---
name: fridge-to-meal-plan
description: Build a few days of dinners from what's already in the fridge and pantry, using up the soonest-to-expire items first, plus a short grocery list for only what's missing. Use when the user lists what they have and asks what to cook, for a meal plan, or for a grocery list.
license: MIT
metadata:
  library: TriedSkills
  job: Meal plan + grocery list from what I have
  version: "1.0"
---

# Fridge → meal plan + grocery list

## Inputs
An inventory of what's on hand (with "use by" notes if known), the number of people, the number of meals, dietary preferences or dislikes, and time limits.

## Steps
1. Sort the inventory by urgency: **use first** (expiring within 3 days), then soon, then pantry staples.
2. Plan the requested meals so every **use-first** item appears in the first 1–2 meals.
3. For each meal give the name, time needed, ingredients (marking each *on hand* or *buy*), and 4–6 short steps.
4. Respect preferences exactly. If one person is vegetarian, every meal must have a vegetarian version or be vegetarian.
5. Build the **grocery list** of only the *buy* items, grouped by store section, and keep it short.
6. **Cross-check:** every ingredient used must appear either in the inventory or on the grocery list. Report the check result.
7. Name any on-hand items you left unused and suggest a use.

## Output format
Use-first list → meals → grocery list → cross-check result → leftovers note.

## Guardrails
- This is everyday cooking help, not medical or nutrition advice. For allergies or medical diets, tell the user to follow their own clinician's guidance. Don't make health claims.
- Basic food safety only, e.g. "cook chicken until it's no longer pink inside / 165°F".