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How to Save Money on Groceries in Singapore – Without Skipping Meals
Saving money on groceries in Singapore doesn’t mean cutting meals or eating maggi every night. I’ve been living on a tight budget and still eating well. Along the way, I learned the hidden ways supermarkets trick us into spending more. Today, I’ll share 10 real tips that work for me — and a few secret tricks to help you fight back and really save money on groceries.
1. Set a Weekly Budget – It’s Your First Shield
Set a limit. Mine started at $50 per week, now I float between $60–$70 comfortably. This budget keeps me focused. Supermarkets are designed to make you overspend — so your budget is your shield.
Fun Fact: Research shows people who use cash or pre-paid cards spend up to 20% less than those tapping credit cards. Why? Because it hurts more to part with real money.
2. Plan Meals Based on What You Already Have
Instead of asking what do I feel like eating?, I ask what can I make with what I already have? Then I fill in the gaps with a simple list.
Pro Tip: Plan 2 “empty fridge” days each week. That’s when you use up leftovers or get creative with scraps — it helps save money on groceries and reduce food waste.
3. Don’t Fall for Supermarket Layout Tricks
Supermarkets are sneaky:
- Essentials like milk, eggs, and bread? Always at the back — to force you to walk past temptations.
- Expensive brands? Always placed at eye level.
- Chocolates and snacks? Near the checkout for impulse buys.
Hack: Look at the bottom or top shelves for cheaper house-brand options. They taste almost the same but cost way less.
4. Shop at Budget-Friendly Places
I rotate between:
- NTUC FairPrice: Best for local brands and promos.
- Sheng Siong: Cheap, fresh, and lots of bundle deals.
- Wet Markets: Bargain paradise for fruits, veggies, and fish.
- Mustafa Centre: Great for dry goods, bulk buys, and international products.
Note: Avoid mini-marts and convenience stores unless it’s urgent — their prices can be 20–30% higher.
5. Use Apps to Compare Prices & Stack Rewards
I never shop without checking:
- Price Kaki – Compares prices across nearby stores.
- ShopBack / FavePay – Earn cashback.
- FairPrice / Grab / Link Rewards – Earn points or vouchers.
iStacking Trick: I once bought discounted items, used a credit card offer, and earned LinkPoints all in one purchase. Saved $7.20 on just $30 of groceries.
6. House Brands Are Underrated Heroes
FairPrice, Meadows, and Sheng Siong brands are my go-tos. Pasta, sauces, rice, biscuits – all way cheaper, and honestly, just as good.
Why this works: Most house brands are made by the same manufacturers as famous brands – just in different packaging. You’re paying for marketing, not quality.
7. Cook Big, Eat Smart
I batch-cook once a week. A curry, a stir-fry, boiled eggs, and some soup. I freeze half. I mix and match meals with rice or noodles to keep it interesting.
Extra tip: Freeze in flat layers in ziplock bags — they stack better and thaw faster.
8. Leftovers = Bonus Meals
I make fried rice from leftover veggies. Stews from old chicken bones. I even blend fruit that’s going soft into smoothies.
Inspiration: I follow the “Eat Your Pantry” challenge monthly – where I force myself to finish all frozen or stored food before buying more.
9. Don’t Shop Hungry or Bored
There’s science behind this: when you’re hungry, you’re more likely to buy high-calorie, expensive snacks. I always eat before shopping, and I avoid browsing — I’m in and out.
Fact: A Cornell University study showed people spent up to 25% more when shopping hungry. Yikes!
10. Bulk-Buy the Right Things
I only bulk-buy non-perishables: rice, oil, toilet rolls, detergent. I skip snacks or things I’ll overeat if they’re just lying around.
Buy smart: Watch for unit prices on labels. Sometimes, bigger packs look cheaper but aren’t.
BONUS: Special Supermarket Tricks to Watch Out For
Here’s how supermarkets play with your brain (and wallet):
- Fake sales: “Was $5.90, now $5.80” — not real savings.
- Bundle deals: “3 for $10” sounds great, but you might only need 1.
- Music & scent: Slow music = you stay longer and buy more. Bakeries pump out fresh bread smell to make you hungry.
Now that you know, don’t fall for it.
Eat Well, Spend Less
You can totally save money on groceries in Singapore without going hungry. It’s not about suffering or skipping meals. It’s about shopping smart, cooking smart, and knowing how the system works.
Once you get into the flow, it becomes second nature. And when you see your monthly savings grow? It’s addictive – in a good way.
