An ALDI shopper has revealed how she devised a two-week tasty meal plan for just $30.

On her YouTube channel, the “Frugal Aussie” shared all her recipes for coming up with a fortnight’s worth of food options.

Though she admitted that this menu is ‘not going to be gourmet’ and is more about helping the everyday Aussie put food on the table.

“This is not going to be pretty. This is not going to be gourmet. This is going to get some food in a belly,” she said in the video.

“I wanted to eat as much fruit and vegetables as possible, have some protein in my diet and fill up on carbs. I wanted to cook in bulk to save time.”

“I acknowledge some people won’t like the food, say there are too many or too few calories, that prices will be different where you live, that you have different dietary needs, that it could be healthier, etc.”

“I am not a dietitian. This is what worked for me.”

She advised viewers to do their own research before following her meal plans.

The “Frugal Aussie” said that her videos were aimed to help vulnerable Aussies who are having a hard time budgeting their meals. Photos from YouTube / Frugal Aussie.​

The meal plan was described as an “emergency menu” ideal for lasting a single person for 14 days. With two people, the portions would last for a week.

“Sometimes people in financial distress are just too exhausted to analyse food fluctuations and form detailed meal plans on tight budgets,” she said.

“Frugal Aussie sees you.”

Below is the YouTube star’s shopping list from ALDI:

• 2kg rice - $2.79
• 410g can kidney beans - 75c
• 1kg pears - $2.49
• Dozen eggs - $3.29
• 1kg puff pastry - $2.29
• 1kg peas - $1.99
• 1kg corn kernels - $2.49
• 1 litre milk - $1.29
• 500g carrots - $1.29
• Bread (21 slices) - $1.29
• 1kg onions (10 small onions) - $1.49
• 1.5kg rolled oats - $2.70
• 140g spreadable cheese triangles - $1.89
• 1kg sweet potato - $1.99
• 325g potato - 87c
• Total: $29.10

The recipes in the two-week meal plan include:

• Porridge with Cinnamon Pear Compote
• Cheesy Pastries
• Creamy Sweet Potato Soup with toast
• Baked vegetable rice with egg
• Fried egg toasted sandwich
• Large vegetable Pastries

For the step-by-step instructions on how she whips up the recipes, watch here:

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Many viewers commented on the video, telling her how helpful her meal plan was.

“This was fantastic.” One user said, “I expected it to be so unhealthy at this price. It wasn’t.”

“This is amazing!! So much healthy food for such a small amount.” Another added.

“Very creative, thanks Frugal Aussie!”


Is this menu something you would try out?

 

[wrinkly1]

i might just give this a try

 

[Peweli]

Yes

 

[Xe]

I really love egg and mayo sandwiches too! Low cost and delicious

 

[Vinylted]

Some good ideas there, all good plain tucker, but I didn't notice cinnamon on the shopping list?

 

[RhodaStarr]

As I do not ever eat corn or red beans, I would substitute them with mushrooms and extra peas or maybe bacon bits. What do you think I will try in the next few weeks and let you know.

 

[Xe]

As I do not ever eat corn or red beans, I would substitute them with mushrooms and extra peas or maybe bacon bits. What do you think I will try in the next few weeks and let you know.

Why don't you eat those? Is it allergies or do you simply not like them?

 

[RhodaStarr]

I do not eat them as corn and red beans are not a taste I like. Fussy me. My mother gave them to me as a child and I would never eat them.

 

[Xe]

I do not eat them as corn and red beans are not a taste I like. Fussy me. My mother gave them to me as a child and I would never eat them.

It's a shame! I adore sweet corn. Especially if you add in milk when you boil them. Bonus if it's roasted on the grill

 

[RhodaStarr]

It's a shame! I adore sweet corn. Especially if you add in milk when you boil them. Bonus if it's roasted on the grill

I have tried all ways and I cook corn for my husband, but not for me.

 

[Nat]

Some good ideas there, all good plain tucker, but I didn't notice cinnamon on the shopping list?

If you watch the clip you’ll see it says at the start of the video that a small amount of pantry items like herbs and spices are additionally used. Things that are often found in the pantry. It’s at the start of the video.