Meal Planning on a Budget: Filipino Edition

Filipino families know that feeding a household can get expensive. But with smart planning, you can enjoy delicious meals while staying within budget.

Set a Weekly Budget

Decide how much you can spend on groceries each week. The Smart Budget feature in MAU helps you plan meals that fit your budget constraints.

Example: Set a weekly budget of PHP 2,000 for a family of four. The app will suggest recipes that keep you within that range.

Palengke vs Supermarket

Wet markets (palengke) often have fresher produce at lower prices. Buy vegetables, fish, and meat there. Reserve the supermarket for packaged goods and items not available at the palengke.

Price comparison:

• Vegetables at palengke: PHP 20-50/kg
• Vegetables at supermarket: PHP 40-100/kg
• Fish at palengke: PHP 150-300/kg
• Fish at supermarket: PHP 200-400/kg

Use What You Have

Before shopping, check your pantry. MAU's Pantry Tracking shows you what ingredients you already have. Smart Pantry then suggests recipes using those items, reducing waste and unnecessary purchases. See our pantry essentials guide for what to always keep stocked.

Plan for Leftovers

Cook once, eat twice. Dishes like adobo, menudo, and afritada taste even better the next day. Plan these for busy days when you don't have time to cook. Try our 5 budget-friendly ulam ideas for recipes that reheat well.

Track Your Spending

Use the Grocery List feature to add items and track total cost before you shop. This prevents surprise expenses at checkout.

Pro tip: Add estimated prices as you build your list. The app will show your running total so you know where you stand before leaving the house.

The Bottom Line

With planning and the right tools, you can feed your family well without financial stress. Learn how to stop asking "ano ulam" and start planning ahead.