Grocery prices keep rising, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or quality in your cooking! With a few smart swaps, you can cut costs while keeping meals just as delicious. Whether you’re out of an ingredient or looking for a budget-friendly alternative, here are some easy and affordable ingredient substitutions to try.

1. Swap Heavy Cream for Evaporated Milk

Why? Evaporated milk is shelf-stable and costs much less than heavy cream. It works well in creamy soups, sauces, and even baking.

How to Use: Replace 1 cup of heavy cream with ¾ cup evaporated milk + ¼ cup water.

2. Swap Fresh Herbs for Dried

Why? Fresh herbs can be pricey and spoil quickly. Dried herbs are more concentrated and last much longer in your pantry.

How to Use: For every 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs, use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs instead.

3. Swap Buttermilk for Milk + Vinegar or Lemon Juice

Why? Buttermilk is expensive and often goes bad before you use it all. Luckily, you can make your own in minutes!

How to Use: Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’ve got a perfect buttermilk substitute.

4. Swap Ground Beef for Lentils or Mushrooms

Why? Meat prices are soaring, but lentils and mushrooms offer similar texture and protein at a fraction of the cost.

How to Use: Replace half the ground beef in tacos, pasta sauce, or chili with cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms.

5. Swap Store-Bought Breadcrumbs for Crushed Crackers or Oats

Why? Breadcrumbs can be expensive and go stale quickly. Crackers, cornflakes, or oats work just as well!

How to Use: Use 1 cup of crushed crackers, cornflakes, or quick oats in place of 1 cup of breadcrumbs for meatballs, coatings, or casseroles.

6. Swap Sour Cream for Greek Yogurt

Why? Greek yogurt is cheaper per ounce and packed with protein. It has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.

How to Use: Replace 1 cup of sour cream with 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt in dips, dressings, and baked goods.

7. Swap Expensive Baking Chocolate for Cocoa Powder & Oil

Why? Cocoa powder is cheaper and easier to store than bars of baking chocolate.

How to Use: Replace 1 ounce of baking chocolate with 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder + 1 tablespoon of oil.

8. Swap Bottled Salad Dressing for Homemade

Why? Bottled dressings are overpriced and filled with preservatives. A simple homemade vinaigrette costs pennies to make.

How to Use: Mix 3 parts oil, 1 part vinegar, and a pinch of salt & pepper for an easy dressing. Add honey or mustard for extra flavor.

9. Swap Chicken Breasts for Chicken Thighs

Why? Thighs are juicier, more flavorful, and often half the price of boneless skinless breasts.

How to Use: Use bone-in or boneless thighs in any recipe that calls for chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.

10. Swap Expensive Cheese for a Budget-Friendly Alternative

Why? Some cheeses are way overpriced, but similar varieties can save you money.

Budget Swaps:

🧀 Parmesan → Aged Pecorino or Grana Padano

🧀 Cheddar → Colby or Monterey Jack

🧀 Ricotta → Cottage Cheese (blended for a smoother texture)

Smart swaps like these can save you hundreds per year while keeping your meals just as delicious! The trick is knowing when to substitute and how to get the best flavor at the best price.