The Viral Grocery Shopping Method That Can Save You Time and Money (2024)

TikTok creator and chef Will Coleman has a viral hack for grocery shoppers who want to be a bit more efficient. The “6 to 1 method” works kind of like the lyrics to “The Twelve Days of Christmas:” Grab six veggies, five fruits, four proteins, three starches, two sauces or spreads, and one fun thing for you—but Coleman admits to choosing more than one on occasion.

Whether you shop at your local grocery store or splurge on a trip to the notoriously expensive Erewhon, this method is designed to limit your time in the grocery store, help you spend less money, and inspire you to prepare more creative, delicious meals at home.

@chefwillco My 6 to 1 grocery method makes shopping cheaper and easier! Let me know how you like this grocery shopping method. #6to1method ♬ original sound – Chef Will Coleman

“It’s giving vibrant, healthy, balanced meals,” Coleman shared in one video sharing a recent Trader Joe’s 6 to 1 experience.

More Videos From Sunset

Many commenters are wondering how to incorporate this hack into their routine, and fortunately, Coleman has plenty of examples. For instance, Coleman’s recent $100 H Mart haul included the following items:

  • Six veggies: Kimchi, scallions, mint, mushrooms, onions, carrots
  • Five fruits: Pineapple, grapes, cucumber, papaya, Korean pears
  • Four proteins: Tofu, Chinese sweet sausage, ahi tuna, coconut yogurt
  • Three starches: Spring roll wrappers, rice, yakisoba noodles
  • Two sauces or spreads: Spicy mayo, orange sauce
  • One fun thing: Sour candy

At the end of the video, Coleman said this created five different meals: ahi tuna pineapple bowls, fried tofu with rice and a cucumber salad, curry stir-fried noodles, sausage, egg, and cheese spring rolls, and fresh fruit and yogurt bowls. You always have the freedom to add more to your carts, but this provides clear guidelines to stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed while shopping.

If you want to try the 6-to-1 method yourself, Coleman also has a $10 ebook available for purchase, which you can try for free for a limited time. Featuring three custom grocery lists and 18 recipes, it’s the perfect primer for seasoned chefs and amateur cooks alike.

The Viral Grocery Shopping Method That Can Save You Time and Money (2024)

FAQs

The Viral Grocery Shopping Method That Can Save You Time and Money? ›

The “6 to 1 method” works kind of like the lyrics to “The Twelve Days of Christmas:” Grab six veggies, five fruits, four proteins, three starches, two sauces or spreads, and one fun thing for you—but Coleman admits to choosing more than one on occasion.

What is the 621 grocery shopping method? ›

The 6-to-1 Grocery Method is a basic calculation (we're talking elementary-level math, basically counting), to plan your weekly grocery shop. Here's the system: Fill your grocery cart with six vegetables, five fruits, four proteins, three starches, two sauces or spreads, and one "fun" item for yourself.

What is the 3 in 1 grocery method? ›

We set up a “3 in 1” shopping schedule, consisting of three separate grocery runs on average each week — one larger shop, where my husband or I (or both!) pick up groceries for the first half of the week, and one or two small- to medium-sized shops to fill in what we need for the remainder of our meals.

Which shopping strategy can help you save money while at the grocery store? ›

Buying generic or store-brand items is also a great way to save money. These products are usually just as good as the name-brand items, but they're cheaper because you're not paying for the brand name. Additionally, you should try to avoid buying pre-packaged and processed foods.

What is the 6 5 4 3 2 1 shopping method? ›

The 6-to-1 grocery method is an approach to cooking that involves picking six vegetables, five fruits, four proteins, three starches, two sauces or spreads, and one fun item. The purpose is to streamline your shopping experience, promote variety, eliminate food waste, and keep grocery costs lower.

What is the 5 4 3 2 1 grocery shopping method? ›

Each number corresponds to a specific food group that you'll purchase for easy, balanced meals every week. Following Coleman's method, you'd buy five different vegetables, four different fruits, three different proteins, two different sauces or spreads, and one grain—plus a special treat for yourself.

What is the 6 to 1 grocery method? ›

The 6-to-1 grocery method entails buying six vegetables, five fruits, four proteins, three starches, two sauces or spreads and one treat. Continue to shop carefully while at the store to get the best deals. Flexibility with your purchases will be a key to making this method a success.

What is the 6 to 1 method? ›

What is the 6-to-1 grocery shopping method? The 6-to-1 grocery method instructs shoppers to buy six veggies, five fruits, four proteins, three starches, two sauces and one fun item. Coleman says, “Anyone can use this method, anywhere, at any time.” He advises choosing foods that are on sale, in season and versatile.

What is the 3 2 1 food rule? ›

The 3-2-1 meal plan is a simple approach to healthy eating that involves dividing your plate into three sections: one section for fruits and vegetables, one section for lean protein, and one section for whole grains or starchy vegetables.

What is the FIFO method in a grocery store? ›

First In, First Out (FIFO) is a system for storing and rotating food. In FIFO, the food that has been in storage longest (“first in”) should be the next food used (“first out”). This method helps restaurants and homes keep their food storage organized and to use food before it goes bad.

How can I save time grocery shopping? ›

Plan before you shop.

Make a list and stick to it. This can reduce impulse purchases and save time. A good place to start is by perusing grocery circulars, which typically are available online.

How to save money while shopping? ›

Saving Money While Shopping at the Mall: 9 Proven Strategies
  1. Make a List and Stick to It. Before you head to the mall, make a list of the items you need to purchase. ...
  2. Take Advantage of Sales and Discounts. ...
  3. Use Coupons. ...
  4. Price Compare. ...
  5. Buy Generic Brands. ...
  6. Buy in Bulk. ...
  7. Use Cash or Gift Card. ...
  8. Shop During Off-Peak Hours.
Apr 10, 2023

How do people save money on groceries? ›

11 tips for saving money at the grocery store
  1. Pay with a grocery rewards card. ...
  2. Sign up for the loyalty program. ...
  3. Clip coupons. ...
  4. Join a wholesale club. ...
  5. Go in with a list and stick to it. ...
  6. Buy items on sale. ...
  7. Avoid pre-packaged items. ...
  8. Compare prices between stores.

What is the 5 4 3 2 1 shopping rule? ›

You buy six vegetables, five fruits, four proteins, three starches, two sauces or spreads, and one "fun" item for yourself. So it's 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. People on TikTok are already claiming that the method has helped them save money and eat healthier. "I've been using your method and it honestly helps," another added.

What is the 61 grocery method? ›

In Chef Will Coleman's 6 to 1 grocery shopping method, shoppers purchase six vegetables, five fruits, four protein sources, three starches, two sauces or spreads, and one item just for fun. This system simplifies shopping, reduces waste, and saves money.

What is the 6 5 4 3 2 1 shopping plan? ›

The idea is that when making your grocery list, you should aim to get six vegetables, five fruits, four proteins, three starches, two sauces/spreads and one fun thing for yourself.

What is the supermarket lean method? ›

To manage these interruptions, lean organizations often rely on the so-call "supermarket". As a way to manage this problematic material flow, a supermarket carries extra items in a quantity that ranges between a minimum and a maximum that are determined by the size of the interruption it is meant to tackle.

What is the food order method? ›

Inchauspé sums up the research by saying that the best order to maintain stable blood glucose levels is: 'Vegetables first, proteins and fats second, starches and sugars last. In a meal consisting of chicken, bread, green beans and an apple, this means: green beans first, chicken second, bread third and apple last.

What is the inventory method for grocery stores? ›

Grocery stores use the first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory method, which entails stocking older foods and other items for sale toward the front of shelves to sell them first.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Mrs. Angelic Larkin

Last Updated:

Views: 6223

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mrs. Angelic Larkin

Birthday: 1992-06-28

Address: Apt. 413 8275 Mueller Overpass, South Magnolia, IA 99527-6023

Phone: +6824704719725

Job: District Real-Estate Facilitator

Hobby: Letterboxing, Vacation, Poi, Homebrewing, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Mrs. Angelic Larkin, I am a cute, charming, funny, determined, inexpensive, joyous, cheerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.