Food cost calculator for tiffin and meal prep
Add the ingredients in one batch, what you paid for each and how much the batch uses. See the cost per meal and your food cost percentage at your price.
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Ingredients in one batch
Use the same unit for pack size and amount used in each row (grams with grams, ml with ml, or 1 and 1 for a whole item).
- Batch cost
- $10.56
- Food cost per meal
- $0.53
- Food cost %
- 4.4%
Many kitchens aim for 28–35%. Add packaging and delivery in the price calculator.
Why work it out per meal
Most kitchens know what they spent at the grocery store this week, but not what one tiffin costs. Without that number you can't price a new dish, and you won't notice when the price of paneer or oil quietly eats your margin.
- List every ingredient in one batch, including oil, spices and rice.
- For each, enter what you paid and the pack size, and how much the batch uses.
- Enter how many meals the batch makes.
- Enter your price per meal to see your food cost percentage.
Once you know the cost of each dish, plan a week where cheap and expensive days balance out. See how to plan a weekly tiffin menu.
Questions
What is food cost percentage?
The cost of the ingredients in a meal divided by the price you sell it for. A $4 meal sold for $12 has a 33% food cost.
What is a good food cost percentage for meal prep?
Many food businesses aim for roughly 28–35%. Higher than that and packaging, delivery and your time have little room left.