For many households in Singapore, grocery shopping has quietly become one of the biggest weekly expenses. Prices fluctuate, promotions rotate quickly, and it’s easy to spend more than planned without realising it. That’s why more people are rethinking how they approach their weekly grocery runs — not just what they buy, but where and how. Understanding what are smart ways to save money on groceries start with small, realistic changes. From planning habits to smarter use of online grocery platforms, these strategies focus on making everyday grocery shopping feel more manageable – and far less stressful.
What are the best ways to save money on groceries every week? The first step is to plan your meals in advance. Every Sunday, I sit down and map out dinners, lunches, and even snacks for the coming days. Meal planning helps you buy only what you need and avoid pricey impulse items. It also lets you incorporate budget-friendly ingredients – for example, planning two chicken dishes if whole chickens are on sale, or using cheaper protein alternatives like eggs or tofu on some nights.
Be sure to check your pantry and fridge as you plan. Use up what you already have on hand and jot down the missing ingredients. With a weekly menu in place, you’ll head to the store knowing exactly what to buy (and nothing extra), which keeps your spending in check.
A strict weekly grocery budget creates structure and accountability. Instead of loosely estimating spending, setting a firm limit – such as $100 per week – forces smarter decisions. Shoppers can monitor their cart total as they go, whether online or in-store. Many families use budgeting methods like the 50/30/20 rule to allocate spending. The key is choosing a number that’s realistic but slightly challenging.
When spending stays under budget, those savings can go toward other household priorities!
One simple yet smart way to save money on groceries is to have a snack or meal before you go shopping. We’ve all been there – strolling through the aisles on an empty stomach, only to find our cart filled with cookies, chips, and random treats that weren’t originally on the menu. Shopping while hungry triggers cravings and impulse buys, often for expensive convenience foods. Prevent this by eating a hearty meal or at least a banana or sandwich before hitting the supermarket.
If you’re still wondering what are smart ways to save money on groceries, another effective strategy is to compare prices before you buy. Whenever I do my weekly shop, I like to skim through supermarket flyers or apps to see who has sales on the items I need. In Singapore, major supermarkets often run weekly promotions – for example, one might discount fresh produce this week while another has bulk deals on rice. If your schedule allows, you can visit different shops for different items (buy produce at the wet market for cheap, then hit the supermarket for packaged goods on sale).
Alternatively, do a quick check online: many grocery retailers list their weekly specials on their websites. Keep an eye out for “loss leaders”, which are deep-discount items designed to lure you in – you can plan a few meals around those sale proteins or veggies to maximise savings.
Brand loyalty can be expensive. A straightforward grocery hack is to buy basic or house-brand products instead of big-name brands. Most supermarket chains in Singapore offer their own store brands for staples like rice, bread, milk, spices, cleaning supplies, and more. These generic or house-brand items often come from the same manufacturers as the branded ones, but without the fancy packaging and marketing costs – meaning they’re sold much cheaper.
Similarly, try the “value” or economy range for items like canned goods, pasta, and cereals. You might be surprised to find that the taste and quality are virtually the same. By avoiding premium labels and reaching for the cheaper alternatives, you can enjoy your favourite foods and household essentials at a fraction of the cost. Over time, those savings really add up.
Buying in bulk is a classic way to save money – but use this strategy smartly. For non-perishable items your family uses a lot, like rice, toilet paper, or dish soap, it often pays off to buy the larger economy size or multipack. The cost per unit or per gram is usually much lower than that of smaller packages. You can also stock up during sales: for instance, if your favourite cereal is 50% off, buying two or three boxes for the coming weeks will save you money in the long run.
Important: Only buy bulk items that you know you will definitely use up before they spoil. It’s not a bargain to purchase a giant bag of onions or a gallon of milk only to throw half away.
Frozen meats, seafood, and vegetables are typically much cheaper than fresh ones, and they keep far longer. Modern freezing techniques lock in nutrients and flavour, so you’re not compromising on quality. For instance, flash-frozen fish fillets and veggies can be just as nutritious as fresh, and often come pre-cut and cleaned, saving you prep time.
In addition, make your freezer your ally: stock up on perishables when they’re on sale and freeze them for later. Bread, butter, cheese, and even milk can be frozen to extend their shelf life. If you cook a big batch of curry or soup, freeze the leftovers in small containers for quick meals, so nothing goes bad. By using frozen foods and storing your groceries correctly (airtight containers, proper refrigeration, etc.), you’ll lengthen the lifespan of your food and reduce the need to shop again so soon. Fewer grocery trips and zero spoiled food mean more money stays in your pocket.
Many supermarkets have coupon codes, membership cards, or mobile apps that offer exclusive deals. Singapore’s major grocery chains often partner with banks or apps to give cashback or points. For example, certain credit cards give you a rebate or supermarket vouchers after you accumulate spending.
Also, don’t forget special discount days: some stores have senior citizen discount days. These little savings might seem small individually – $2 off here, 5% rebate there – but together, they substantially lower your effective grocery costs. In addition, consider using cashback platforms (e.g. ShopBack) when buying groceries online for extra rebates.
For budget-conscious households, convenience and visibility are just as important as discounts. Shopee Supermarket works well because it brings promotions, platform vouchers and product prices into one transparent space. Shoppers can compare items, review their cart carefully, and apply vouchers in a single checkout flow – reducing impulse spending while still benefiting from available deals.
Housekeeping essentials can quietly take up a big chunk of your monthly grocery bill. On Shopee Supermarket, Valuestar offer up to 42% off housekeeping essentials bundles, covering everyday items like facial tissues and kitchen towels.
Buying in bundles means fewer trips to restock and a lower cost per roll or pack – savings that really add up over the year. Plus, did you know Valuestar also carries other household essentials like toilet tissue and detergent? Their promise to give your family the best doesn’t have to break the bank. Discover the ultimate #FamilySuperSaver deals with Valuestar products!
Shoppers browsing Shopee Supermarket can often find platform-wide promotions such as up to 80% off shopwide and Star Buys: bestsellers up to min. 40% off refreshed daily!. During these campaigns, a wide range of F&B and household favourites are discounted, including:
If you’re new to Shopee Supermarket, you can also enjoy $2 off your first three purchases through new buyer exclusive vouchers, helping you test the platform while shaving down your weekly bill. Combine these with daily vouchers and free shipping codes to make your regular grocery runs more affordable without extra effort.
Yes – $100 a week can be a good grocery budget, but it depends heavily on household size and eating habits.
Here’s a realistic breakdown for grocery spending in Singapore:
| Household type | Recommended weekly grocery budget | Is $100 enough? |
| Singles | $50 – $90 | Yes, more than sufficient |
| Couples (No Kids) | $90 – $150 | Possible, but requires planning |
| Family (2 Kids) | $180 – $300 | Likely too tight |
Ultimately, what are smart ways to save money on groceries comes down to using the right platform, not just cutting back. By making Shopee Supermarket the foundation of your grocery routine – and combining deals, Valuestar bundles and supermarket shopping vouchers – saving money becomes sustainable, not stressful.
Once groceries are under control, investing in efficient home-cooking tools can push savings even further. Appliances like those featured in our guides to the best air fryers in Singapore and best rice cookers in Singapore make home meals easier, faster and more cost-effective – which is exactly what every budget-conscious household needs!
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