Ditch the Box: 17 Foods That Taste Better Homemade

In today’s convenience-driven world, boxed foods dominate grocery shelves, but homemade alternatives are stealing the spotlight for good reason. These DIY versions not only taste better but also cut down on preservatives, added sugars, and unhealthy fats, letting you take full control of what’s on your plate.

Here are 17 boxed foods you can ditch for healthier, homemade options—saving money while elevating your meals.

1. Pancake Mix

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Pancakes are a breakfast staple, but store-bought pancake mixes are often laden with preservatives and unnecessary additives. Making your pancake mix is simple and allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier start to your day. 

A basic mix requires just flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt—ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Homemade pancakes can be tailored to your dietary preferences using whole grain flour or adding flavors like cinnamon or vanilla. This switch is beneficial for your health and enhances the flavor and texture of your pancakes.

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2. Cake Mix

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Boxed cake mixes are convenient but often contain artificial flavors and high sugar levels. A simple mix includes flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt—ingredients that can be stored in bulk for future use.

Making a cake mix from scratch allows you to experiment with different flavors and textures. For example, you can incorporate cocoa powder for chocolate cakes or add spices for a unique twist. 

This approach results in a tastier dessert and provides peace of mind, knowing exactly what goes into your cake.

3. Brownie Mix

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Brownies are beloved, but boxed mixes can be overly sweet and include artificial ingredients. Crafting your brownie mix is straightforward and requires just cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

By preparing brownies from scratch, you can adjust the sweetness level or add extra nuts or chocolate chips for added texture. 

This improves the taste and makes for a more wholesome dessert option.

4. Biscuit Mix

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Biscuits are a comforting addition to any meal, yet pre-made mixes often contain hydrogenated oils and artificial flavors. Making biscuit mix at home involves combining flour, baking powder, and salt—simple ingredients that yield fluffy biscuits every time.

Homemade biscuit mix allows you to incorporate healthier fats like butter or olive oil and add herbs for flavor variations. 

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This ensures that your biscuits are delicious and free from unnecessary additives.

5. Cornbread Mix

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Cornbread is a classic side dish that pairs well with many meals. Store-bought cornbread mixes might contain high fructose corn syrup or other undesirable ingredients.

A homemade cornbread mix requires cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Creating cornbread from scratch lets you adjust the sweetness level or add jalapeños for a spicy kick. 

This customization ensures that your cornbread complements any dish while remaining healthy.

6. Hot Chocolate Mix

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Hot chocolate is a comforting beverage for cold days, but commercial mixes are often loaded with sugar and artificial flavors. Combine cocoa powder with sugar and powdered milk to make your hot chocolate.

This homemade version allows you to control the sweetness and even incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth. 

This enhances the flavor of your hot chocolate and eliminates unnecessary additives.

7. Instant Oatmeal

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Instant oatmeal packets offer convenience but typically contain added sugars and artificial flavors.

Mix rolled oats with dried fruits or nuts to prepare instant oatmeal for natural sweetness.

This approach allows you to customize each serving according to your taste preferences while ensuring a nutritious start to your day without excess sugar.

8. Salad Dressing Mix

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Pre-made salad dressings can be high in sodium and preservatives.

Combine herbs like oregano or basil with garlic powder and onion flakes to create your dressing mix.

Making dressing from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and experiment with different flavor profiles, such as balsamic vinaigrette or creamy ranch.

9. Taco Seasoning Mix

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Taco seasoning packets often contain excessive sodium and artificial colors or flavors. 

Crafting your taco seasoning is as simple as mixing chili powder with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder and adjusting heat levels using cayenne pepper if desired.

Preparing taco seasoning yourself at home ensures that every bite bursts with authentic flavors without compromising healthiness due to its reduced sodium content compared to commercial alternatives.

10. Soup Mixes

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Canned soups may seem convenient, but they’re typically high in sodium and preservatives, which aren’t necessary when making soup yourself.

Start by creating base stock using onions, carrots, and celery. Then, add desired seasonings such as thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns before simmering everything together until a flavorful broth forms.

Not only does homemade soup taste better than canned versions, but it’s also healthier since there’s no need to worry about hidden additives or preservatives lurking within those cans.

11. Rice Pilaf Mixes

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Rice pilaf boxes may seem like an easy solution for a quick dinner, but they’re usually packed with unhealthy fats and salts, making them less ideal for those watching their diet closely. 

Instead, try making pilaf yourself using brown basmati, jasmine rice, sautéed onions, garlic olive oil, and chicken vegetable broth simmered to perfection.

This method yields tastier results than boxed versions and allows experimenting with different spices and herbs to create unique dishes suited to personal taste preferences.

12. Mashed Potato Flakes

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Instant mashed potatoes might save time in the kitchen, yet they lack the depth of flavor found in freshly mashed spuds. 

Boil, peel, and mash potatoes with butter and cream, seasonings, and the desired consistency. When the desired consistency is reached, enjoy creamy deliciousness without compromise.

Freshly mashed potatoes offer a richer taste and texture compared to instant varieties, and the ability to customize seasoning levels ensures the perfect side dish for every meal.

13. Macaroni & Cheese

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Boxed macaroni & cheese may seem like a childhood favorite, but many brands contain artificial colors and flavors that detract from the dish’s overall quality. 

Try making cheese sauce from scratch, combining butter, flour, milk, and cheddar to melt creamy perfection. Pour the sauce over cooked pasta, and enjoy classic comfort food at home.

Homemade macaroni & cheese offers a superior taste and texture to its boxed counterparts. It also allows you to experiment with cheeses and spices to create a signature version that loved ones will adore.

14. Pizza Dough

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Frozen pizza dough saves preparation time yet lacks the freshness of homemade crusts. Combine yeast, warm water, olive oil, and flour to make pizza dough. Knead until doubled in size. 

Roll to desired thickness and top with favorite toppings. Bake to golden brown perfection.

Freshly made pizza dough provides better flavor and texture than frozen alternatives, and the ability to customize toppings ensures that each pie is uniquely delicious.

15. Bread Crumbs

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Store-bought bread crumbs might seem convenient, but they’re often loaded with unnecessary additives and preservatives. 

Try making crumbs yourself from stale bread toasted to a fine consistency. Use them to coat meats and topping casseroles.

Homemade bread crumbs offer superior taste and texture compared to commercial varieties, plus the ability to control seasoning levels ensures the perfect addition to any dish.

16. Granola

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Packaged granola bars may appear to be a healthy snack choice, but unfortunately, many brands contain excess sugar and unhealthy fats that detract from their nutritional value. 

Try making granola at home, combining oats, nuts, honey, seeds, dried fruits, and baking to a crunchy goodness.

Homemade granola provides better taste and nutrition compared to store-bought options. The opportunity to customize ingredients ensures a perfect snack suited to personal taste preferences.

17. Pudding

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Instant pudding mixes might save preparation time, but they lack the richness of freshly made desserts.

Combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract to make pudding. Cook until thickened, then pour into ramekins, chill, set, and enjoy a creamy treat made right in the kitchen.

Freshly made pudding offers a superior taste and texture compared to instant varieties. You can also experiment with flavor toppings to create a signature dessert that your loved ones will adore.

davin
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.