Melbourne’s cheapest food: $1 Ikea hot dogs, $2 Costco pizza

Holly McKay, Leader
September 17, 2018
WHEN it comes to food Melbourne is renowned for its tempting treats, but what about the cheap hidden gems — food that satisfies the cravings but don’t make a dent in the hip pocket?
Whether you’re saving to buy a house, a new car or simply just need to pay your bills, then forget the smashed avo at the local because these Melbourne food hacks will save you the big bucks.
A hot dog with mustard and ketchup, you can’t beat it.
Ikea HOT DOGS — $1
Step right up folks, no word of a lie, these bad boy dogs are just $1 a pop. Do your budget furniture shopping, then treat your tummy with a hot dog laden with tomato sauce and mustard, and you my friend, will laugh all the way to the bank.
Giant pizza slices — yes please.
COSTCO PIZZA SLICES — $1.99
It’s like being on the streets of New York, except it’s right here in your backyard. Bulk buying giant Costco has set up shop in Moorabbin, Docklands, Ringwood and Epping and have struck a chord with shoppers by offering generous slices of pizza for just $1.99. And just in case pizza isn’t your thing, they also offer an All Pork Hot Dog at just $1.99.
BUNNINGS SAUSAGE SIZZLE — $2.50
Snag a banger bargain at the weekly Bunnings sausage sizzle near you. And the best part, these sausages are guilt-free because you’re helping sports clubs, schools and kindergartens across the state.
When coffee is life it’s hard to beat an 80 cent cup.
COLES EXPRESS COFFEE — 80C
When coffee is life, you simply cannot pass up a cup of the good stuff at just 80c. Coles Express are making it hard to say no to that third cup for prices as low as this.
Fancy a hot chocolate? Look no further than the 7 Eleven.
7 ELEVEN HOT CHOCKEE — $2
On your way back from your kids’ sports game and need something to bribe/reward them? Then look no further. Let them grab a Hot Chockee from your local 7 Eleven for just $2.
ALDI FROZEN MEALS — $2.69
Vacuum sealed and hidden in the frozen section of discount supermarket giant Aldi lies one of their best kept secrets. Aldi’s frozen meals offer healthy taste sensations including basil chicken, Thai chicken green curry, salmon fettuccine and teriyaki chicken. And at $2.69, these are the perfect lunch or dinner option for those on a budget.
A fresh and warm jam doughnut.
JAM DOUGHNUTS AT PRESTON MARKET — 90C EACH
Then again, forget the calories – nothing beats a fresh, warm jam doughnut on a chilly morning. And where better to hit the sweet spot than at Preston Market where you can pick up one for just 90c, or splash out and grab half a dozen for $4.90.
CHEAPA WINES — $1 BOTTLES OF WINE
This could quite possibly be the cheapest bottle of wine in Melbourne. At 99c a pop, FirstCape’s crisp and fruity white wine is flying off the shelves at Preston pop-up shop Cheapa Wines. The bottle-o sells Australian wine and beer for between $1 to $10.
Falafels for 80 cents anyone?
DANDENONG MARKET FALAFELS — 80C EACH
Looking for a snack on the go, or maybe something different for tea? Then King of Falafel at Dandenong Markets has you sorted. Falafels for 80c each are an easy and delicious alternative to the usual meat and three veg.