If grocery shopping feels like a chore—or you find yourself filling the cart with snacks but no actual meals—there’s a simple trick that might help.
It’s called the 5-4-3-2-1 method, and it gives you an easy framework to follow when you hit the store. Instead of shopping aimlessly, just stick to this formula: grab five vegetables, four fruits, three proteins, two starches, and one treat. That’s it.
The beauty of this method is in its flexibility. Everything you buy can be mixed and matched into meals, cutting down on both costs and food waste. The structure keeps you focused but still leaves room for creativity—and maybe even makes grocery shopping less stressful.
The idea comes from chef and content creator Will Coleman, who shared the hack in 2023. He explained that using this approach, he could cook four to six meals for two people for under $100. Since then, plenty of shoppers have put it to the test themselves.
And the timing couldn’t be better. A new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that nearly 90% of American adults are stressed about rising grocery bills. According to the Consumer Price Index, food prices are up 2.4% compared to last year.
That’s why the formula works so well. Instead of overspending on produce that spoils before you touch it, focus on essentials: maybe a bag of salad, broccoli, zucchini, onions, and peppers. Add fruits like berries, bananas, kiwi, or grapes. For proteins, think salmon, eggs, or tofu. For starches, rice or pasta are always safe bets.
Of course, most kitchens need more than 16 items to be fully stocked. But this system is a great jumping-off point—especially if grocery runs usually leave you overwhelmed. And don’t forget that final step: pick up one fun snack or sweet treat for yourself. You’ve earned it.