What is the 5-4-3-2-1 method for groceries?

There’s no escaping it — grocery shopping is a weekly errand that always needs to get done. And, if you find that groceries are more expensive than ever before, you’re not alone. Enter: the 5-4-3-2-1 method for grocery shopping. 

Think of the 5‑4‑3‑2‑1 method as a countdown that keeps grocery shopping simple. It’s a quick reminder to grab a balance of produce, proteins, and grains so your cart covers the basics without going over your grocery budget. Instead of mapping out every meal in advance, it gives families a flexible framework they can adjust to fit their own routines. Here’s the breakdown:

• 5 vegetables

• 4 fruits

• 3 proteins

• 2 grains (or pantry staples like sauces/spreads, depending on your version)

• 1 fun item

Where the 5-4-3-2-1 method came from

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The idea grew out of chef Will Coleman’s “6‑to‑1 method,” which went viral on TikTok. His original version was 6 veggies, 5 fruits, 4 proteins, 3 starches, 2 sauces, and 1 fun item. As families tried it, they started tweaking it down to 5‑4‑3‑2‑1, a shorter, easier‑to‑remember variation. Food blogs and parenting sites spread the new version because it worked well for busy families who wanted a clear framework without being locked into strict meal planning.

Why the 5-4-3-2-1 method caught on

Parents and shoppers embraced the method because it:

• Simplifies decisions. Instead of endless lists, you shop for groceries by category.

• Cuts food waste. Buying set amounts means less produce forgotten in the fridge.

• Keeps costs in check. The numbers help limit impulse buys.

• Engages kids. They can help pick items, especially the “fun” category.

How to use the 5-4-3-2-1 method in real life

Here’s how a single 5-4-3-2-1 shop might play out:

• 5 vegetables: peppers, carrots, broccoli, spinach, cucumbers

• 4 fruits: bananas, grapes, apples, oranges

• 3 proteins: chicken, beans, eggs

• 2 grains: rice, pasta

• 1 fun item: popsicles

Using only those items (plus basic oil, salt, and spices), you could make:

• Chicken & veggie stir-fry over rice: peppers, carrots, broccoli + chicken + rice

• Pasta with spinach & peppers (beans for protein): spinach + peppers + pasta + beans

• Beans & rice bowls with crunchy veg: rice + beans topped with sliced cucumbers and carrots

• Veggie egg fried rice: eggs + rice + carrots + spinach

• Fruit salad & dessert: bananas, grapes, apples, oranges, and popsicles as the fun treat

Notice that each meal draws from the same set of items, naturally producing multiple options without overbuying. The foods here are only an illustration — you can swap in seasonal produce, different proteins, or other grains to match your own budget and preferences.

Tips for making the 5-4-3-2-1 method useful

• Adapt it. Vegetarian? Swap proteins for tofu, beans, or lentils. Gluten-free? Replace pasta with rice or quinoa. Busy week? Choose pre-chopped or frozen produce to save time.

• Scale it. Double the numbers for larger families or batch cooking. Cooking for one or two? Cut them in half and freeze extra portions for later.

• Add basics. Pantry items (oil, spices, milk) aren’t included, so add them separately. Consider dairy, condiments, and kid-friendly snacks to help round out your meals.

• Shop seasonally. Fresh and in-season usually means cheaper and tastier. Try picking one new fruit or veggie each week to keep meals interesting.

• Plan storage. Use your freezer and fridge smartly. Wash and prep produce right away so it’s ready to grab.

• Mix and match. Combine items across categories to build different meals and reduce repetition.

Pulling it all together

The 5‑4‑3‑2‑1 method works because it’s easy to remember and flexible enough to fit different households. Some families stick to it exactly, while others use it as a loose guide to make sure the basics are covered without going over budget. The result can be fewer decisions at the store, less food going to waste, and meals that come together more smoothly during the week.

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.