If it feels like your grocery bill has been quietly growing faster than your salary, you’re not alone. In 2025, the cost of living in Malaysia has crept up everywhere — from teh tarik to chicken drumsticks. “Haiya, even rice is expensive now, how to budget?” But here’s the thing: eating well doesn’t have to mean spending more. With a little planning and a few insider tricks, you can still fill your fridge with fresh, tasty food without blowing your budget.

Here’s how:

Start with a shopping list.
My aunt swears by this: never step into the store without a list. “If you go in without a list, you’ll come out with chocolate and three types of instant noodles you didn’t need,” she says — and she’s right. Spend ten minutes on Sunday deciding what you’ll cook for the week, jot down exactly what you need, and stick to it. The less you wander aimlessly through aisles, the less your wallet suffers.

Buy what’s in season.
Seasonal produce is like concert tickets bought at the right time — cheaper, better, and you get more for your money. Mangos in mango season? Sweet, juicy, and affordable. Leafy greens during the rainy months? Crisp and plentiful. Off-season strawberries? Save them for special occasions — your wallet and taste buds will thank you.

Think big for pantry staples.
Rice, pasta, canned sardines, cooking oil — if you’ve got the space to store them, buying bigger packs can save a surprising amount. Just make sure you’ve got a dry, airtight spot so moisture and ants don’t invite themselves in. I once bought a 10kg bag of rice on sale and felt like I’d unlocked a new level of adulthood.

Store it right, eat it all.
Half the battle is keeping your food fresh long enough to eat it. Keep your fridge at 4°C or lower, use airtight containers for biscuits and flour, and freeze meats, bread, or leftovers if you can’t finish them in time. I’ve frozen roti canai before — a quick reheat on the pan and it was as good as fresh. Just make sure you don’t let any food go to waste or expire before you have a chance to enjoy it.

Watch for deals like a hawk.
Bundle deals are your best friend. If two bottles of cooking oil are RM10 instead of RM6 each, grab them — they’ll keep. Many grocers (yes, including Plowman) run weekly specials, so it pays to know when they happen. Check flyers or follow your favourite stores on social media; sometimes the best deals are gone in a day.

So, the next time you feel that little pinch at the checkout counter, remember: the secret isn’t spending less on food, it’s spending smarter. A little planning, a little timing, and a fridge full of happy, healthy meals can still fit comfortably in your budget. 

At Plowman, we believe fresh and affordable shouldn’t be a trade-off. Our produce comes straight from trusted suppliers, our pantry staples are priced for value, and our promos are designed to actually save you money — not just look good on paper. Check out our deals and read our other blog posts for more grocery tips and tricks!