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Homesteading is a great way to become more self-reliant, allowing you to rely less on store-bought products and make better use of your own skills and resources. One of the key aspects of this lifestyle is learning to create everyday items from scratch instead of buying them, which saves you money and reduces plastic waste and your overall carbon footprint. By making more things at home, you can significantly reduce your grocery list while living more sustainably. Here’s a list of simple items you can easily make yourself instead of purchasing them from the store, helping you take a step toward a more self-reliant lifestyle.
Peanut Butter
Making your own peanut butter is incredibly simple—you only need roasted peanuts, a pinch of salt, and a food processor. That’s really all there is to it, so why bother buying peanut butter when you can make it this easily at home?
Powdered Sugar
Making powdered sugar at home takes just a few seconds. Simply take some granulated sugar, toss it into a blender, and blend until it reaches a fine, powdery texture. Yes, it’s that easy.
Jam and Fruit Preserves
Jams, jellies, and preserves are classic fruit spreads known for their sweet flavor and bright colors. They’re a great way to enjoy fresh fruit and add a bit of sweetness to your meals.
Rather than buying them from the store, making these spreads at home lets you enjoy a fresher taste and control the ingredients, making them a better choice for your pantry.
29 Homemade Jam, Jelly, and Fruit Preserves Recipes You’ve Got To Try
Yogurt
You might be surprised at how simple and affordable it is to make yogurt at home. Homemade yogurt is tasty and packed with probiotics, but it also gives you the chance to control the ingredients and tailor the flavors to your liking. It’s definitely one of those foods worth making yourself instead of picking up at the store.
How to Make Homemade Yogurt in an Instant Pot
Dry Herbs
Many people don’t realize how simple it is to make their favorite seasonings by drying fresh herbs at home. You have plenty of options for drying them, whether hanging them up, using a dehydrator, popping them in the oven, using an air fryer, or just letting them air dry. The main aim is to remove all the moisture. From rosemary and parsley to blends like herbes de Provence, you can easily create your own dried herbs at home for a fraction of the cost.
Bread
Bread is a staple in most households, and if there’s one thing worth making at home instead of buying, it’s definitely bread. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a fresh, homemade loaf, and the process is simpler than you might think. With some practice, baking your own bread becomes a rewarding skill that’s easy to pick up. You can try a simple white bread recipe or challenge yourself with this Jamaican coco bread recipe.
Crackers
Similar to bread, it’s easy to make homemade crackers at home. Homemade crackers are a delicious alternative to store-bought. It can be made in a pinch with just a few ingredients. Whether you make simple crackers or Sesame Seed Crackers, you may not be able to go back to buying them again.
Tomato Sauce
Making tomato sauce can be a bit more time-consuming, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Using an Instant Pot makes the process easier, allowing you to set it and walk away. If you’re a gardener with a surplus of fresh tomatoes, this is a perfect way to make the most out of your harvest. Add it to your favorite pasta recipe for family dinner.
Vanilla Extract
Making your own vanilla extract at home results in a deeper, richer flavor than store-bought options. All it takes is vanilla beans, some vodka or rum, and storage for at least two months.
Homemade Butter
Making butter at home is surprisingly simple and requires just one ingredient—heavy cream. It’s much quicker and easier than most people realize. When you make your own butter, you have full control over the ingredients and salt level allowing you to create it exactly to your liking.
Vegetable Stock
Vegetable stock serves as an excellent foundation for countless recipes, and making your own from kitchen scraps is a smart way to reduce waste while saving money. Simply collect the peels, ends, and trimmings from aromatic veggies like onions, carrots, garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers, along with any fresh herbs you have on hand. It’s an easy way to turn leftovers into a flavorful soup base.
Ketchup
Ketchup is a staple in most households, perfect for dipping fries, spreading on sandwiches, and adding to everyday meals. But what many people don’t realize is just how simple it is to make at home, especially if you have some fresh tomatoes on hand. It’s one of those condiments that’s definitely worth making yourself instead of picking up from the store.
32 Peanut Butter Dessert Ideas for People Who Like it Creamy, Crunchy, and Nutty
When it comes to desserts, peanut butter truly shines. Peanut butter’s creamy, crunchy, and nutty taste is perfect for adding rich flavor to all kinds of desserts. Give these healthy peanut butter desserts a try — they might just become your new favorites!
32 Peanut Butter Dessert Ideas for People Who Like it Creamy, Crunchy, and Nutty
9 All-Natural Cleaning Products You Can Make at Home
Commercial cleaners are often filled with harsh chemicals and mysterious ingredients. By making your own all-natural cleaner at home, you can rely on safe, eco-friendly ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Check out these easy homemade recipes for window cleaner, laundry detergent, and so much more.
