A game of ABC kicks off the competition. Later, the chefs must rummage through clearance carts before making a starter; and the two remaining contestants play "Frozen Food Feud".
Free samples must be incorporated into Mediterranean dishes; the chefs make desserts in a "Closing Time" challenge; and the "Food Wheel" plays a factor in determining the ultimate winner.
An international dish is made using only items from the middle aisles of the store; seafood is prepared with five ingredients or less; and substitutions are required when cooking signature hamburgers.
The competing chefs are tasked with making French toast without a key component; and are challenged to prepare a steak dinner using only canned items. Also: a soup-and-sandwich combo is served during the game, "No Carts Allowed".
Moms are the competitors and are challenged to cook with ingredients that all begin with the same letter. Later, they are asked to make brunch, for four, on a budget; and are thrown for a loop when preparing a guilty pleasure.
The chefs are challenged to make a decadent dish, while playing "Meals from the Middle". Also: they have $9 to spend on a seafood dinner for four; and hot sandwiches ultimately determine the winner.
The chefs must incorporate Guy Fieri's unusual Grocery List into their noodle dishes. In the final game, two chefs go head-to-head as they shop together, to make their best dish in One Ingredient Per Aisle.
The chefs take part in grilling challenges, including making pizza with peanut butter; creating a dish using mystery meats and unmarked cans. Also: the game "Top Shelf/Bottom Shelf".
Burgers are made and weighed. Later, there's a chilling twist when the chefs have to prepare a meal with two sides; and a pork dinner decides the winner.
The first challenge is to make a favorite holiday meal using samples; the chefs play "Watch Your Weight" when preparing decadent desserts; and the winner is declared after a game of "No Carts Allowed".
Pasta isn't available to the chefs as they face a "Single Aisle Showdown" challenge. Later, no carts are allowed when shopping for a barbecue feast; and one thing, from each aisle, must be used in dessert dishes.