In today’s day and age, it’s more important than ever to get the most out of your hard-earned money. One easy way to do this is by cutting out unnecessary expenses. You might be surprised to know that many of the packaged goods you buy on a regular basis are actually a waste of money.
These products are often overpriced, less healthy, and less environmentally friendly than their alternatives. Today, we’ll explore 15 of these goods and provide some practical advice for smarter shopping.
1. Pre-cut Fruits and Vegetables
Pre-cut fruits and vegetables might save you a few minutes of prep time, but they come with a hefty price tag. In fact, they can cost up to three times more than whole produce. Additionally, pre-cut produce tends to spoil faster and can lose valuable nutrients during the chopping and packaging process.
Rather than buying pre-cut, consider setting aside some time each week to prep your fruits and vegetables. Not only will this save you money, but it can also be a great way to unwind and focus on something other than your daily stresses. Plus, you’ll have fresh, nutrient-rich produce ready to be used in your meals throughout the week.
2. Bottled Water
Bottled water is one of the most overpriced products on the market. In fact, it can cost up to 2000 times more than tap water. What’s worse, the production of plastic bottles contributes to environmental pollution.
Instead of buying bottled water, consider investing in a water filter and a reusable bottle. This will not only save you money in the long run, but also help reduce plastic waste.
3. Pre-made Coffee
Pre-made coffee is a convenient option for busy mornings, but it’s often overpriced and not as fresh as a homemade brew. Additionally, the packaging contributes to environmental waste.
Rather than buying pre-made coffee, consider brewing your own at home. This will not only save you money, but also give you control over the strength and flavor of your coffee. Plus, there’s something satisfying about brewing your own cup of joe.
4. Packaged Snacks
Packaged snacks are often overpriced and filled with unhealthy additives. Plus, the packaging contributes to environmental waste.
Instead of buying packaged snacks, consider making your own at home.
This will not only save you money, but also allow you to control the ingredients and portions. Plus, homemade snacks often taste better than their store-bought counterparts.
5. Disposable Cleaning Wipes
Disposable cleaning wipes are convenient, but they’re often overpriced and contribute to environmental waste. Additionally, they can contain harsh chemicals.
Rather than buying disposable cleaning wipes, consider making your own at home. This will not only save you money, but also allow you to control the ingredients. Plus, homemade cleaning wipes can be just as effective as their store-bought counterparts.
6. Salad Dressings
Store-bought salad dressings can be expensive and filled with unhealthy ingredients. Plus, the plastic bottles contribute to environmental waste.
Instead of buying salad dressings, consider making your own at home. This will not only save you money, but also allow you to customize the flavor to your liking. Plus, homemade salad dressings are often fresher and healthier than their store-bought counterparts.
7. Spice Mixes
Store-bought spice mixes can be expensive and often contain additives and preservatives. Plus, the small plastic containers contribute to environmental waste.
Instead of buying spice mixes, consider making your own at home. This will not only save you money, but also give you control over the flavor and ingredients. Plus, homemade spice mixes are often fresher and more flavorful than their store-bought counterparts.
8. Packaged Baking Mixes
Packaged baking mixes are convenient, but they’re often overpriced and contain unhealthy additives. Plus, the packaging contributes to environmental waste.
Instead of buying packaged baking mixes, consider making your own at home. This will not only save you money, but also give you control over the ingredients. Plus, homemade baking mixes often result in tastier baked goods.
9. Pre-made Smoothies
Pre-made smoothies can be expensive and often contain added sugars. Plus, the plastic bottles contribute to environmental waste.
Instead of buying pre-made smoothies, consider making your own at home. This will not only save you money, but also give you control over the ingredients. Plus, homemade smoothies are often fresher and healthier than their store-bought counterparts.
10. Instant Oatmeal Packs
Instant oatmeal packs are convenient, but they’re often overpriced and contain added sugars and preservatives. Plus, the individual packaging contributes to environmental waste.
Instead of buying instant oatmeal packs, consider making your own at home. This will not only save you money, but also give you control over the ingredients. Plus, homemade oatmeal is often healthier and more satisfying than its instant counterpart.
11. Pre-made Pancake Mix
Pre-made pancake mix can be expensive and often contains unhealthy additives. Plus, the packaging contributes to environmental waste.
Instead of buying pre-made pancake mix, consider making your own at home. This will not only save you money, but also give you control over the ingredients. Plus, homemade pancakes are often fluffier and more flavorful than their pre-made counterparts.
12. Packaged Rice and Pasta Mixes
Packaged rice and pasta mixes are convenient, but they’re often overpriced and contain unhealthy additives. Plus, the packaging contributes to environmental waste.
Instead of buying packaged rice and pasta mixes, consider making your own at home. This will not only save you money, but also give you control over the ingredients. Plus, homemade rice and pasta dishes are often tastier and healthier than their pre-packaged counterparts.
13. Pre-made Frozen Meals
14. Packaged Deli Meats
Packaged deli meats are convenient, but they’re often overpriced and contain unhealthy additives. Plus, the plastic packaging contributes to environmental waste.
Instead of buying packaged deli meats, consider buying from the deli counter or making your own at home. This will not only save you money, but also give you control over the ingredients. Plus, fresh deli meats are often tastier and healthier than their pre-packaged counterparts.
15. Single-use Laundry Detergent Pods
Single-use laundry detergent pods are convenient, but they’re often overpriced compared to liquid or powder detergent. Plus, the individual packaging contributes to environmental waste.
Instead of buying single-use pods, consider using liquid or powder detergent. This will not only save you money, but also reduce environmental waste. Plus, you’ll have more control over the amount of detergent you use for each load.