This is the 54321 grocery shopping trick: This TikTok trend is helping shoppers spend less and eat healthier

The 5-4-3-2-1 method is a viral grocery shopping strategy (popularized by Chef Will Coleman and many other TikTok accounts) is designed to simplify meal planning, reduce impulse buys, and keep your grocery budget in check.

Instead of meticulously planning every recipe before you shop, you simply fill your cart with a set number of items from specific categories.

The Core 5-4-3-2-1 rule

Here is the standard breakdown of what you put in your cart:

5 Vegetables: (e.g., spinach, broccoli, peppers, onions, carrots)

4 Fruits: (e.g., bananas, apples, berries, lemons)

3 Proteins: (e.g., chicken, eggs, ground beef, tofu, beans)

2 Sauces or Spreads: (e.g., hummus, pasta sauce, pesto, peanut butter)

1 Treat: (e.g., chocolate, chips, ice cream)

Why It Works

Reduces Decision Fatigue: You don’t need to decide exactly what you are eating for Tuesday dinner before you enter the store. You just need to grab “3 proteins,” which is much easier to decide in the aisle.

Focuses on Whole Foods: By mandating 9 distinct produce items (5 veg + 4 fruit), the bulk of your cart is fresh and healthy.

Versatility: The math implies you can mix and match. For example, if you buy chicken, rice, and peppers, you have a stir-fry. If you buy eggs, spinach, and bread, you have a savory breakfast.

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