If there’s one thing every busy mom (and foodie!) will agree on, it’s that grocery finds can make or break your kitchen game. Whether it’s a new sauce, a ready-to-cook meal, or a shortcut that saves you 30 minutes of chopping — these little discoveries make life easier and tastier!
Lately, I’ve been exploring new items from the grocery aisle that have seriously upgraded my everyday cooking. Some are lifesavers for quick dinners, others are perfect for baon prep or those lazy “ayoko magluto pero gusto ko ng masarap” days.
So, here are my Top Grocery Finds That Make Cooking Easier — tried, tested, and loved by this busy mom!
1. Canned/Bottled Spanish-Style Sardines and Tuna Flakes
This one’s a staple in our pantry. These little jars of flavor are my go-to for quick meals.
I mix Spanish sardines with pasta or spread them on toast for an easy breakfast. Tuna flakes, on the other hand, go straight into my rice bowls or sandwich spreads.
Lifesaver for busy mornings or when you’re too lazy to cook!
2. Instant Cooking Sauces (Hello, Ginisang Bagoong or Korean Bulgogi Marinade!)
These sauces are my secret weapon for fast, flavorful dinners. When you’re too tired to measure ingredients, just grab a bottle.
The Ginisang Bagoong is perfect for bagoong rice or mangga dip, while the Bulgogi Marinade turns ordinary beef slices into a Korean feast.
Perfect for moms who want lutong bahay taste without the stress.
3. Frozen Chopped Veggies and Fruits
I used to think fresh is always best — but frozen veggies changed my mind! They’re pre-washed, pre-cut, and lock in nutrients.
They’re great for stir-fry, soups, or omelets. And frozen fruits? Perfect for smoothies or overnight oats!
Bonus: no food waste, kasi hindi agad nasisira.
4. Ready-to-Use Garlic and Onion Paste
Let’s be real — sometimes, chopping onions and garlic feels like a full-time job (plus, the luha factor!). These bottled pastes are heaven-sent.
You just scoop a spoonful, sauté, and you’re good to go. I use it for sinigang, adobo, pasta, and fried rice — walang luha, same flavor!
5. Pre-Marinated Meats and Air Fryer-Ready Goods
With the air fryer craze still going strong, I’ve been loving marinated chicken wings, liempo, and even BBQ sticks from the frozen section.
Just pop them in the air fryer, and you have crispy, juicy ulam in minutes. Ykaie and Twinkle love these for quick weekend dinners.
6. Flavored Cheeses and Creams
Cooking pasta has become even more exciting thanks to new flavored cream cheeses and all-purpose creams (like truffle or garlic!).
They instantly elevate your sauces and make your carbonara taste restaurant-level without much effort.
7. Frozen Parathas, Tortillas, and Puff Pastry
These are a must for quick meals or snacks.
I use them for my Tortilla Pizza Wraps, breakfast burritos, or even Nutella dessert rolls. Frozen parathas, meanwhile, make a great base for quick flatbreads.
No kneading, no rolling — just cook and serve!
8. New Condiments & Sauces That Add Instant Flavor
Don’t underestimate the power of a good sauce! My latest favorites include:
- Honey Butter Glaze – perfect for fried chicken
- Japanese Mayo – adds magic to sushi bake and kani salad
- Ssamjang – for Korean nights at home
- Spicy Garlic Oil – because garlic lovers deserve extra love 💕
They’re the kind of condiments that instantly turn a plain dish into something crave-worthy.
9. Meal Kits and DIY Food Boxes
I’ve been seeing more “meal kits” in groceries — from ramen boxes to pasta packs that come with sauce and toppings.
They’re great when you want something special but don’t want to start from scratch. It’s also a fun way to involve the kids in cooking!
Cooking doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. With these smart grocery finds, you can whip up delicious, home-cooked meals in less time — and with less stress.
Whether you’re a busy mom, a beginner cook, or someone who just loves discovering new things in the grocery aisle, these finds will definitely make your kitchen life easier and yummier.
If you’ve tried any of these, let me know your favorites in the comments — or share your latest grocery find hack! I’m always looking for new things to try next shopping trip. 🛒💕
