Eight cuisines, eight healthy dinners, all under $3 a serve.
Eating well doesn't have to cost a fortune — and it definitely doesn't have to be boring. Some of the world's healthiest, most delicious dinners are built on the cheapest ingredients on the shelf: beans, lentils, tofu, eggs and seasonal vegetables. Here are eight nourishing dinners, one from each of 8 cuisines, all coming in under $3 a serve at Australian supermarket prices.
A week of healthy dinners, planned for you — MealPantry turns this week's specials into 8 cuisines of nourishing meals.
⬇ Start Your 30-Day Free TrialPlanned around this week's specials
MealPantry builds a balanced week of dinners around whatever's cheapest at your supermarkets right now.
8 healthy dinners, 8 cuisines
| Cuisine | Dinner | Cost / serve |
|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇹 Italian | Pasta e fagioli (pasta & white beans) | $1.40 |
| 🇲🇽 Mexican | Black bean & veg burrito bowl | $2.10 |
| 🇮🇳 Indian | Chana masala (chickpea curry) + rice | $1.60 |
| 🇹🇭 Thai | Vegetable red curry + rice | $2.40 |
| 🇨🇳 Chinese | Tofu & mixed-veg stir-fry | $2.30 |
| 🇬🇷 Greek | Lentil & vegetable soup + bread | $1.30 |
| 🌿 Western | Vegetable & bean frittata + salad | $1.90 |
| 🌏 Fusion | Loaded grain & veg bowl | $2.60 |
Costs assume 4 serves per batch and basic pantry staples on hand. Prices drop further when core items are on special.
Three that pack the most nutrition per dollar
Greek lentil & vegetable soup
$1.30/serveLentils, carrot, celery and tomato make a thick, fibre-rich bowl that's as cheap as it is good for you. A whole pot costs less than a coffee.
Indian chana masala
$1.60/serveChickpeas simmered in a spiced tomato sauce — high in protein and fibre, naturally vegan, and freezer-friendly for easy leftovers.
Italian pasta e fagioli
$1.40/serveThe original cucina povera dish: pasta and white beans in a light tomato broth. Comforting, filling and endlessly cheap.
How to keep dinners healthy AND cheap
Make plants the hero
Beans, lentils, chickpeas and tofu are the cheapest protein in the store and among the healthiest.
Buy seasonal veg
In-season produce is cheaper, fresher and more nutritious.
Cook from scratch
Whole ingredients beat pricey pre-made meals on both cost and health.
Batch and freeze
Double a curry or soup and freeze half for a healthy no-cook night.
Shop the specials
Rice, pasta, tinned tomatoes and legumes go half price on rotation — stock up.
Let MealPantry plan the whole week
Knowing a few healthy recipes is one thing; building a balanced, varied week around whatever's cheapest right now is another. MealPantry checks the latest specials from ALDI, Coles, Woolworths and IGA, matches them to hundreds of recipes across 8 cuisines, and builds a healthy 7-day plan with the shopping list ready to go — around your dietary preferences, from vegetarian to no limits at all.
Healthy, varied, and easy on the budget.
Stop choosing between eating well and spending less. MealPantry plans both for you. Start your free 30-day trial today.
⬇ Start Your 30-Day Free Trial$5.99/month or $49.99/year after your free trial · Cancel anytime · Available on iOS and Android
Frequently asked questions
Can healthy dinners really cost under $3 a serve?
Yes. Built on beans, lentils, tofu, eggs and seasonal veg, a nourishing dinner comes in well under $3 a serve — cheaper still when the staples are on special.
Are these dinners filling without much meat?
Absolutely. Beans, chickpeas, lentils and tofu are high in protein and fibre, so plant-forward dinners keep the whole family satisfied.
How do I plan a week of meals like these?
MealPantry builds a full week of healthy dinners across 8 cuisines around this week's specials, with the shopping list done for you. Try it free for 30 days.