TikToker's viral AI grocery hack sparks debate over saving money vs. saving the planet

With grocery prices continuing to rise, many people are looking for ways to cut costs. One increasingly popular solution is using AI, such as ChatGPT, to help create budget-friendly grocery lists and meal plans.

Here’s how it works: simply type a request like, "Make me a grocery list for Kroger with a budget of $100 that can provide meals for five days for a family of four." In seconds, ChatGPT generates a detailed shopping list and meal suggestions. It can even tailor the plan to dietary needs. This functionality has gained attention as food prices outpace inflation—basic items like milk and bread have risen by 28% since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are the results of the above ChatGPT query:

Grocery List

Produce

  • Bananas (8) - $2.00
  • Apples (6) - $4.00
  • Baby carrots (2 lb bag) - $4.00
  • Spinach (1 large bag) - $4.00
  • Russet potatoes (5 lbs) - $4.00
  • Onion (3) - $2.25
  • Garlic (1 bulb) - $0.75
  • Bell peppers (3) - $3.00
  • Frozen mixed vegetables (2 bags) - $4.00

Protein

  • Chicken drumsticks (5 lbs) - $8.00
  • Ground turkey (3 lbs) - $12.00
  • Eggs (2 dozen) - $7.00

Pantry Staples

  • Rice (5 lbs) - $4.00
  • Pasta (3 boxes) - $4.50
  • Canned black beans (3 cans) - $3.00
  • Canned diced tomatoes (3 cans) - $3.75
  • Peanut butter (1 jar) - $3.00
  • Bread (2 loaves) - $5.00
  • Flour tortillas (10-pack) - $3.00
  • Oats (18 oz container) - $4.00

Dairy

  • Shredded cheddar cheese (16 oz) - $6.00
  • Milk (1 gallon) - $3.50
  • Yogurt (store brand multipack, 8 cups) - $4.00

Spices and Condiments

  • Olive oil (small bottle) - $5.00
  • Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chili powder - $5.00 (use pantry staples if available)

Total: $100

7-Day Meal Plan with Recipes

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal with banana slices.Cook oats with milk, top with sliced bananas, and a drizzle of peanut butter.
  • Lunch: Turkey and cheese sandwiches with carrot sticks.Layer turkey and shredded cheese on bread; serve with raw baby carrots.
  • Dinner: Baked chicken drumsticks with mashed potatoes and steamed spinach.Season drumsticks with paprika and garlic powder, bake at 375°F for 40 minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach.

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and toast.
  • Lunch: Spinach and black bean wraps.Fill tortillas with spinach, black beans, and shredded cheese, and warm in a skillet.
  • Dinner: Spaghetti with turkey marinara.Cook pasta and top with a sauce made from ground turkey, diced tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning.

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Yogurt with diced apple and oats.
  • Lunch: Chicken and rice bowls with mixed vegetables.Combine cooked rice, shredded baked chicken, and sautéed frozen vegetables.
  • Dinner: Turkey tacos with black beans.Sauté ground turkey with chili powder and garlic, then serve in tortillas with black beans and shredded cheese.

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Peanut butter and banana toast.
  • Lunch: Pasta salad with vegetables.Toss cooked pasta with frozen mixed vegetables, olive oil, and seasonings.
  • Dinner: Baked potatoes with chili.Top baked potatoes with a mixture of ground turkey, diced tomatoes, and black beans.

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach.
  • Lunch: Turkey and cheese quesadillas.Layer turkey and cheese on tortillas, fold, and toast in a skillet.
  • Dinner: Chicken stir-fry with rice.Sauté chicken, bell peppers, onions, and mixed vegetables with garlic. Serve over rice.

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal with apples and cinnamon.
  • Lunch: Peanut butter sandwiches with carrot sticks.
  • Dinner: Vegetable soup with bread.Simmer diced potatoes, carrots, spinach, and canned tomatoes with garlic and seasonings. Serve with bread.

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Yogurt with oats and banana slices.
  • Lunch: Black bean and cheese wraps.Warm black beans and cheese in tortillas.
  • Dinner: Roasted chicken drumsticks with roasted vegetables.Season chicken and diced potatoes with olive oil and salt, roast at 400°F for 40 minutes. Serve with steamed spinach.

Viral Trends and Environmental Concerns

The idea of using AI for grocery planning isn’t new, but it recently went viral on TikTok after a creator shared an enthusiastic video calling it a "lifesaver." The video received millions of views, with many people calling the idea "genius." However, the same creator later deleted the video and apologized, citing concerns about AI's environmental impact after some users pointed out that ChatGPT has a large carbon footprint, which is allegedly leading to global warming and disruptions in the climate systems.

Running AI models like ChatGPT does require significant energy. One researcher told NPR that one query to ChatGPT uses approximately as much electricity as could light one light bulb for about 20 minutes. Large data centers also use water to maintain and cool their systems, putting strain on resources. 

This issue isn’t unique to ChatGPT—it’s true for platforms like TikTok, Facebook, YouTube etc. According to Environment.com, TikTok has the largest carbon footprint among major platforms, producing 2.63 grams of carbon emissions per minute, compared to 0.79 grams for Facebook and 0.46 grams for YouTube. With its massive user base, TikTok releases approximately 40,151 tons of CO₂ daily.

TikTok, which is owned by Byte Dance, has publicly stated a goal to achieve net-zero emissions in their business operations by 2030, according to The Guardian

Google, whose greenhouse gas emissions have risen by 48% since 2019 and which is now integrating AI into its products, says it has a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2030, according to NPR.org. Microsoft is taking it one step further, saying it will be carbon negative by 2030. Its emissions reportedly grew by 29% since 2020.

ChatGPT told Bloomberg in 2023 that it takes its role in stopping and reversing climate change "very seriously" and they are working closely with Microsoft's team to improve efficiency, which will reduce their carbon footprint. 

Managing Your Digital Carbon Footprint

While AI and social media platforms offer convenience and entertainment, they come with environmental costs. For those interested in understanding their own impact, tools like the Social Media Carbon Footprint Calculator can estimate emissions based on usage. As consumers, finding a balance between leveraging technology and being mindful of its environmental effects can help promote sustainability.

How to Save Money While Grocery Shopping

As mentioned before, creating a meal plan and a grocery list will help you save money and it's possible to do this without using ChatGPT or AI. In fact, you don't need a computer or your smartphone at all. 

Here are 10 practical tips to help save you money while grocery shopping:

1. Make a Meal Plan

  • Plan your meals for the week and create a shopping list based on the ingredients you'll need. This prevents impulse buys and reduces food waste.

2. Stick to a Budget

  • Set a budget before you shop and use a calculator or grocery app to track your spending as you go.

3. Shop Sales and Use Coupons

  • Check store flyers for weekly sales and combine discounts with coupons, either printed or digital, for maximum savings.

4. Buy Generic or Store Brands

  • Generic or store-brand products often have the same quality as name brands but at a fraction of the price.

5. Shop Seasonally

  • Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season, as they are typically cheaper and fresher.

6. Avoid Pre-Packaged or Pre-Cut Items

  • Whole fruits, vegetables, and blocks of cheese are often more affordable than pre-cut or individually packaged versions.

7. Buy in Bulk (When Practical)

  • For non-perishable items like rice, pasta, or canned goods, buying in bulk can save money in the long run. Just ensure you have storage space and will use the items.

8. Use a Shopping List

  • A list keeps you focused and reduces the likelihood of buying unnecessary items.

9. Avoid Shopping When Hungry

  • Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to impulse purchases and overspending on snacks or junk food.

10. Compare Prices

  • Check the price per unit or ounce to determine the best deal, especially when comparing sizes or brands.

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