6 Snacks to Buy in Johor Bahru (JB) That Are Cheaper Than in Singapore

Some people go to Johor Bahru (JB) for a massage. Others for cheap hotpots, or to feel something in a cafe without burning a hole in their wallet. But let’s be real, half the trip is about the snacks. I don’t know about you, but every time I go to JB, I always make sure to bring an extra shopping bag or two with me. By the time I’m returning, that shopping bag is filled to the brim with a fresh haul of snacks.

And because we Singaporeans like to ask, “Eh, this one worth it anot?”, this guide breaks it down properly. It’s part snack haul, part price comparison, so you can see for yourself how much more worth it it actually is, and decide if the trip to JB is worth making in the first place.

So here are 5 crowd favourites that Singaporeans love getting, plus a bonus item that might be the best thing you’ll bring home.

Also read: Mount Austin Johor Bahru (JB) Itinerary: Best Places to Eat, Shop and Relax

1. Eureka popcorn

Eureka’s one of those snacks that doesn’t need much convincing. It’s a crowd favourite for a reason. The flavours are bold, the texture is consistently crisp, and the price difference makes it a no-brainer whenever you’re in JB.

If you are new to Eureka, the Original Sea Salt is a great place to start. Can’t go wrong with the butter caramel either, I think it’s better than just the caramel flavour. Here are the price comparisons:

• Butter Caramel (200g tin)
  🇲🇾 RM27.90 (~S$8.10)
  🇸🇬 S$21.56

• Original Sea Salt (70g can)
  🇲🇾 RM8.90 (~S$2.60)
  🇸🇬 S$6.88

They also offer bundle sets (RM55 (S$16.77) for five cans or RM65 (S$19.82) for ten), which makes it easy to mix and match if you’re buying for family, colleagues, or just your future self. You’ll find Eureka in most JB malls like Mid Valley Southkey and City Square, usually with a small crowd around the sample tray.

2. Famous Amos

You can smell it before you see it. Something about that warm, buttery chocolate chip aroma just pulls you in, and suddenly you’re queuing at the counter, telling yourself it’s “just a small bag” this time.

And guess what? Famous Amos is very worth it in JB, especially if you’re buying the larger bags. Coming from a very thrifty family, I never really got to eat Famous Amos much as a kid because it’s pretty damn expensive. But JB has now filled that hole in my life. Here’s the price breakdown for the most popular dabao product:

• Cookies in Bag (400g)
  🇲🇾 RM47.15 (~S$13.60)
  🇸🇬 S$23.70

That’s a saving of about S$10! The smaller bags in JB are also cheaper gram-for-gram compared to Singapore, so even if you’re not ready to commit to 400g, you’re still getting a better deal. You’ll find Famous Amos in most major malls near the Causeway, such as Komptar, and the booths are hard to miss. After all, you just need to follow the smell.

3. Auntie Anne’s

I am a pastry girlie through and through, so I love Auntie Anne’s. Warm, chewy, buttery pretzels always hit the spot mid-mall. Better yet, the ones in JB are cheaper, bigger, and sometimes even come in flavours we don’t get here.

Here’s the price comparison for a regular pretzel:

• 🇲🇾 RM6.70 (~S$1.95)

• 🇸🇬 S$4.30

If you’re feeling a little extra, they’ve also got long rolls like the Jumbo Sausage (RM13.70 / ~S$4.00), which aren’t even available in Singapore (closest we have are just the Chicken Cheese Dog, which is like half the size).

4. CHAGEE

Well, I’m sure CHAGEE doesn’t need much introduction. It has the look and feel and, of course, taste of a premium tea brand, with fancy cup holders, beautiful takeaway bags, and a menu that reads like it belongs in a perfume catalogue. But price-wise, it’s noticeably more affordable in JB.

Here’s a quick comparison of some of the more popular menu items:

• Tie Guan Yin Milk Tea
  🇲🇾 RM14.90 (~S$4.30)
  🇸🇬 S$6.20

• Snow Cap Milk Tea
  🇲🇾 RM14.90 (~S$4.30)
  🇸🇬 S$6.90

Even if you’re not lugging it home, CHAGEE is a solid pick-me-up during your trip, especially if you’re already near one of the major malls. And let’s be honest, half the fun is holding the bottle and feeling a little bit like the main character. But just remember, if you want to skip the queues, I’d recommend ordering on their mobile app first.

5. Roti Boy

It’s the same drill every time you’re on your way back. You’re speedwalking through JB Sentral, hoping to get ahead of the crowd. Then suddenly, you catch a whiff of that warm, coffee-glazed smell drifting through the air, and before you know it, you’re walking out with a paper bag of buns.

The price difference makes it even easier to say yes:

• 🇲🇾 RM3.40 per bun (~S$1.00)

• 🇲🇾 RM15.20 for 5 buns (~S$4.50 total, s$0.90/bun)

• 🇸🇬 S$2.50 per bun

It’s one of the rare snacks that travels decently if you don’t squish it, but it’s best eaten warm (if reheating, toast it, don’t microwave it!), ideally while standing in the middle of the mall with no regrets.

Bonus: Beryl’s Sand Cookies

If you’re a fan of Japan’s Sugar Butter Sand Tree (those deliciously buttery, cereal-layered sandwich cookies), you’ll want to try these. Beryl’s version is a great dupe that comes with a light cream filling between two crisp, toasty biscuits, and hits that same sweet spot. Rich but not jelak, melty but still with bite.

As someone who’s constantly craving the original but cannot afford another trip to Japan, I was honestly surprised by how close this came. And at this price?

• 🇲🇾 RM12.80 (~S$3.70)

• 🇸🇬 Not officially sold here (resale prices can go up to S$9–S$12)

You’ll find them at Beryl’s outlets in malls like Mid Valley Southkey and KSL. Personal favourite, highly recommended!

Also read: The Best Times to Travel Between Singapore and Johor Bahru (JB)

Final thoughts

If you’re Singaporean, you’ve probably asked this at least once: “Eh… this one worth it anot?” I mean, that’s how we think , right? If we’re getting something, it should be the best deal. And somehow, that makes JB snack runs feel even more satisfying. You’re not just buying food; you’re making a good financial decision.

So hopefully this guide helps you figure out what’s worth bringing home (and what’s cheaper to just eat on the spot). Whether you’re buying for yourself, your family, or the friend who always texts “got buy snack for me?” — now you’ve got prices to back your choices.

Just one thing, though. While we all love a good deal, it’s worth remembering that we’re still guests when we cross the Causeway. Be kind to service staff, don’t crowd or hoard like it’s a gold rush, and maybe tone down the “WAH SO CHEAP” a little. No need to sound like a chip-chip-chip bird at full volume in the queue.