Verified basket note: These planning estimates use the current catalogue week Australian supermarket five-item basket for 2 Sept 2026–8 Sept 2026. They are not guaranteed checkout totals. New weeks are shown only after all four stores have comparable evidence.
Quick answer
This page uses the latest verified basket. for a family of four. Data generated: 4 Sept 2026.
Some of the cheapest meals of the week are the ones that use what you already have. MealPantry plans around your pantry so you do not buy things twice, then fills the gaps with what is on special.
Below are flexible dinners built from common pantry and fridge staples. The app makes this personal by planning around previous shopping and topping up only what is missing.
Dinners from common staples
| If you have… | You can make | Top up with |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta, tinned tomatoes, onion | Tomato & vegetable pasta | Any veg on special |
| Rice, eggs, frozen veg | Quick vegetable fried rice | Extra protein on special |
| Tinned chickpeas, spices, onion | Chickpea & vegetable curry | Seasonal veg on special |
| Potatoes, cheese, milk | Cheesy potato bake | Salad or greens |
| Bread, eggs, cheese | Savoury toasties & salad | Fresh salad on special |
| Mince, pasta or wraps | Family bolognese or wraps | Tomatoes or wraps on special |
MealPantry app
Turn this plan into your shopping list.
Set your budget, household size and favourite cuisines. MealPantry builds affordable dinners around current Australian supermarket specials.
Scan to download
MealPantry for iPhone
Cook from what you already have
MealPantry plans around your pantry first, then tops up with the latest verified specials.
Top up my pantry wiselyFrequently asked questions
How does MealPantry know what I have?
You do not need to enter a full inventory. MealPantry learns from previous shopping and plans around what you are likely to have, then tops up with specials.
Does this reduce food waste?
Yes. Planning meals around what you already have is one of the simplest ways to cut spending and food waste.
Can it still keep me on budget?
Yes. It uses your pantry first, then plans top-ups around current specials and your weekly budget.
MealPantry app
Turn this plan into your shopping list.
Set your budget, household size and favourite cuisines. MealPantry builds affordable dinners around current Australian supermarket specials.
Scan to download
MealPantry for iPhone