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

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. 

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.