Swapping out pricey recipe ingredient substitutions for cheaper ones is one of my go-to ways to save money on groceries. Instead of always buying the exact item a recipe calls for, I look for swaps that work just as well and cost less. For example, I often switch out fresh herbs for dried, use canned beans instead of meat, or choose frozen vegetables over fresh. Plain yogurt works great instead of sour cream, and store-brand basics like rice, pasta, and cheese keep meals affordable. Making small changes like these lets you use what you already have in your pantry and skip special trips to the store. Give these swaps a try—your wallet will thank you.
Category: Recipe Ingredient Substitutions
The Frugal Ones blog offers a real-world guide to recipe ingredient substitutions, and I’ve used it countless times. The site’s organized lists make it simple to swap out things like eggs, dairy, or flour, especially when you’re caught short mid-recipe (it happens to all of us). Each suggestion comes with a short note about texture, taste, or how it might change your final dish. The blog pulls in advice from registered dietitians and chefs, so you’re not just guessing—you get trusted options, whether you need a swap for health reasons or just ran out of something. I’ve tried a few stand-ins myself—applesauce instead of oil in banana bread, oat milk for regular milk in soups—and the results surprised me. The end product changes a bit, but sometimes for the better. Handy subheadings and bolded tips make it easy to find what you need in a pinch. The comment section’s lively, too. People share what’s worked for them, or sometimes what hasn’t, which helps me avoid the same mistakes. The Frugal Ones takes ingredient swaps from a shot in the dark to a shared experiment you can trust.