Which category is specifically listed as the required 'Protein Source' in the Five-Ingredient Meal Test checklist?

Dried Beans, Lentils, Eggs

The Five-Ingredient Meal Test establishes a strict review process to ensure a meal truly qualifies as budget-friendly by relying on shelf-stable, low-cost items. This test requires five specific categories to be present in the core of the meal. The mandatory Protein Source category listed under this framework includes items that are purchased cheaply and stored well: Dried Beans, Lentils, or Eggs. If a meal requires multiple fresh vegetables or costly pre-packaged sauces to achieve palatable flavor, it is generally deemed to have failed this specific test for the absolute cheapest designation.