What Does It Cost To Eat Healthily in Singapore?

Is your breakfast acai bowl eating into your budget? Here’s how you can navigate the increasing cost of healthy eating in Singapore and still make mindful meal choices.

The rising cost of living is a pressing concern for many. Balancing financial prudence with health and wellness prices can be a feat. Shifting to eat healthily can come with a hefty price tag.

Is it costly to maintain a healthy diet in Singapore though? This article breaks down the cost of eating healthily in Singapore, including shopping for household groceries, buying meals online, and cooking at home. (Be sure to check out our compilation of the best health insurance options available in the market while you’re at it!)

Related Story: How Much Does The Keto Diet Really Cost?

The Prices of Everyday Groceries

The table below shows the price difference between organic and non-organic food items of varying items at Fairprice Online. The price gap for most of the items was small, except for oats, olive oil, and tomato puree.

Source: Fairprice Singapore, prices as of 11 January 2023

Based on the prices above, eating organic everyday items does not impact your budget that much when you opt to eat healthily. However, keep in mind that these prices are for online grocery shopping at a well-known household shopping outlet. Prices at physical stores, including markets, may differ and could be cheaper.

Related: 7 Unique Dining Experiences in Singapore You Need To Try in 2024

The Cost of Cooking Your Meals at Home When You Eat Healthily

Cooking at home and prepping your ingredients might seem arduous, but it’s healthier as you’d be able to control the amount of salt, fat, and sauces that go into your dishes. Everything in moderation is key when it comes to health, after all!

How does this personalised option for healthier meals affect your wallet as you eat healthily? Let’s take a look at the cost of a week’s supply of items to cook at home. If you use credit cards with discounts or rebates for grocery shopping, you’d get to save more too.

The savings are obvious when it comes to healthy home-cooked meals. However, it does require effort to plan and prepare nutritious meals. With a little bit of meal prepping, knowledge, and creativity, it is possible to enjoy a nutritious home-cooked meal without straining your wallet.

Related: How to Choose Between Organic & Conventional Products

The Cost of Ready-to-Eat Healthy Meals and Eat Healthily

For those days when you’re too tired to cook or need a quick meal on the go, eating out is often the go-to option. But how much does it cost for you to eat healthily then?

The great part of living in Singapore is that you’re never at the short end of healthy food options. From grabbing a plate of cai png (economic rice) at the nearest food court to poke bowls and vegetarian meals, it’s fairly easy to get your hands on a healthy meal.

The table below gives a quick overview of healthy food subscription options and the starting point of healthy meal packs.

Based on the table above, vegetarian options are friendlier to the wallet, starting from S$7.80 for a meal. While package options do make it easier for people to automate their meals, they also come at a higher price point, up to S$14.35 for a vegetarian option in a four-week package plan.

Related: 10 Best Free-Flow Brunch Buffets in Singapore for All Budgets

Home Cooking vs. Food Deliveries — Who Wins the Price and Health Benefits War?

Consider the lifestyle in Singapore—long working hours, social commitments, and a general reliance on convenience. It’s no wonder food delivery services and the city’s many eateries are often the go-to choices. Yet, the allure of what’s quick and easy needs to be weighed against the benefits of home cooking when you eat healthily.

To put more into perspective, home-cooked meals are generally more cost-effective by a significant margin. When every dollar counts, that disparity can add up to substantial savings over time. It’s a no-brainer: home-cooked meals win the health and price wars between the two!

You are what you eat

In the age of fast food and instant gratification, it’s easy for you to fall into the trap of prioritising convenience over health. As the saying goes, “You are what you eat”. Our bodies are built upon the nutrients we consume, and a healthy diet is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being.

With access to information at our fingertips, there’s no excuse not to educate ourselves on the type and quality of food we consume. In Singapore, where food is a cultural treasure, you can enjoy healthy meals without compromising taste or budget. Options include vibrant salads, nourishing grain bowls, and flavourful vegetable dishes.

Exercise – the other key to good health

In the 2022 National Population Health Survey, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) from July 2021 to June 2022, it was found that 74.9% of Singapore residents aged 18 to 74 met the recommended level of physical activity. Commuting accounted for the largest share (44%) of their weekly physical activity.

Although the occurrence of diabetes has decreased since 2017, a concerning pattern has emerged as more Singapore residents have been identified with hypertension and obesity. If untreated, individuals with chronic illnesses may ultimately suffer from multimorbidity, which refers to the presence of more than one long-term health condition.

Source: Ministry of Health, Singapore

In a study of 254,377 patients conducted by ANNALS Singapore where 62.4% had multiple chronic conditions, the annual healthcare cost per person for those with multiple conditions was approximately double that of those without (S$683 vs S$344).

The table below shows the costs involved in managing medication costs for chronic illnesses.

Source: Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore, Channel News Asia

Related: Average Cost of Cardiovascular Disease Treatment in Singapore

Nourishing your body right for better health

Nutrition plays a vital role in our overall well-being. A balanced diet with the right amount of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals is essential for maintaining good health and preventing diseases. However, with the abundance of unhealthy food options available today, it can be challenging to maintain a nutritious diet.

Here are some tips on how you can nourish your body right for better health:

Eat a variety of whole foods

Whole foods are natural, unprocessed foods without additives or preservatives. They include fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Eating these ensures your body gets essential nutrients. They’re high in fibre, aiding digestion and keeping you full longer.

Limit unhealthy fats and added sugars

Unhealthy fats, such as saturated and trans fats, can raise your cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. These fats are commonly found in processed foods such as fried foods, pastries, and packaged snacks. Similarly, added sugars provide empty calories that can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes. It’s essential to limit these unhealthy components in your diet by choosing healthier options such as olive oil, avocado, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Stay hydrated

Water is vital for maintaining good health. It helps with digestion, regulates body temperature, and carries nutrients and oxygen to cells. Drinking an adequate amount of water also aids in weight loss by keeping you feeling full and reducing cravings for unhealthy snacks. The general recommendation is to drink eight glasses of water per day, but this can vary depending on your activity level and climate.

Ensuring sufficient health insurance

Health insurance is crucial for maintaining good health in Singapore. Discover if you are adequately covered with our compilation of the best health insurance options available in the market.

Enquire more and contact us today!

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