seasonings to taste. Transfer to a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Allow to cool before serving or storing in the refrigerator.
15. Crackers: Home made crackers have much better flavor than those bought at the store. To make crackers, mix together flour, salt, and any desired spices. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in just enough water to form a dough. Roll out the dough thin and cut into desired shapes. Bake in a preheated oven until crispy and golden brown. Enjoy as a snack or paired with dips or spreads.
16. Salad dressing: Making your own salad dressing at home is easy. Just combine ingredients such as oil, vinegar, and seasonings in a small jar or bowl. Shake or whisk together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later use.