How to Know if You Have One

Did your childhood snacks consist of spoonfuls of peanut butter, cheese sandwiches, and bread with butter and cinnamon sugar? If so, you are in good company.

TikTokers far and wide are reliving the reality of growing up in so-called “ingredient households,” where ready-to-eat packaged snacks were not always available. Some say the intent behind this was to provide nutritious food options, while others say their parents couldn’t afford packaged snacks like Chex Mix and Chips Ahoy. Ahead, we’re taking a closer look at the trending term so you can decide whether or not you’re running an ingredient household in your home.

Origin of the Term Ingredient Household 

The term “ingredient household” first went viral on TikTok in 2022 as users poked fun at growing up in snack-free homes. The results were digital gold. Millennials and Gen Zers alike reminisced about snacking on all the things that were not really meant to be snacks at all: spoonfuls of sprinkles, ice cubes, cereal and, yes, even handfuls of grated cheese.

The term quickly rose to popularity and with it came an official entry in Urban Dictionary, which defines the term as “a home that has no ready-to-eat foods or snacks, only the ingredients to make food.”

Two years later, the hashtag #ingredienthouselhold is still going strong.

Signs You Might Be Running an Ingredient Household 

So how do you know if you are really an ingredient household? Let me count the ways: Your pantry is likely devoid of fruit snacks, Pringles, or Oreos, and you likely cringe when you hear your phone vibrate at 3 pm because you know it’s the dreaded “I-am-starving-and-there-is-nothing-to-eat” text.

All kidding aside, people who are intentionally running ingredient households tend to prioritize fresh, whole foods and shop for meals, not snacks. Dr. Krutika Nanavati, a registered nutritionist and dietician and consultant at ClinicSpots, is excited about what she describes as “more than just a trend.” Rather, running an ingredient household involves making “a conscious decision to…take control of what goes into our bodies.”

If you’re running an ingredient household, you likely do the majority of their food shopping in the produce and fresh foods sections, “prioritize home-cooked meals, and prepare dishes from scratch using fresh, whole ingredients,” adds Nanavati. “Your fridge and shelves are filled with vibrant fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and legumes.”  

Benefits of Having an Ingredient Household 

While the TikTok trend pokes fun at growing up in an ingredient household and many users complain about their snackless upbringing, there are benefits to keeping your kitchen this way.

When you stock your pantry with fresh ingredients and whole foods, “you have full control over what goes into your food, resulting in meals [and snacks] that are rich in nutrients and free from unnecessary additives,” says Nanavati.

Additionally, running an ingredient household might result in less food waste, points out Stephanie Di Figlia-Peck, MS, RDN, CDN, CDCESD, lead registered dietitian.

Figlia-Peck adds the process of preparing snacks independently can be a big plus. When ready-to-eat snacks are not easily accessible, kids end up being resourceful and creative with their choices. Di Figlia-Peck says it leads to “a sense of accomplishment, with kids thinking, ‘I did it, look at me, it wasn’t so bad after all.’”  

Drawbacks of Having an Ingredient Household

There are, of course, challenges to swapping the packaged potato chips for fruit and veggies. It’s worth keeping in mind that there are plenty of nutritious foods that are packaged, and not everything that comes in a box is lacking in nutrients.

“In some areas, access to fresh, high-quality ingredients can be limited, making it more difficult to sustain this lifestyle,” says Nanavati. She adds that “cooking from scratch requires more time and effort than relying on convenience foods.” You must be intentional about your grocery shopping, which requires organization, planning, and proactivity.

It’s also worth noting that operating with an “ingredient household” isn’t realistic for many families. Studies done by United States Department of Agriculture shows that food prices have skyrocketed by 25% from 2019 to 2023. For many, it simply isn’t financially possible to stock up on expensive fresh food ingredients for days or weeks at a time.

Other families may have the financial means to fill their fridges with these so-called ingredients, but may not have the time. Single parents, third-shift workers, and those with high-demand jobs often reach for pre-packaged foods or the drive thru out of convenience—and that’s okay. There is no “right” way to feed a family.

Nutritional Snacks to Keep on Hand 

Everyone needs a quick snack once in a while, so what’s an ingredient-parent to do when the kids are hungry and dinner is still hours away?

There are many nutritious, ingredient-centered snacks that are convenient, will satiate your kids’ hunger, and meet your nutritional goals all at once. Greek yogurt, nuts and seeds, whole grain crackers, cheese, pickles, and eggs are some popular options.

The bottom line is that running an ingredient household doesn’t need to be an all-or-nothing thing, and there are ways to stock your kitchen that work for everyone in your family.