Is The 6-To-1 Grocery Shopping Method Actually Useful?
With grocery prices at an all-time high, people are looking outside the box for new ways to save money in the supermarket. Avoiding the most expensive grocery store in the country is a start, but these days, you can be shocked to see your receipt even from Trader Joe's or a discount store like Aldi. Still, human ingenuity knows no bounds, and some have found that a simple countdown strategy can be helpful in trying to save some dough.
A TikTok video from early 2024 showcased @chefwilco explaining that all folks needed to do to keep more cash in their pockets after leaving the grocery store was to follow his 6-to-1 shopping method. This dictates that you purchase six vegetables, five fruits, four proteins, three starches, two sauces or spreads, and one treat for yourself solely meant to put a smile on your face. This approach ensures you walk out with nutritious ingredients instead of with your arms full of sweets or frozen dinners. When you get home with your bounty, you should be able to create several nutritious dishes you and your family can enjoy for the lowest possible cost.
@chefwillco My 6 to 1 grocery method makes shopping cheaper and easier! Let me know how you like this grocery shopping method. #6to1method
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However, this technique isn't flawless. If you simply pick out the cheapest ingredients available, there is no guarantee they will work together to create an appetizing meal. Still, with a little planning, the 6-to-1 method of shopping for groceries can save you some coin when all is said and done.
You need a plan for all that grocery store produce
While the 6-to-1 concept is simple on its face, it isn't foolproof. It might keep you from buying more cookies and ice cream than necessary, but let's face it — that is a lot of produce. Fruits and veggies often have a limited shelf life — exemplified by the fact grocery stores are forced to put old produce on their salad bars before it goes bad. If you have to throw some of it out when it spoils, you haven't saved money — you wasted it.
Some forethought goes a long way when shopping. If you put a strategy together for what you plan on making the following week before entering the store, it becomes much easier to make the 6-to-1 method successful. Meats are commonly the most expensive items in your shopping cart, but you can substitute other forms of protein like beans, nuts, or tofu.
After securing your proteins, stock up on your six veggies and five fruits if you think you can use them before they turn — bearing in mind that they should pair well with the protein you chose. From there, consider which starches would complement your proteins and produce, and do the same for your sauces and spreads. The 6-to-1 technique works at keeping too many alluring treats from coming home with you, but without a bit of planning, it doesn't guarantee you will save money on your grocery haul.