1. The “Coalition” Strategy: Component Shopping

The secret to the $100 cap is avoiding “Individual portions.” In 2026, the unit price difference between a 500g bag of rice and a 5kg bag is nearly 40%.

2. The $100 Allocation (March 2026 Pricing)

• The Dry Base ($29): (As listed above). These are your “fillers” that ensure no one goes to bed hungry.
• Protein ($35): * 3x Dozen Eggs ($18) — The most versatile 2026 bio-available protein.
  • 2kg Frozen Chicken Thighs ($14) — Thighs stay juicy in bulk curries/stews.
  • 4x Tinned Tuna ($3) — For “Emergency” lunches.
• Produce ($24): * The “Holy Trinity”: 3kg Onions, 3kg Carrots, 5kg Potatoes ($12 total at Queen Vic Market Sunday clear-out).
  • Greenery: 2kg Frozen Peas/Corn mix ($6) + 2x Cabbage (the best value-to-volume veg in 2026) ($6).
• Flavor & Dairy ($12):
  • 4L Milk ($6.50) + 1kg Home-brand Peanut Butter ($5.50).
• TOTAL: $100.00

3. The “Infinite” Meal Rotation

With these components, your household of four rotates through three “Anchor Meals” that cost less than $1.20 per serving:

1. The “Lentil Wall”: Red lentil dahl over rice. High protein, high fiber, and impossible to mess up.
2. The “Bulk Frittata”: Use 8 eggs, potatoes, and onions to create a massive tray. Sliced into 4, it’s a dense dinner; sliced into 8, it’s tomorrow’s lunch.
3. The “Cabbage Stir-Fry”: Use the frozen chicken (minced or diced small) with shredded cabbage and rice. Cabbage provides the “crunch” that expensive bok choy usually offers.

4. 2026 Survival Rules for the $100 House

1. The “Sunday 3 PM” Rule: If you live in Melbourne, one person must be at Queen Victoria Market at 3:00 PM on Sunday. This is when $2 boxes of “ugly” veg appear. It can add $30 of value to your $100 budget for free.
2. Ban the “Convenience Surcharge”: In 2026, “pre-shredded” cheese or “bagged” salad carries a 60-70% markup. If it’s already cut, don’t buy it.
3. Tap Water Only: Soft drinks and “juices” are budget-killers. In 2026, a 2L soda is nearly $4.50. That’s 1.5 dozen eggs gone.