The shopping hack that is sparking debate: '$47 on groceries for a family of four'

Shoppers navigating the supermarket aisles are going all-in on a game-changing shopping hack that promises to revolutionise the way they shop for food.

The viral 6-to-1 method of grocery shopping, aimed at saving both time and money, has taken the internet by storm—but many are suggesting it's great in theory, but not ideal in practice.

What is the 6-to-1 method?

The 6-to-1 method, the brainchild of American Chef Will Coleman, is a straightforward yet strategic approach to supermarket shopping, aimed at prioritising efficiency and minimising food waste. With a significant online presence on TikTok and Instagram, Coleman shared his wisdom in a viral video that has garnered nearly a million views.

Breaking down the philosophy behind the method, Coleman explains, "You grab six veggies, five fruits, four proteins, three starches, two sauces or spreads and one fun thing for yourself" (AKA 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1). The crux lies in creating a solid foundation for grocery shopping, offering a precise plan to steer clear of unnecessary expenses and make the cooking experience more enjoyable.

A recipe for success

According to Chef Coleman, the flexibility of the 6-to-1 method allows for adaptation based on individual needs.

"Some days you may need five proteins compared to four proteins, but that's way better than buying 10 proteins that you're probably never going to use. It's just a way to get people on track, saving money and having more fun cooking," he says.

Controversy surrounds shopping method

Despite the method's recent viral success, it has not been without its fair share of confusion and scepticism. Online discussions reveal a divide in opinion, with some users expressing uncertainty about how to manage the random array of ingredients once they've left the grocery store.

"So I'm back there 24 hours later?" questioned someone on @theskimm's reposting of the method.

Many also just didn't see it as practical: "What do you DO with them all when you've bought them?" One person asked. "I can't buy random ingredients in those increments without a plan and then try to cobble together a recipe down the line, what if you are missing crucial pieces of multiple recipes?"

Another added: "Why do I have more anxiety to food shop than I ever did before?"

Meanwhile, others expressed concerns as to how the method would work for their large family.

"Orrrrr you can have kids and then your grocery list will be more like: 6 snacks for the kids, 5 dinners for the kids of which they will only eat 2 on repeat, 4 more snacks for the kids, 3 prob basic items like milk and eggs, 2 I guess i gotta eat too, come up with something quick, 1 pretty sure i forgot some snack for the kids," one parent joked.

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Nonetheless, Chef Coleman insists that the 6-to-1 method is for everyone, irrespective of household size.

"You can do this for a household of two or four or six or eight. It doesn’t matter. You can make it work for yourself — and the way to go about that is to just grab a few more of the single items you choose in each category for your family," he revealed to People.

Despite the scepticism, those who have embraced the 6-to-1 method are singing its praises. One user exclaimed: "Thank you! We're bringing in 2024 right! Just spent $47 on groceries for a family of four!"

Another delighted user chimed in: "I’m so happy I came across this". The user hoped the trend would change her current habits: "Just went grocery shopping, spent too much money, and I don’t even know what I bought."

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