10 Filipino grocery store products that are worth the splurge

Consider these Filipino grocery store products on your first Filipino supermarket run | Photo by Sonder Quest on Unsplash

Homesickness comes in different forms, and so does the way you can cope with it. Some folks binge on classic Pinoy films and teleseryes they grew up watching, while others gather for a spirited videoke session with nothing but OPM (and P-pop songs) in the queue.

But for those who particularly crave the familiar taste and aroma of home, a quick trip to the nearest Filipino grocery store can do the trick. Stepping into one is a sensory overload in the best way possible, with each shelf offering products that can transport you back to the archipelago sans the long flight.

However, navigating the store aisles can be a tad overwhelming, especially for first-timers. You’ll probably be tempted to grab everything in sight—from childhood snacks to condiments and everything in between. So, to help you make the most of your first haul, here are the essential Filipino grocery store products that will guarantee you an authentic homeland experience, all while keeping your wallet intact.

Lucky Me! Pancit Canton

Photos from Monde Nissin on Facebook

If Filipinos had to decide on a national “pantawid gutom” snack, Lucky Me! Pancit Canton would definitely be a strong contender. This instant stir-fried noodle dish has practically been the unsung hero of many students burning the midnight oil and first-time independent dwellers.

Whether the budget is tight, or you’re simply too busy—or cozy—to prepare an elaborate meal, one pack can already sate your late-night hunger pangs and random cravings. It comes in a range of flavors (chilimansi, kalamansi, and original, among others) so feel free to explore and choose a favorite.

Anything Mama Sita’s

Photos from Mama Sita’s official site

Let’s be real: Mama Sita is like the fairy godmother of overseas Pinoys who want to whip up authentic-tasting local cuisine, minus the hassle of hunting obscure ingredients. 

No more slaving over the stove for hours either because Mama Sita’s array of marinades, sauces, spice mixes, and soup bases provides an easier way to prepare classic dishes like adobo, tinola, caldereta, and sisig. Just follow the instructions on the back of the packet, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how close the taste comes to what you recall from your lola’s kitchen.

Boy Bawang

Photos from Boy Bawang/Facebook

There are a lot of savory snacks in the Philippines—but when it comes to a true Filipino snacking experience, Boy Bawang reigns supreme. So, in case you want to take a break from your usual popcorn, this flavored corn snack can easily become your new binge-watching companion. It’s crunchy, oddly addictive, and available in various flavors: adobo, lechon manok, barbecue, hot garlic, chili cheese, and more. 

Oishi Pillows Ube-Filled Crackers

Photos from Oishi official site

If Filipino-American baddie Bretman Rock has “always been obsessed” with Oishi Pillows, specifically the chocolate variant, you know it’s worth trying. These crunchy pillow-shaped crackers are like little nuggets of heaven, and they come in an unmistakable local flavor that’s rapidly becoming a favorite among global dessert enthusiasts: ube.

They’re not just a delicious snack; they’re also a nostalgic treat for anybody who grew up enjoying these iconic munchies. Pop open a bag—you’ll find yourself transported back to carefree afternoons, when all that mattered was how many of these could fit in your mouth at once.

Barrio Fiesta Bagoong

Photos from Barrio Fiesta official site

Everyone knows bagoong as a quintessential Filipino ingredient made from fermented shrimp or fish. While it may be too pungent for those not used to the savory and umami-rich flavors of our food, we just can’t deny its impact on traditional cuisine.

But is it a dipping sauce, a condiment, or a culinary treasure? Well, the answer is a bit of all of the above. It’s the perfect dip to green mangoes, stir-fried vegetables, and liempo. It also works as a flavor enhancer for local viands like binagoongan and kare-kare.

It could take some time getting used to but once you acquire the taste, you might even wonder how you lived without it. So, don’t hesitate on snagging a jar of this concoction on your next grocery run.

Silver Swan Soy Sauce/Datu Puti Vinegar

Photos from NutriAsia official site

 Think Batman-Robin—but make them condiments. Silver Swan Soy Sauce and Datu Puti Vinegar can pass as the dynamic duo of Filipino cooking, as they bring the perfect balance, depth, and zest to every meal. They provide that distinct Pinoy zing to your dish, something that no other soy sauce and vinegar options in the market can quite replicate.

Lily’s Coco Jam

Photo from Lily’s Peanut Butter official site

While Americans have bread and butter, Filipinos have pandesal and coco jam. It’s a thick spread made from coconut milk and brown sugar. You may slather it (generously) on a pastry of your choice, and you’ve already got an easy-to-prepare merienda.

Coco jam can also be a delightful addition to vanilla ice cream or a filling for homemade baked goods. It can also be enjoyed alone—like how we sneak and eat a few spoonfuls straight from the jar when nobody’s looking.

UFC Banana Ketchup

Photo from NutriAsia official site

Tomato ketchup is good, but have you ever heard of banana ketchup? It’s a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy condiment that’s been a Filipino household staple for generations.

Think of it as the quirky relative of regular ketchup—ready to add a tropical twist to your gastronomic affairs. It pairs perfectly with your fave fried treats (chicken, hotdogs, lumpiang shanghai, and crispy pata, to name a few) and is very important in preparing Pinoy-style spaghetti.

Fun fact: Banana ketchup was invented by Filipina food technologist Maria Ylagan Orosa during World War II, when tomatoes—a primary ingredient in traditional ketchup—were scarce. To compensate for the shortage, Filipinos turned to an abundant local resource, which happened to be bananas.

Knorr Sinigang Mixes

Photos from Knorr official site

If you’ve been on FoodTok, chances are you’ve already come across Newt Nguyen’s—a.k.a. @milktipapi on TikTok—version of sinigang. It was rather controversial, especially since it was missing a few key ingredients, but one thing he did right (or at least acceptable) was incorporating a sinigang mix.

As much as we 100 percent agree that nothing beats natural souring agents like tamarind and guava, it can be a pain to find some from miles away. This is where sinigang mixes swoop in. Honestly, they’re a blessing for those who want a steaming bowl of this comfort soup at random hours.

M.Y. San SkyFlakes Crackers

Photo from Monde M.Y. San official site

Many people argue that SkyFlakes Crackers are plain and bland—which is somehow true—but think of it this way: Each cracker is a blank canvas. It’s simple, unassuming, and ready to be painted with flavors of your choice.

You can dip them in your favorite canned corned beef, tuna, or sardines. Or if you’re feeling fancy, try spreading some Nutella, butter, or cheese on top. SkyFlakes can also be a great sidekick to your morning or afternoon coffee.

P.S. Canned corned beef, tuna, and sardines are must-buy items at Filipino grocery stores, too; they are head-to-head with instant pancit canton as our go-to quick fix.

Bonus: San Miguel Pale Pilsen

Is it really an “ultimate Filipino experience” without alcoholic beverages? No local gathering is complete without a few cold bottles of this pale pilsen. It’s the glue that holds karaoke nights together, the balm to broken hearts, and the companion during boodle fights.

It’s the witness to almost every Filipino’s ups and downs (and breakdowns) so stocking up on them might be a nice idea—especially if you want to get wasted the Pinoy way.