Let’s be honest: It’s 2024, and even basic groceries are expensive. But some expensive food items are worth the upcharge, splurge, or night out on the town. Not everyone will want to splurge on lobster (even if it tastes so good), but a swap to real parmesan cheese might be worth the expense. Let’s look at some expensive food items worth every penny, and don’t worry, caviar isn’t on the list.
1. Vanilla Extract
It’s best to go with the real deal when it comes to vanilla. I know it can be expensive, but trust me, it’s worth it in terms of how much you get per dollar. I mean, you could probably make cakes or vanilla iced coffee for a whole year with just one bottle! And that means lots of snacks with a real vanilla taste, which is totally worth the investment.
2. Balsamic Vinegar
We all have balsamic vinegar in our kitchen, don’t we? But let’s be honest, we usually opt for the cheaper ones—because who wants to spend more money on vinegar, right? But wait, here’s the deal: Good-quality vinegar can make a huge difference in your dish. Sometimes it’s the simplest ingredients that make a recipe taste amazing, so let’s treat ourselves and splurge on some high-quality balsamic vinegar and make our taste buds dance with joy.
3. Olive Oil
Olive oils, such as extra virgin and virgin, are extremely popular around the world and are worth a whopping $22.3 billion as of 2022. This value is expected to increase significantly in the coming years! Although the harvest was not very good in 2023, the prices of extra virgin olive oil are not expected to decrease anytime soon as it is impossible to enjoy a delicious salad, pasta, and other tasty treats without the use of olive oil.
4. Parmesan Cheese
“Real” parmesan cheese is absolutely worth the cost. There are many cheaper versions of parm, like the grated shaker kind. However, many people say that the flavor and texture of the real thing is worth the upcharge.
5. Local Food Items
Local produce, eggs, and others can be more expensive compared to what you can find in the grocery store. However, buying fresh and local is worth the splurge. By doing so, you’re supporting a small business and your community. Many say fresh eggs and produce taste better than the grocery store varieties.
6. A Good Steak
Steak can be expensive, especially the fancier varieties people say are incredible, like Wagyu. On top of that, steak can be difficult to cook just how you like it. Splurging on a nice cut of meat or a night out at a steak house can be a great way to get your steak fix.
7. Vodka
Vodka may be worth splurging over if you’re concerned about taste, smoothness, and a hangover. Although not always the case, a more expensive vodka is usually distilled more. Due to it being distilled many times, it’s often smoother and tastes better. Plus, the distilling process removes more impurities that contribute to hangovers. But remember, just because you’re drinking high-quality vodka does not mean you’ll escape a hangover the next day.
8. Real Maple Syrup
“Real” maple syrup is typically more expensive than pancake syrup, but many people say the real stuff is worth the price because of the taste. Maple syrup also lasts a long time, so there’s less of a chance your splurge will go bad before you can use it. Plus, depending on where you live, you can buy local, fresh syrup for your morning pancakes.
9. Lobster
Lobster is highly desired, expensive, and potentially tricky to prepare. But if you’re a seafood lover, buying lobster at the market or going out to dinner to get some is worth the splurge.
10. Sushi
In the seafood world, sushi is another food worth the money. It can be expensive due to the ingredients and labor involved in creating it, among other things, but a spicy crab or dragon roll is just so worth it.
11. Quality Coffee
Most of us need our daily caffeine fix, and spending a little extra money to get good coffee can be worth it. Many people splurge on different varieties of coffee for quality, taste, or roast. If sustainability and improved wages for coffee growers worldwide are important to you, splurging on coffee with those ideals in mind is worth the cost, too.
12. Nuts
Nuts are a staple for many people, and although they can be expensive, they’re worth every penny. Not only do they taste good, but they’re good for you. Nuts contain healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals and offer many health benefits, too. Pass the pistachios!
13. Oysters, Clams, and Scallops
As we’ve learned with lobster and sushi, seafood can be an expensive protein choice. But things like oysters, clams, and scallops are worth it, whether you buy them at the market or find them at your favorite restaurant.
14. Fresh, Whole Garlic
If you’re like me, you put garlic in just about everything savory. Powdered garlic is cheap and great in a pinch. However, nothing compares to the fresh stuff, and many people say there’s no comparison in terms of flavor. Plus, there’s no plastic or unnecessary packaging when you grab a bulb at the store.
15. The Item You Like Way Better
Many of us buy the store brand of an item to save a few dollars, and usually, the store brand is just as good as the more expensive name brand. If you prefer a brand name to the cheaper version, splurge and get the more expensive one. Enjoyment is worth the extra couple of bucks.