6 Shop Bought Foods I Don’t Buy Anymore

Shop Bought Foods I Don’t Buy Anymore (Because Homemade Is Better)

Let’s be honest—shop bought foods are convenient, but they’re not always the tastiest (or the cheapest). Over the years, I’ve found a few easy swaps where making it yourself at home is just better in every way. You get fresher flavour, fewer weird ingredients, and you get to say: “Yep, I made that.”

These are six shop bought foods I’ve ditched completely—and once you try the homemade versions, you might do the same. No fancy gadgets needed, and they’re all doable in a home kitchen.

---

Garlic Bread – Better Than Shop Bought

Let’s start with a classic. Most shop bought garlic breads are either soggy or brick-hard. Making your own takes just a few minutes and tastes way better.

Slice up a baguette (or even use regular sliced bread if that’s all you’ve got), slather it with garlic butter, wrap it in foil, and bake until golden.

Storage:
Unbaked garlic bread can be wrapped in foil and kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. Or freeze it (unbaked) for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen at 180°C fan for 15–20 mins.

---

Salad Dressing – Fresh in a Jar

Bottled dressings are one of those shop bought foods that seem handy until you realise they’re packed with stabilisers and sugar. Making your own? Takes 30 seconds and tastes way fresher.

Just chuck olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper into a clean jar. Shake it up, taste, tweak. Done.

Storage:
Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in a sealed jar. Oil may solidify—just let it warm slightly and shake again.

---

Tomato Pasta Sauce – Say Goodbye to Jars

Jarred pasta sauce is probably one of the most common shop bought foods out there. But making your own? Surprisingly easy.

Gently fry garlic in olive oil, pour in chopped tomatoes, sprinkle in some herbs, season, and simmer. Use it chunky or blitz it smooth—it’s versatile and proper tasty.

Storage:
Fridge: Keeps in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze in batches for up to 3 months. Defrost and reheat when needed.

---

Hummus – Fresher, Creamier, Better

Shop bought hummus is alright—but homemade hummus is something else. Creamier, tangier, and you get to control the flavour.

Whack chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth. Add water to loosen if needed. That’s it.

Storage:
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze in small tubs for up to 3 months. Defrost in fridge and stir before serving.

---

Granola – Better Than the Box

Some shop bought granolas are just crunchy sugar with a fancy label. Make it at home and you can control everything—sweetness, crunch, even chocolate chips if you’re feeling wild.

Mix oats with honey or syrup, coconut oil, nuts, seeds, a pinch of cinnamon, and some chocolate chips. Bake until golden, then stir in dried fruit.

Storage:
Cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 weeks. No need to freeze—it stays crisp if sealed properly.

---

Pancake Mix – DIY in a Jar

Packet pancake mixes are one of the easiest shop bought foods to replace. Make a dry mix, pop it in a jar, and just add egg and milk when you’re ready.

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Store it dry, and when it’s pancake time, just add milk and an egg, give it a whisk, and get flipping.

Storage:
Dry mix: Store in a sealed jar in a cool cupboard for 1–2 months.
Cooked pancakes: Freeze between baking paper layers for up to 1 month. Toast or pan-fry to reheat.

---

Why I Don’t Buy These Shop Bought Foods Anymore

Simple:
They taste better.
You save money.
There’s more control over ingredients.
And let’s be honest—pulling out a tub of homemade hummus and saying, “Yep. Made that,” just feels good.

Give a few of these a try. You might be surprised how easy they are—and how much better they taste than the shop bought versions.

---

Let Me Know What You Make!