Grocery Shopping for a Scratch-Made Kitchen

Written By Kelli Casey

Transitioning to a scratch-made kitchen is more than just a culinary shift; it is an intentional move toward food independence and wholesome living. By moving away from the convenience of pre-packaged goods, you gain total control over the ingredients on your table and the flavors in your pantry. Whether you are looking to slash your grocery bill, reduce your household waste, or simply rediscover the rich taste of a loaf of bread fresh from the oven, the journey begins with a well-curated foundation. This guide breaks down the essential raw ingredients you need to transform your kitchen into a self-sufficient powerhouse, allowing you to ditch the preservatives of the grocery store aisles for the authentic satisfaction of homemade staples.

Acids

  • Apple cider vinegar

  • Lemon juice

  • Lime juice

  • Rice vinegar

  • Soy sauce (or liquid aminos)

  • White vinegar

Dairy

  • Eggs

  • Greek yogurt

  • Heavy cream

  • Milk

  • Powdered buttermilk

  • Sour cream

Fats

  • Avocado oil

  • Coconut oil

  • Olive oil

  • Sesame oil

  • Unsalted butter

  • Vegetable oil

Flavor

  • Almond extract

  • Black pepper

  • Cayenne pepper

  • Chili powder

  • Dried basil

  • Dried oregano

  • Dried thyme

  • Garlic powder

  • Ground cumin

  • Onion powder

  • Red pepper flakes

  • Smoked paprika

  • Unsweetened cocoa powder

  • Vanilla extract

Leavening Agents

  • Active dry yeast

  • Baking powder

  • Baking soda

Pantry Staples

  • All-purpose flour

  • Bread flour

  • Dry beans

  • Kosher salt

  • Lentils

  • Oats

  • Rice

  • Sea salt

  • Quinoa

Sweeteners

  • Granulated sugar

  • Honey

  • Maple syrup

  • Molasses

Thickening Agents

  • Cornstarch

  • Cornmeal

  • Pectin

Keeping these items stocked means now we do not have to buy store-bought…

  • Baking aisle: brown sugar, self-rising flour, powdered sugar

  • Breads: artisan, biscuits, cornbread, muffins, pancakes, pizza dough, rolls, sandwich bread, scones, waffles

  • Breakfast staples: chocolate syrup, coffee syrups, flavored yogurt, granola, hot cocoa mix, oatmeal packets, granola,

  • Condiments and sauces: hot sauce, mayonnaise, teriyaki, pasta sauce, pizza sauce,

  • Dairy: coffee creamer, sour cream substitutes, whipped cream,

  • Dressing: caesar, ranch, vinaigrette,

  • Mixes: cake, cream soups, gravy, pudding, ranch seasoning, taco seasoning,

  • Snacks: fruit jams and jellies, pickles,

What’s Left to Buy?

All that is left to purchase are…

  • Fresh Produce

  • Fresh Proteins

  • Specific Ferments

Now you can stick to the perimeter of the store.

Kelli Casey
Next

Ditching Store-Bought Breads