The Homemade Upgrade series
Scratch-made versions of the packaged food already in your pantry, cost and nutrition compared side by side, with the ingredient swap that made the difference.
RecipesCooking at Home vs. Eating Out. What’s Better?
Over the past 12 months, the cost of meals prepared outside the home have climbed 3.1%, while the cost of groceries rose only 1%. The average price per serving of home cooked meals is $4.31, while the average cost of eating out is $20.37. Much of the time, we can approach life with a “to each their own” mentality. And for good reason! We like what we like, and there’s no getting around it.
RecipesHomemade Upgrade: Cacio e Pepe from Trader Joe's
Bring the comfort of Roman cuisine to your table with this Journey Foods twist on the beloved Trader Joe’s Cacio e Pepe. This version highlights classic flavors while letting you adapt with Journey’s signature ingredients, making it hearty, simple, and delicious for any weeknight dinner.
RecipesHomemade Upgrade: Stovetop Stuffing #DUP
Stovetop’s 58/100 score reflects its processed base and high sodium. Homemade herb stuffing (score: 83) is a fiber-filled, flavor-rich upgrade that’s worth the extra 20 minutes.
RecipesHomemade Upgrade: Lunchables vs Bento Style Lunch with Recipe
With a Journey Score of 85 vs. Lunchables’ 54, the homemade bento brings real protein, fiber-rich crackers, and fewer additives, all with the same convenience.
RecipesHomemade Upgrade: Instant Ramen with Recipe
Maruchan’s 48/100 reflects its processed oils, low fiber, and salt-heavy seasoning. Homemade miso-ginger ramen (85/100) is a satisfying, whole-food upgrade that turns a snack into a meal.
RecipesHomemade Upgrade: At-Home Toaster Waffles Recipe
Eggo’s 61/100 waffles don’t bring much more than nostalgia. A homemade version (Journey Score: 84) delivers better nutrition and freezer convenience, without seed oils or sugar overload.
RecipesHomemade Upgrade: Jell-O Instant Pudding Mix #DUP
Jell-O pudding scores a 54 for relying on additives and synthetic flavors. Homemade pudding climbs to 85, thanks to whole-food ingredients, customizable options, and far better flavor.
RecipesHomemade Upgrade: Yogurt & Fruit Cup Recipe
With a Journey Score of 86 versus Yoplait’s 58, the homemade yogurt bowl brings better fats, more fiber, less sugar, and actual fruit. It’s a simple, delicious upgrade that fuels your morning without spiking your afternoon.
RecipesRecipe Dive: Homemade Pop Tarts Recipe
Homemade Pop-Tarts score 14.4 points higher than store-bought versions (84.1 vs 69.7). See what's really in your breakfast pastry and get our simple recipe that eliminates all the harmful processed ingredients.
RecipesA New Take on Your Morning Ritual: Sex Coffee
Do you need a quick pick-me-up early in the morning? You've come to the right place! Today, we turn up the lights extra bright on nutrient-dense medicinal ingredients that have pro
RecipesAlkanet: Exploring This Colorful Herb and Its Benefits
Food dye information. Depending on the way Alkanett is processed and sourced, its coloring (dye) properties may be promising to CPGs as a replacement to some modern and harmful inks or dyes.
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