11 Store-Bought Foods That Taste Better Homemade

By Monica Bogan· 7/18/2014, 10:57 a.m.

Photo via Tori Avey

As any healthy eater knows, shopping for nutritious food isn’t exactly cheap. But what if I told you, you could make your favorite grocery store staples at home? Not only will they taste better than those store brands, they’re better for you; knowing exactly what goes into your food means no sneaky ingredients. Healthy and cheap? Time to break out the mixing bowls and get cooking!

Oh She Glows

Kale Chips

Oh, kale. Is there anything you can't do? Kale chips are a great snack if you're looking for a crunch, but if you've got the stuff at home, why not make them yourself? You can even mix up the flavors to make chips just the way you like them.

Our Best Bites

Whole Grain Waffles

Start your day off right with these healthy, whole grain waffles. Bonus: the blogger included three types of delicious toppings, each with the calories already calculated for you. So no worries!

Heavenly Homemakers

Chewy Granola Bars

Avoid the corn syrup and sneaky additives in boxed granola bars by making your own! For breakfast on-the-go, or a healthy snack during your busy day, these are your go-to healthy option.

Sally's Baking Addiction

Almond Butter

I think we are all in agreement that Nut Butters. Are. Awesome. But they come at a pretty hefty price. Try making your own almond butter; when you find out how easy it is, your mind will be blown.

Momables

Fruit Leather

Whether you're a mom trying to raise healthy kids, or looking for a yummy snack (and indulge in a little nostalgia), try making these fruit leathers. They're like Fruit Roll-Ups, only this version is made with real fruit.

Tori Avey

Pita Chips

Who knew making your own chips was this easy?! If you're more of a tortilla chip kind of gal, you can swap the pita for a whole-wheat tortilla instead.

Tori Avey

Classic Hummus

And what dish goes perfectly with pita chips? Hummus, of course! But buying containers of the stuff (especially when you plow through it as quickly as I do) can get pricey. Plus, making your own hummus ensures that the ingredients are all natural.

The Healthy Foodie

Paleo Smokey Hot Barbecue Sauce

Hosting a barbecue this weekend? Whip up some homemade Paleo barbecue sauce and slather that on your meat instead. Not only is it healthier, you'll totally impress your guests, too.

Nourishment Connection

Pasta with Spinach Almond Pesto

This Philly native knows her pasta, but she also knows that it isn't always the healthiest option. She lightens up a pasta dish (and adds a dose of fun) by showing you how to make your own. Note: making your pasta from scratch requires a little extra equipment, like a dough hook.

Half Baked Harvest

Whole Wheat Cinnamon Toast Crunch

As a kid, you definitely indulged in some sugary cereal goodness. But rather than buying the boxed kind, loaded with artificial colors and flavors, you can make your own! It still may not be the healthiest food in your pantry, but it's way better than the store-bought version.

Chocolate-Covered Katie

Homemade Oreos

Would a day be complete without dessert? Of course not. Whip up some Oreos to slash calories, sugar, and fat. And be honest, these fresh cookies look so much more appetizing than the packaged kind.