Meet Chef Will Colemanis the mind behind the 6 to 1 grocery shopping method. In a TikTok video that captivated over 900,000 viewers, Coleman breaks down his strategy: "We're all trying to save money this year, and my 6 to 1 grocery shopping method... is super, super simple... you grab six veggies, five fruits, four proteins, three starches, two sauces or spreads, and one fun thing for yourself."
This viral revelation serves as a streamlined alternative to conventional approaches for cutting grocery bills, bypassing the complexities of menu planning, list adherence, coupon clipping, sale hunting, or relying on familial generosity (anyone else guilty?).
Why is the 6 to 1 Method a game-changer? It's a financial wizard, with my total spend reduced from the usual $150 at Trader Joe's to a mere $87.63, all while maintaining a cart brimming with fresh produce and protein. It tackles food waste by curbing overbuying and ensures the utilization of purchased fruits and vegetables throughout the week. Additionally, it simplifies life by eliminating the need for lists and meal plans; I buy what appeals in-store, and at home, a quick search for recipes with my purchases results in seamless dinner plans. The 6 to 1 Method transcends grocery shopping—it's a culinary revolution.
Embarking on the 6 to 1 journey at Trader Joe's sans a list, I delved into the produce section to select six veggies. While initially sounding overwhelming, a commenter's skepticism at "6 veggies" swiftly dissipated as I counted garlic and onion, narrowing it down to a reasonable four vegetables. Choices like Trader Joe’s Southwest Chopped Salad, mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, and snacking peppers made the cut for variety.
The fruit selection featured bananas, lemons, avocados, grape tomatoes, and even frozen raspberries, proving that frozen and canned items count. An olive oil inclusion, if needed, wouldn't have been out of place.
Navigating the protein dilemma led to an eclectic mix of bacon, tofu, cashews, and frozen shrimp. For starches, I secured cereal for the kids, pappardelle pasta, and jasmine rice, ensuring versatility in meal creation.
Exploring new flavors, I added Trader Joe’s Bruschetta Sauce and Crunchy Chili Onion Oil to my cart, emphasizing the importance of ready-made sauces in this method.
Choosing one indulgence was challenging, but the single treat – the "crew fave" Pecan Kringle – added a touch of nostalgia and luxury, reminiscent of a fancy Pop-Tart.
Source: Apartment Therapy
Photo: Getty