Grocery Bills Getting Bigger? These Tips Can Help You Shop Smarter
AEON BiG is now available on the foodpanda app, giving shoppers access to more than 16,000 grocery and household products from 21 AEON BiG stores nationwide.
- Plan your meals for the week before shopping to reduce impulse buys and avoid wasting food that gets forgotten in the fridge.
- Compare unit prices rather than assuming bigger packs offer better value, as smaller options can sometimes be the smarter choice.
- Try supermarket own-brand products like BiG Value or TOPVALU, which can deliver solid savings without sacrificing quality.
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Okay, raise your hand if you’ve ever walked into a supermarket for “just a few things” and somehow walked out RM200 poorer.
No, it’s not just you. Groceries have become noticeably more expensive over the past few years.
In 2026, many Malaysians are feeling the squeeze as rising production, transport and energy costs continue to push up the prices of everyday essentials.
And for many households, grocery shopping has quietly become one of the biggest monthly expenses.
While we may not be able to control inflation, we can control how we shop.
So whether it’s planning meals, comparing prices or simply choosing a more convenient way to buy groceries, a few smarter habits can go a long way in helping you stretch every ringgit.
Here are four simple ones worth trying.
1. Plan Before You Hit The Stores
Most of us tend to shop backwards. We go to the supermarket first, then decide what to cook based on whatever catches our eye. But that’s kinda like letting our shopping cart do the thinking for us.
Instead, spend a few minutes planning four or five meals for the week ahead. It doesn’t have to be a strict menu, just a rough idea of what you’ll be cooking so your shopping list stays focused on what you actually need.
This simple habit helps reduce impulse purchases and food waste. We’ve all found forgotten vegetables hiding in the fridge a little too late.
Planning also means thinking about how you shop.
If you’re short on time, AEON BiG is now available on the foodpanda app, giving shoppers access to more than 16,000 grocery and household products from 21 AEON BiG stores nationwide, delivered in under an hour at the same prices available in-store.
2. Bigger Pack ≠ Better Deal For You
It’s easy to assume that buying the biggest pack automatically gives you the best value. But not always lah.
Buying in bulk makes sense for products you use regularly. But for things you rarely use, a larger pack may simply mean spending more upfront and risking the product expiring before you finish it.
Malaysian supermarkets are required (by law, okay…) to display unit or weight pricing, usually showing the cost per 100g or per litre.
So, whether you’re shopping in-store or online, making a quick comparison before you buy something can help you see whether you’re actually getting more value for your money.
Because sometimes, the smaller option is the smarter choice for your lifestyle.
3. Give Supermarket Brands a Chance
Another easy way to save is to not overlook supermarket brands, because many store-brand products are actually made by the same manufacturers behind familiar household names, just with different packaging.
For everyday items like canned food, frozen meals, tissues and household cleaning supplies, swapping just a few branded products for supermarket alternatives can add up to noticeable savings over time.
If you’re shopping from AEON BiG, don’t be afraid to explore its own-brand range, such as BiG Value, TOPVALU and Living Choice, alongside your usual favourites. You might be surprised at how much you can save without sacrificing quality.
4. Sometimes, Shopping Smarter Means Shopping Differently
Okay yeah we know Malaysians love a good bargain. Those supermarket catalogues, loyalty app notifications and weekend promos can genuinely help lower your grocery bill.
But… Don’t let a good deal turn into a big bill lah. The key is to let your shopping list lead the way, not the flashy “SALE” signs. After all, saving RM10 on something you never planned to buy isn’t really saving, kan!?
For some shoppers, buying groceries online also makes it easier to stick to the list and avoid impulse purchases that somehow always end up in the trolley.
That’s where AEON BiG on the foodpanda app comes in, and if you’re thinking of giving it a try, now’s a good time.
From 24 July to 13 August, customers can enjoy up to 50% off selected products, making it even easier to stock up on everyday essentials while keeping grocery costs in check.
There’s also the chance to win RM10,000 in weekly prizes through foodpanda’s ‘Order & Win’ campaign, so your weekly grocery run could come with an extra surprise.
And if you happen to be near AEON BiG Subang Jaya, Mid Valley or Wangsa Maju, keep your eyes peeled for Pau-Pau’s Grocery Run, where foodpanda’s beloved panda mascot will be making surprise appearances to hand out vouchers worth up to RM15 off, together with free delivery perks (while stocks last, of course!).
If grocery delivery has become part of your routine, a pandapro subscription can also help unlock extra savings, with additional perks and delivery benefits on eligible orders.
But hey, no single trick will magically cut your grocery bill in half overnight. The key is making small, smarter choices that add up over time.
So try these tips out on your next grocery run, and don’t forget that you can now get your AEON BiG essentials through foodpanda for a more convenient way to shop.
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