Personally, I buy protein powder even though I know the ingredients are actually too cheap to justify the price. But I’m too lazy, and the reward of a cold chocolate shake after working out makes me forget about the outrageous cost. It’s a little guilty pleasure I’ve come to terms with.
Turbinado sugar. It’s considerably more expensive than processed white sugar, but it’s nice in coffee and when used in certain cheesecake crusts (it doesn’t dissolve and leaves a sweet crunch).
I’m going to grow my own sugar beets this year and try making my own. I know it won’t be the same but as long as I end up with something “close enough”, I’ll be happy.