20 DIY Pantry Staples That Are Even Better than Store-Bought

Kelli Foster
Kelli FosterSenior Contributing Food Editor
Kelli is a Senior Contributing Food Editor for Kitchn. She's a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and author of the cookbooks, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, The Probiotic Kitchen, Buddha Bowls, and Everyday Freekeh Meals. She lives in New Jersey.
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updated May 1, 2019
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How To Make Homemade Peanut Butter (Image credit: Emma Christensen)

Think about some of the staples you keep in your pantry or fridge and use on a daily basis — peanut butter, marinara sauce, tomato paste, mayonnaise, granola, chicken (or vegetable) stock, spice blends. The list could go on and on. Have you tried to make these things yourself?

If not, you should! You might not always save time making these everyday items, but they’ll taste fresher, you’ll have fun making them, and it might even save you a little money. Here are 20 pantry staples that are easy to make at home, and in some cases even less expensive than the store-bought versions!

How To Make Mayonnaise with an Immersion Blender (Image credit: Emma Christensen)

Homemade condiments like mayo and ketchup are a real treat. Every time I make them I always wonder why I don’t do it more often. For condiments and snacks you eat regularly, consider making your own. It’s easy, and in some cases less expensive that the packaged version.

Condiments

Snacks

How To Make Flavored Salts (Image credit: Emily Han)

The best thing about homemade flavored salts and spice blends is that you can customize them to suit your taste preference. And for that reason alone, a homemade blend will always taste better than anything store-bought.

Salts & Spice Blends

Spreads

How To Make Marinara Sauce (Image credit: Leela Cyd)

Tomato Sauce & Paste

Stock & Broth

What other pantry essentials do you like to make at home? Anything that surprised you with how easy it was?

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budget
condiments
Recipe Roundup
snacks