Grocery Prices in Manila Shocked Us🛒🇵🇭

As full-time travelers, we love exploring new cultures through food, and one of our favorite ways to do that is by shopping in local grocery stores. Our recent trip to the Philippines was no exception… and let’s just say, Manila’s grocery stores definitely gave us a few surprises!

We captured all of our reactions and discoveries in our latest YouTube video:

Our Grocery Store Adventure

Walking down the aisles, we were immediately struck by how different everything looked compared to what we’re used to in the U.S. From tropical fruits we hadn’t seen fresh before, to local snacks and everyday staples, every aisle was a little adventure in itself.

Some items were incredibly affordable, like fresh produce and rice, while imported products or brand-name items could get surprisingly pricey, like cheese and yoghurt.

What We Learned

1. Local vs. Imported: Buying local staples like rice, vegetables, and fruits is much cheaper than imported items.

2. Portion Sizes Matter: Many packaged foods come in smaller sizes compared to the U.S., which makes budgeting interesting.

3. Try New Things: Don’t just stick to what you know  some of the best discoveries were things we’d never heard of before.

4. Cash is King in Some Places: While bigger supermarkets accept cards, smaller stores often prefer cash.

5. Shopping Is an Experience: Grocery stores in Manila aren’t just about buying food, they’re a window into everyday life and culture.

6. Our grocery store trip in Manila was more than just shopping, it was a small adventure that gave us a deeper look into daily life in the Philippines. We loved comparing prices, trying new foods, and sharing our reactions with you.

If you want a fun, honest, and sometimes shocking look at what it’s like to shop in a Manila grocery store, check out the full video!

With love,
Vanessa & Jay 🌏💖