Let’s be real — food prices keep going up, but our budgets? Not so much. As a parent, I want to feed my family healthy, delicious meals without having to say goodbye to all the “sarap” in life. The good news? You don’t have to choose between quality and savings.
With a few smart strategies, I’ve managed to cut ₱10,000/month off our grocery bill — and I’m still serving up our family’s favorites (yes, that includes bacon, cheese, and weekend treats!).
Here’s how I do it — and how you can too.
🛒 1. I Meal Plan Like a Boss
Every Sunday, I sit down with a cup of coffee and plan our meals for the week.
- I check what’s already in the fridge and pantry
- I list meals that use overlapping ingredients
- I assign “budget-friendly” days (like tofu Tuesdays or monggo Mondays)
Why it works: You avoid impulse buys, reduce waste, and make fewer trips to the grocery — which means fewer chances to overspend.
📦 2. I Buy in Bulk (Smartly!)
I stock up on rice, canned goods, frozen meats, and essentials from the palengke, warehouse stores, or online promos.
- Sample: 5 kg of rice + frozen chicken leg quarters = budget hero!
- I store dry goods in airtight containers to avoid spoilage.
Tip: Watch for Buy 1, Take 1 deals or online sales (Shopee, Lazada, S&R app).
🥬 3. I Shop at the Palengke and Support Local
Vegetables, fruits, and fish are way cheaper in the palengke than in grocery stores — and usually fresher too!
- I go early to get the best picks
- I build suki relationships with sellers who give discounts or extra gulay
🍱 4. I Cook (Almost) Everything at Home
Dining out or ordering food even twice a week adds up fast.
I save thousands just by cooking:
- Packed baon for work/school
- Big-batch meals that we can reheat (like afritada, sinigang, or adobo)
- Homemade versions of snacks: fries, chicken poppers, lumpia!
💡 5. I Stick to a “No-Frills” Grocery List
I don’t buy branded cereal or fancy snacks every week. Instead:
- I look for cheaper alternatives with the same quality
- I buy fruits in season (they’re tastier AND cheaper!)
- I avoid the “middle aisles” of the supermarket (aka the temptation zone)
📊 Sample Grocery Comparison (Per Month)
| Category | Before (₱) | After (₱) |
|---|---|---|
| Meats & Poultry | 5,000 | 3,000 |
| Snacks & Drinks | 3,500 | 1,500 |
| Fruits & Veggies | 2,000 | 1,200 |
| Rice & Staples | 2,000 | 1,300 |
| Dining Out | 3,000 | 500 |
| TOTAL | ₱15,500 | ₱7,500 🎉 |
✨ Final Thoughts
You don’t need to deprive your family of the “good stuff” to stick to a budget. With a little planning, some smart shopping habits, and lots of love in the kitchen, you can save big and still serve meals that make your family smile.
🛍️ Got a tip for saving on groceries? I’d love to hear it in the comments! Share this post with a fellow budget-savvy parent.
