Here’s a table showing approximate cost savings in euros when switching from store-bought foods to DIY versions. Prices will vary depending on location and ingredient quality, but these examples give a rough idea of potential savings for common foods.
| Food Item | Average Store-Bought Cost (€) | DIY Cost (€) | Approximate Savings (€) | Savings (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granola | 3.00 (500g) | 1.50 (500g) | 1.50 | 50% | Homemade granola uses oats, nuts, and honey; bulk ingredients reduce cost and allow customization. |
| Almond Milk | 2.00 (1L) | 0.80 (1L) | 1.20 | 60% | DIY almond milk requires only almonds and water, saving costs and reducing added sugars or preservatives. |
| Pesto Sauce | 3.50 (200g jar) | 1.80 (200g) | 1.70 | 49% | Homemade pesto uses fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil, often resulting in better quality. |
| Hummus | 2.00 (200g) | 0.80 (200g) | 1.20 | 60% | Made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic; ingredients are inexpensive and yield multiple servings. |
| Nut Butter | 4.00 (250g) | 2.00 (250g) | 2.00 | 50% | DIY nut butter only needs nuts; buying nuts in bulk reduces cost and avoids added oils and sugars. |
| Ice Cream | 4.50 (500ml) | 2.00 (500ml) | 2.50 | 56% | Homemade with milk, cream, and natural flavors; customization allows lower sugar and healthier options. |
| Bread | 2.50 (loaf) | 1.00 (loaf) | 1.50 | 60% | Basic ingredients (flour, yeast, salt, water) make homemade bread cheaper and fresher. |
| Pizza Dough | 2.00 (500g) | 0.60 (500g) | 1.40 | 70% | Made with flour, yeast, water, and olive oil; costs less and can be prepared in batches. |
| Salad Dressing | 2.50 (250ml bottle) | 0.80 (250ml) | 1.70 | 68% | Simple ingredients (olive oil, vinegar, herbs) provide cost-effective, preservative-free dressings. |
| Energy Bars | 1.50 (per bar) | 0.50 (per bar) | 1.00 | 67% | Homemade bars with oats, nuts, and dried fruit reduce cost per bar significantly and are customizable. |
| Smoothies | 3.50 (500ml) | 1.20 (500ml) | 2.30 | 66% | DIY smoothies with fresh fruit, yogurt, and water/juice are cheaper, healthier, and customizable. |
| Pasta Sauce | 2.50 (500g jar) | 1.00 (500g) | 1.50 | 60% | Made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs; lower in preservatives and can be frozen in portions. |
| Chocolate Spread | 3.00 (350g jar) | 1.20 (350g) | 1.80 | 60% | Homemade using hazelnuts, cocoa, and honey; fewer additives and customizable sweetness. |
| Potato Chips | 1.80 (150g bag) | 0.80 (150g) | 1.00 | 55% | Sliced potatoes, olive oil, and sea salt; homemade chips avoid artificial flavors and reduce sodium. |
| Fruit Yogurt | 1.50 (200g cup) | 0.50 (200g) | 1.00 | 67% | Combining plain yogurt and fresh fruit provides a healthier, cost-effective alternative. |
| Salsa | 2.00 (300g jar) | 0.80 (300g) | 1.20 | 60% | Tomatoes, onions, and cilantro are affordable ingredients, making DIY salsa cost-effective. |
| Cereal | 3.50 (500g box) | 1.50 (500g) | 2.00 | 57% | Homemade cereal can use oats, seeds, and dried fruit, reducing added sugar and cost. |
| Instant Oatmeal Packets | 3.00 (10-pack) | 1.00 (10 servings) | 2.00 | 67% | Rolled oats with optional dried fruit and spices are far cheaper and healthier without added sugars. |
| Frozen Meals | 5.00 (per meal) | 2.00 (per meal) | 3.00 | 60% | DIY frozen meals are cheaper, healthier, and allow portion control, using ingredients you choose. |
These DIY options offer substantial savings by reducing packaging and processing costs. They’re also often healthier, allowing you to control ingredients and avoid additives, preservatives, and excessive sugars.
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