If you dread the weekly grocery shop, or get sidetracked by fun snacks only to end up with no real meals, this might be the hack for you.
The 5-4-3-2-1 method gives shoppers like you a simple template the next time you’re about to crash out in the produce aisle. Instead of tossing random items into the cart and realizing later you have nothing to cook, grab five vegetables, four fruits, three proteins, two starches, and one treat, and call it a day.
The idea is that everything can be mixed and matched for different meals, helping to cut costs and prevent food waste. Having a number in mind for each category brings just enough structure to make grocery shopping less stressful, and maybe even enjoyable.
The method traces back to content creator and chef Will Coleman, who posted a video of his grocery tips in 2023. He said he could make between four and six meals for two people for under $100 using the formula. Since then, others have tested out his method for themselves.
A new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that almost 90% of American adults are stressed about grocery costs, which means the viral hack couldn’t have resurfaced at a better time.
The Consumer Price Index shows grocery prices are up 2.4% compared to last year. Instead of overspending on produce that goes bad at the back of the fridge, focus on staples: a bag of salad, broccoli, zucchini, onions, peppers. Add a few fruits like berries, bananas, kiwi, grapes. Throw some protein in your cart, like salmon, eggs, or tofu, as well as starches like rice or pasta.
Of course, you’ll likely need to buy more than 16 items in order to have a fully stocked kitchen. But it’s a great starting point for your grocery list if you tend to wander the aisles overwhelmed. On your way to checkout, don’t forget something fun—a seasonal snack or sweet treat—because you deserve it.
