The 6-to-1 food shopping method, created by chef Will Coleman, aims to give people structure and direction before they enter a supermarket, potentially eliminating impulse buying and reducing food bills. The approach limits weekly purchases to 21 items across six categories: six vegetables (fresh, frozen or canned), five fruits, four protein sources (such as meat, eggs, tofu, beans or lentils), three carbohydrates (including rice, pasta, potatoes or bread), two sauces, spreads or dips, and one fun item like a favourite treat or snack.
Why budgeting methods are gaining popularity
According to Nouran Moustafa, financial and mortgage adviser at Roxton Wealth, the cost of living is affecting everyone, and while housing and transport costs are hard to cut, shopping habits are one area people can control. Kevin Mountford, personal finance expert and co-founder of Raisin UK, agrees, noting that the cost-of-living crisis has made people more conscious and mindful of how they shop.
Raisin UK's Great British Savings Report, conducted by Opinion Matters, surveyed 2,000 nationally representative UK adults and found that more than two in five (42%) people who dipped into savings used the money for everyday living expenses such as groceries and bills. Mountford added that even small improvements to how regularly people shop and how much food they waste can help make the weekly budget go further.
Benefits and drawbacks of the method
Moustafa said that following a structured shopping method like 6-to-1 helps prevent impulsive spending and stops people from buying things they do not need. Mountford added that building discipline around everyday spending can boost overall money confidence by encouraging habits like planning ahead, setting limits and making more deliberate choices.
However, the quantities advised may not work for all households. Mountford noted that some methods are overly rigid; for example, a household of one or two people might not want or need six different types of vegetables. He advised shoppers to review their budget regularly and be flexible, as personal circumstances and the cost of living can change.
The method also does not account for product shelf lives. Mountford pointed out that items like sourdough bread do not last long, and a household of two might not get through it fast enough, so food wastage should be minimised. Additionally, costs can vary drastically depending on the exact items chosen, especially if people buy expensive branded products.
Other money-saving shopping habits
Mountford suggested checking lower shelves or end-of-aisle displays for better bargains, as expensive, well-known brands tend to be placed at eye level. He also recommended joining supermarket loyalty schemes, such as Sainsbury's Nectar card and Tesco's Clubcard, which offer discounts. Comparing prices between different supermarkets, as his wife does for specific items, can also help save money.
In conclusion, Mountford advised pairing the method with three simple habits: setting a spending limit before going to the shop, comparing the price per unit rather than just the shelf price, and planning how each item will be used across the week. This way, the method helps reduce both overspending and waste.
