If there’s one question moms always ask each other, it’s this: “Magkano na groceries ngayon?”
Every year, it feels like our cart gets lighter even though our budget stays the same (or goes up ).
So last weekend, I did a little experiment — a ₱1,000 Grocery Challenge using my usual list from Puregold here in our area. I wanted to see how far ₱1,000 would really go in 2025, and honestly… medyo napabuntong-hininga ako pero at least may natutunan!
But first, here’s a little kwento.
We were on our way to Twinkle’s Young Chef Society meeting, and she suddenly asked,
“Mommy, magkano ba groceries? Bakit minsan sabi mo‘budget muna tayo’?”
I laughed, but it made me think. Our kids see us stretching our pesos, adjusting our menus, and finding ways to make meals delicious kahit tight ang budget — and I want her to understand that it’s not about having less, it’s about being resourceful.
So here it is — straight from a tired mom who loves good food and practical budgets.
What ₱1,000 Can Buy in 2025 (Realistic Estimate)
Here’s what made it into my cart:
🛒 Rice & Basics
- 2kg rice — ₱120–₱150 per pack
- 1 tray of eggs (12 pcs) — ₱11 7– ₱130
🥩 Ulam Portion
- 1/2 kg chicken wings — around ₱110
- 1/2 kg pork belly — ₱160–₱180
🥬 Gulay
- 1 puso ng repolyo — ₱60
- 4–5 tomatoes — ₱25
- 1 bunch kangkong — ₱15
- 3 potatoes — ₱40
🍞 Snacks & Essentials
- Small loaf of bread — ₱45
- 1L milk — ₱95
- 4 sachets coffee — ₱32
- 1 small cooking oil — ₱45–₱55
Total: ₱990–₱1,030
(depende sa store at city!)
Honestly, it shocked me how quickly essentials added up. No fancy snacks, no ice cream, no extra ulam. Just the basics.
How to Stretch Your ₱1,000 (Mom-Tested Tips!)
Here’s what works for me:
1. Plan meals, hindi lang grocery list
I plan 3–4 dishes that share ingredients (for example, potatoes for afritada and for frying).
2. Buy gulay mid-week
Mas fresh at mas mura sa palengke compared to supermarket.
3. Mix meat + veggies dishes
Mas mura, mas madami, mas healthy. Perfect for afritada, chopsuey, or pinakbet.
4. When in doubt, eggs save the day
Best budget ulam of all time. No debate.
Grocery prices in the Philippines in 2025 definitely feel heavier, but I realized something during this challenge: It’s not about the size of your budget—it’s how thoughtfully you use it. Twinkle even helped me plan our meals when we got home, which made everything feel lighter.
Budgeting is hard… but it’s easier when we do it with love.
