If you’re tired of spending a fortune every time you go to the grocery store, this viral budgeting method could help. The 6-to-1 grocery method, popularized on TikTok by Chef Will Coleman, can help make grocery shopping easier and put more money in your pocket.
Even though inflation is cooling, grocery prices remain elevated, putting a strain on many household’s budgets, and the last inflation report actually showed a jump in food prices. The food at home index rose 0.4% in September, with a 2.3% increase for all food items over the previous year. Meats, poultry, fish and eggs rose 3.9% over the previous year.
High prices have led many individuals to try alternative budgeting methods, like the 60/30/10 method, to more effectively manage their money. The 6-to-1 grocery method tackles one particular aspect of your spending — grocery shopping.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The 6-to-1 grocery method
The 6-to-1 grocery method provides structure to your grocery list, making shopping easier and more cost-effective. Next time you go to the supermarket, you’ll buy six vegetables, five fruits, four proteins, three starches, two sauces/spreads and one "fun" item as a treat.
“This makes grocery shopping way easier, way cheaper and you get in and out, so you’re not there all day long,” Chef Coleman says in a TikTok explaining the method.
Before you go to the store, you may want to have an idea of some meal concepts you plan on cooking in order to narrow down your choices, but the method itself is meant to provide flexibility.
You might choose to buy what’s on sale (even if it’s not the vegetables or meat you initially planned on purchasing) to further increase your savings. Maybe you need to opt for frozen veggies instead of fresh ones. Or maybe you have a large family and need to increase the quantity of food you buy. Overall, the method is supposed to be adapted to your personal preferences and needs.
Tom Jauncey, CEO at Nautilus Marketing told Kiplinger he saves $50 a week by using this method and recommends it for individuals who want to streamline grocery shopping while saving money.
Health.com provides a great example of what a 6-to-1 grocery list looks like and what meals you can make with those ingredients.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Row 0 - Cell 1 |
Vegetables | Frozen fajita veggie mix, spaghetti squash, frozen stir-fry veggies, sliced carrots, salad kit, cherry tomatoes |
Fruits | Avocado, strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, bananas |
Proteins | Chicken breast, lean ground turkey, frozen shrimp, eggs |
Starches | Whole grain tortillas, whole grain bread, rolled oats |
Sauces | Pasta sauce, stir-fry sauce |
Fun item | Ice cream |
Using the above ingredients, you can make the following five meals.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Row 0 - Cell 1 |
Meal 1: | Whole grain chicken tacos with frozen bell peppers seasoned with taco seasoning from your pantry |
Meal 2: | Spaghetti squash Bolognese with lean ground turkey and pasta sauce |
Meal 3: | Shrimp stir-fry with shrimp, frozen stir-fry veggies, and stir-fry sauce |
Meal 4: | Avocado toast on whole grain bread with over easy eggs and blueberries on the side |
Meal 5: | Protein oatmeal made with rolled oats cooked with egg whites for additional protein and topped with strawberries and bananas |
Of course, you likely have other essentials on your list that aren't included in the method. For example, I burn through coffee beans so quickly that I usually grab a bag every other time I grocery shop. In cases like this, you don't have to sacrifice or eliminate these purchases entirely but rather incorporate them into the overall 6-to-1 plan. Think about what is essential and what you can get by without.
Not only can the method help you save money and eliminate impulse purchases, but it also reduces food waste, saves time and makes it easier to eat healthy.
Related Content
-
Stocks Can't Hold Meta, Microsoft Gains: Stock Market TodayThe main indexes all opened higher Thursday on impressive Big Tech earnings, but momentum faded into the close.
-
Retirement Health Care Costs Are On the Rise: What You Need to KnowA 65-year-old retiree will face significantly higher lifetime health care costs than they would have a year ago, even with Medicare. Here are the surprising totals.
-
These Beach Towns Are the Safest Spots in the US This SummerLow crime rates, accessible medical care and calm conditions make these coastal destinations perfect for a stress-free getaway.
-
You Need to Have This Financial Talk With Your SpouseWomen are poised to inherit significant wealth from their husbands. Here's how they can prepare for it.
-
Surprising Ways to Find Deals on Cars Despite TariffsLooking for a new car? Tariffs will make good deals harder to find, so use these expert tricks to get a lower purchase price and keep long-term costs down.
-
Three Ways to Find Deals in Your Investments This YearLooking for ways to save because of tariffs? Don't forget to look for deals in your investments. Here are three expert tips for making a little extra this year.
-
Don't Miss Out on These Four Credit Card BenefitsCredit card benefits aren't always limited to cash back, points and miles. Check whether your existing card offers these valuable extras — or switch to one that does.
-
Smart Ways to Save Money at MuseumsWant to save money at museums, art galleries, zoos and gardens? Use these tips to get free or discounted admission to national and local collections.
-
How to Find Deals on Travel in 2025Finding deals on travel is an excellent way to cut costs in 2025, as tariffs start to bite. Here are three suggestions for lowering the cost of your next trip.
-
Strategies to Spend Less on Clothing and Online Shopping in 2025It's easy to spend less on clothing and other goods when shopping online. Arm yourself with these expert tricks and tools that will help you grab a bargain.
