1. Cheese
Cut a slice of cheese from a cheap block, then cut a slice from a more expensive wedge of the same type of cheese. When you taste each, you might notice how much richer, creamier, and more flavorful the high-quality cheese is, while the cheaper block might taste bland in comparison.
Look for locally made cheeses if possible, and talk to the cheesemonger at your grocery store for tips on what to buy based on what recipes you’re wanting to make or your general cheese preferences. Like many of the higher-quality ingredients in this list, the nice cheese might be more expensive, but its stronger flavor means you can use less of it for each dish.
2. Butter
Like cheese, there is a richness and more potent flavor in higher quality butters. You may opt for cheaper butters for cooking, but if you’re looking for a good butter to spread on toast or make an indulgent birthday cake, good butter is key.
3. Eggs
The price of eggs usually indicates how the chickens were raised. Cheap eggs come from chickens that tend to live indoors and/or in cages for much of their lives, while more expensive eggs make up the higher cost of raising chickens more humanely. Buy directly from a farmer if you have access to a farmers market or talk with friends and family who raise chickens and may have plenty of eggs to spare.
Nutritionally, both conventional and humanely raised chicken eggs tend to have similar nutritional values, although organic eggs may have higher omega-3 levels. Higher-quality eggs tend to have brighter, orange yolks, while conventional egg yolks are often a pale yellow. Pasture-raised and/or organic eggs tend to have a richer flavor as well.
4. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
You don’t need to spend the big bucks on standard olive oil that you use for cooking, but do save some extra dollars in the grocery budget for nice extra-virgin olive oil to make salad dressings or finish off meals.
Rather than buying extra-virgin olive oil in a large bottle or in bulk, you can save a little by buying a smaller canister. You only need to use it sparingly to add flavor to your foods, and by opting for a smaller container, you minimize the risk of the oil going rancid before you can use it all up.
5. Vanilla Extract
The difference between the cheaper imitation vanilla and the real deal can be pretty astounding. If you really want to make your baked goods shine, good vanilla extract is the secret. You can use less of it in each batch of cookies or for each cake mix without losing out on flavor.
If you’re not ready to drop a lump sum on real vanilla extract, you can save money by making your own. You just need some vanilla beans and a little liquor of your choice (vodka is common, but feel free to experiment with other spirits like bourbon or brandy). Recipe here!
6. Chocolate
Don’t skimp on chocolate. Whether for snacking on or mixing into baked goods, a fine chocolate will have more robust flavor than cheaper options loaded with additives. Plus, you can support more sustainable agricultural practices by finding a high-quality chocolate that is Fair Trade- and Rainforest Alliance-certified.
7. Finishing Salts
Sure, you can save on salt you’ll be adding to meals while cooking them. But keep at least one nice salt on hand to finish meals off with. Whether you prefer big, flaky sea salt or a smoked salt, choose an option or two you enjoy. Pour a little over cooked veggies before serving, sprinkle onto salads, or top off toasts. These fancy salts can deliver big flavor even in small quantities.