The viral 5-4-3-2-1 grocery hack that’ll finally fix your chaotic shopping trips

These are your building blocks, and the key is variety. Different vegetables each week keep your plate, and your taste buds happy. Basics include broccoli, carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, gourds, pumpkin, celery, and cabbage. On days you want something extra, reach for asparagus or heirloom tomatoes.

Fruit is nature’s candy—well, sort of. Stock up on everyday classics like apples and bananas, seasonal favourites like strawberries and cherries, and wildcards like mangoes and passionfruit. Use them to top pancakes, sweeten smoothie bowls, or just snack straight.

This is where the main character of your meals enters. Whatever your preference—herbivore, carnivore, or vegan—you need a little grown-up thought here. Otherwise, you’ll snack your way into hangry territory. Options like tofu, cottage cheese, beans, and lentils will keep hunger pangs in check.

Carbs have been unfairly demonised for way too long (looking at you, low-rise jeans + Atkins crew). But in 2025, carbs are thriving, and this method gives you permission to stock two wholesome options. Think brown rice, quinoa, oats, barley, or whole-grain pasta.

Finally, here’s where it gets fun. Every grocery run allows one—just one—indulgence. Whether it’s artisanal chocolate or fancy-flavoured kettle chips, pick your weekly treat. By keeping it small, you’ll avoid bingeing on four different types of cookies later.

While this method is brilliant for efficiency and cutting waste, it assumes you already have the basics—think butter, oil, spices, and condiments—on hand. Restocks of staples like yoghurt, juice, and milk are extras, of course. So next time you’re grocery shopping, don’t let the endless options overwhelm you or your Pinterest board distract you. Just whisper 5-4-3-2-1, grab what you need, and strut out like the main character you are—tote swinging, cart curated, life semi-figured out.