Grocery shopping in Singapore: How much do you need to spend?

How much does an average Singaporean spend on monthly groceries?

If you are a Singaporean, you might be wondering how much of your income goes to buying groceries every month. Groceries are essential items that we need to prepare our meals, snacks and beverages at home. But how much do we actually spend on them? And how does our spending compare to other households in Singapore?

To answer these questions, we can look at some data from the 2017/2018 Household Expenditure Survey conducted by the Singapore Department of Statistics. This survey provides a comprehensive picture of the spending patterns of Singaporean households on various goods and services, including food and non-alcoholic beverages.

According to the survey, the average Singaporean household spends about $388.70 per month on groceries. This accounts for about 32% of their total food expenditure, which is about $1,199 per month. The remaining 68% is spent on dining out or ordering takeaways.

The survey also breaks down the grocery spending into different categories of food and non-alcoholic beverages. Here are some interesting findings from the data:

– The largest category is bread and cereals, which includes rice, noodles, pasta, cakes, pastries, bread, biscuits and cookies. The average household spends $69.60 per month on this category, which is about 18% of their grocery spending.
– The second largest category is meat, which includes chilled pork, poultry, beef and mutton. The average household spends $60.30 per month on this category, which is about 16% of their grocery spending.
– The third largest category is fish and seafood, which includes fresh fish, dried fish, canned fish and shellfish. The average household spends $57.30 per month on this category, which is about 15% of their grocery spending.
– The fourth largest category is fruits, which includes fresh fruits, dried fruits and canned fruits. The average household spends $47.10 per month on this category, which is about 12% of their grocery spending.
– The fifth largest category is vegetables, which includes fresh vegetables, dried vegetables and canned vegetables. The average household spends $49.50 per month on this category, which is about 13% of their grocery spending.

Some other categories include milk, cheese and eggs ($42 per month), oils and fats ($7.70 per month), sugar, jam, honey, chocolate and confectionery ($13.30 per month), coffee, tea and cocoa ($11.40 per month), mineral water, soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices ($10.40 per month) and food products not elsewhere classified ($14.20 per month).

The survey also reveals some differences in grocery spending across different types of housing in Singapore. Here are some comparisons:

– Households living in 1- and 2-room HDB flats (including studios) spend the least on groceries, with an average of $182.90 per month. This accounts for about 11% of their total household expenditure.
– Households living in 3-room HDB flats spend slightly more on groceries, with an average of $261.80 per month. This accounts for about 8% of their total household expenditure.
– Households living in 4-room HDB flats spend the most on groceries, with an average of $371.90 per month. This accounts for about 9% of their total household expenditure.

These figures show that grocery spending varies depending on the size and income level of the household. However, they also indicate that groceries are a significant part of the budget for most Singaporeans.

So how can we save money on groceries without compromising on quality and nutrition? Here are some tips that might help:

– Plan your meals ahead and make a shopping list based on what you need. This can help you avoid impulse buying and wasting food.
– Compare prices across different supermarkets and online platforms. You might find some deals or discounts that can lower your costs.
– Buy in bulk or stock up on items that have a long shelf life or can be frozen. This can help you save time and money in the long run.
– Choose seasonal and local produce whenever possible. They are usually fresher, cheaper and more environmentally friendly than imported ones.
– Cook at home more often and use leftovers creatively. You can save money by preparing your own meals and reducing food waste.

Groceries are an essential part of our lives, but they don’t have to break the bank. By being smart and savvy with our grocery spending, we can enjoy a healthy and balanced diet without burning a hole in our pockets.