Ever wondered **why does homemade food taste better**? There are a great variety of **things that are better homemade** compared to their store-bought counterparts. From savory to sweet, pre-made foods enriched with preservatives pale in comparison to foods that are prepared at home with fresh and nutritiously filling ingredients. As a huge supporter of all things homemade, I love making homemade versions of my favorite foods. On that note, here are some of my go-to foods that **taste better from scratch**!
Making your own pantry staples isn't just about the flavor—it's about taking control of your kitchen. Here are a few reasons to start:
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1. Pasta Sauce
Pasta sauce ranks pretty high on the list of foods that taste better homemade. After months of playing with the idea of making homemade pasta sauce, I finally took the plunge, and to be honest, there is no going back. Homemade pasta sauce is delicious! Regardless of whether you make a tomato or pesto based sauce, the outcome is likely to be amazing. An added bonus to making homemade pasta sauce is that you can make extra and store the rest for later use! If you're looking for [easy dinner ideas](https://food.allwomenstalk.com/easy-dinner-ideas-for-busy-moms/), starting with a homemade sauce is a total game-changer.
2. Salsa
To say that I am a salsa fanatic would be an understatement! I particularly love how salsa is not only tasty but is incredibly simple to make. Depending on which fruits and vegetables are in season, there is no limit to the types of salsa you can make from scratch, as opposed to buying the bottled stuff. I like to make big batches of salsa, as it pairs well with salads, tacos, or on it owns with tortilla chips! Check out this [official canning safety guide](https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/publications_usda.html) if you plan on preserving your batch for later.
3. Nut Butter
Perfectly creamy or crunchy nut butter tastes great with just about anything—if you ask me. I say nut butter, because there are so many types of nuts that can be transformed into delicious nut butters so long as you have some nuts and a food processor or blender. I recently experimented with making different types of nut butters using almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts, and the outcome was just as I expected—fantastic! You can find more about the [health benefits of nuts](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/nuts/art-20046635) to see why this is a great addition to your diet.
Like its famous counterpart—peanut or nut butter—jam is another frequently eaten food that tastes so much better homemade. With simple ingredients like fruit, water, and sugar, the possibilities are endless when it comes to the types of jams that you can make at home. Some of my favorite homemade jams include but are not limited to strawberry, cherry, and blueberry jam. They make for excellent [healthy snack alternatives](https://food.allwomenstalk.com/healthy-snacks-to-keep-you-energized/) when paired with whole-grain toast.
As part of taking control over your health and wellbeing, it's important to pay attention to the amount of sugar you consume daily. Did you ever wonder how many grams of sugar are in a teaspoon? Understanding this can help you make healthier choices and avoid those sneaky sugars that add up throughout the day. No doubt, your body will thank you!
5. Granola Bars
Granola bars are the perfect snack. However, many store brand varieties are filled with unhealthy sources of nutrients and excess sugar. To avoid this trap, I set out to make my own granola bars at home and was shocked by how easy it was. In addition to taking only minutes to make, I found that homemade granola taste so much better! Investing in a few [kitchen essentials every woman needs](https://food.allwomenstalk.com/essential-kitchen-tools-for-every-home-cook/) will make this process even easier.
6. Ice Cream
Homemade ice cream is on another level of scrumptious! Even though it requires some preparation in advance and an ice cream maker, the end product is well worth the work and the wait. Whether you decide to go the traditional route or get creative with this sweet treat, homemade ice cream made with fresh and wholesome ingredients will not disappoint! For the best results, check out official [Cuisinart ice cream recipes](https://www.cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/ice_cream/v) for inspiration.
7. Non-Dairy Milks
In the past couple of years, I have taken a liking to non-dairy milks and frequently use them in just about everything from smoothies to baked goods. And so, I was beyond excited when I found out how easy it is to make non-dairy milks like almond and coconut milk at home. The fresh taste that comes from making homemade non-dairy milk can’t be beat!
Taking the time to make frequently eaten foods at home is well worth the time and effort. There is no denying that homemade foods made with fresh and nutrient rich ingredients are superior in taste to most pre-made versions on the market. I have shared some of my tasty homemade foods to make from scratch, but what are some of your favorite foods to make at home as opposed to buying them?
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Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge
Rebecca
2014-05-24T05:28:32.453Z
I find most store packaged cookies too dry and gross but homemade cookies you can eat warm and chewy or savour them for the next couple days in a sealed container
Isabella
2014-05-24T14:42:21.233Z
pasta sauce for me - i'm half italian and can't live without the stuff - we make it same time every year!
jojo64
2014-05-24T04:53:40.234Z
i make homemade Apple sauce for a little more flavor add cinnamon if you like or nutmeg
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Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge
2014-05-24T05:28:32.453Z
2014-05-24T14:42:21.233Z
2014-05-24T04:53:40.234Z