There are a lot of pricey ingredients out there - some worth the money, some definitely not... Here are 12 premium ingredients that should be on your splurge list, as they really do make a difference, and are worth their hefty price tag. I don't buy all of these regularly... but I sure wish I could!
Saffron
This vibrant ingredient it one of the most expensive spices in the world. But the delicious flavor can enhance dishes like paella and risotto in an unmatched way, justifying the price tag, and luckily a little goes a long way. There's really nothing that can give that same flavor boost!
Real Vanilla
Pure vanilla, extracted from vanilla beans, offers a deeper vanilla flavor than artificial vanilla extracts and vanilla powders. Baking and cooking with real vanilla extract gives a luxurious flavor that's worth every drop. And if the pure vanilla extract is too expensive, try making it yourself using vanilla beans and alcohol!
Fair Trade Coffee
Buying fair-trade coffee ensures that farmers are paid fairly for their labor, and the resulting product is often a superior cup of java. I always get fairtrade coffee because if there's one food where that really matters, it's for coffee!
Wagyu Beef
Wagyu is known as a superior piece of beef, with lots of marbling and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. For a real steak lover, it is definitely worth every penny! I've been lucky enough to have this on a few occasions and MAN, that was a treat.
Sushi
Sushi is really a gourmet treat, even if we're now quite used to the fast food versions available today. But go to a real sushi bar and you will agree - this is gourmet food on a level. But expect the price tag to match...
Filet Mignon
Filet mignon is a top-tier steak choice: buttery, melt-in-the-mouth texture, and oh so tender. You might not be able to enjoy it every week but for special occasions? Definitely worth the splurge!
Name Brand Ice Cream
While generic ice cream is good, name-brand varieties often use premium ingredients, resulting in creamier textures and richer flavors. Sometimes, indulging in a scoop of high-quality ice cream is worth it for that extra flavor, especially if you're serving it on its own - or to a crowd of grown-ups. I personally am not a big ice cream fan - but give me a tub of Häagen-Dazs or Ben & Jerry's and I will devour it in no time!
High-Quality Olive Oil
High-quality olive oil, especially extra-virgin varieties, are great for adding a bit of flavor to salads and other dishes. Not to mention mixing in salt and pepper and using it to dip freshly baked bread in... But for this, the cheaper versions just won't do!
Lobster
Lobster is a seafood delicacy worth splurging on for special occasions. The taste of a perfectly cooked lobster is an amazing experience and one that's quite easy to create in the comfort of your own home.
High-Quality Cheese
High-quality cheeses offer a world of flavors and textures that mass-produced options can't match. While you will get by using supermarket cheese in a lot of your cooking, when serving up a cheese platter you'll really want to go the specialty store route!
Pomegranates
Pomegranates might not be the most expensive, but they can seem like an unnecessary treat since they are basically just... seeds?! However, those same juicy seeds are bursting with flavor and antioxidants, making it well worth the cost! They truly are a refreshing and nutritious treat that's 100% good for you.
Real Butter
Real butter is a must in my kitchen. But you're probably not surprised, since my blog is literally called "always use butter". Fun fact: I named it thusly because whenever anyone asks me for cooking or baking tips, my first tip is always: "always use butter".
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