Over the past few years I’ve slowly started simplifying what I keep in my kitchen. The honest reason is I wanted cleaner, more whole food ingredients without the fillers, dyes, and additives that sneak into so many everyday staples. And once I started making a few things myself I realized it actually saves money in the long run too.
It wasn’t about doing things the hard way or making it a hobby. It was about cutting out the junk and finding healthier versions of things I was already buying. Honestly I just got tired of reading labels and trying to track down a better version at the store, so I started making it myself.
I thought this would be more complicated than it is. These are simple staples that are easy to make and ones I keep coming back to.
Like most things around here, it started with one jar.
1. Homemade Vanilla Extract
This was one of the first things that made me realize how simple some pantry staples actually are. Vanilla beans, alcohol, time, and a jar. That’s it.
There’s something really satisfying about making this yourself and letting it slowly develop in the back of the pantry. It makes a beautiful gift and it can be refilled as you use it. Good vanilla extract can also get surprisingly expensive at the store, so this one saves you money too.
2. Homemade Raspberry Electrolyte Mix
This one started because I wanted a simpler electrolyte option without artificial dyes, overly sweet flavors, or a long ingredient list I had to second guess.
I’ll be honest, homemade electrolyte mixes taste different than commercial versions. More mineral-forward, less sweet, a little more real. But after some adjusting and adding freeze-dried raspberry powder, this became one I actually look forward to.
I make a batch, keep it in a jar, and scoop it into my water bottle every morning. Simple as that.
3. Sourdough Discard Granola
This is one of my favorite ways to use extra sourdough discard. It’s cozy, simple, and so much less sweet than most store-bought granolas.
I usually make a batch at the beginning of the week and keep it on hand for yogurt bowls and a snack throughout the day. It’s also easy to customize week to week depending on what I have on hand or what I’m feeling.
4. Homemade Protein Blend
A lot of protein powders felt overly processed to me, had ingredients I didn’t love, or got really expensive over time. So I started experimenting with making my own at home using ingredients I already trusted.
I make a batch every few weeks and I can switch up the flavor and sweetness depending on what I’m feeling. It’s one of those swaps that once I made it I couldn’t really go back.
5. Homemade Peanut Butter
This might be the simplest one on the list but it still surprised me the first time I made it.
Peanuts. A food processor. That’s it.
Making peanut butter at home reinforced something I keep learning through all of this. A lot of simple foods don’t need nearly as much complexity as we’ve gotten used to. And freshly blended peanut butter honestly tastes incredible.
Why I Started Simplifying My Pantry
This wasn’t about a lifestyle overhaul. It was about making healthier choices with ingredients I actually understood and trusted. Cutting out the junk slowly, one staple at a time.
I still buy convenience foods and I still purchase things pre-made. But swapping out even a few pantry staples has made a real difference in what we’re actually consuming day to day. And once you realize how simple some of these things are to make yourself, it’s hard to justify buying the processed version anymore.
If you’re not sure where to start, start small. One recipe. One ingredient. One jar. That’s all it takes.
You must be logged in to post a comment.