Calculating a children's brunch menu is different from regular dishes. Kids eat smaller portions, but parents still expect a complete experience. You need to account for adjusted quantities and keep in mind the lower price parents are willing to pay.
Why calculate children's brunch differently?
With a children's brunch menu, you'll face a few challenges:
- Smaller portions, but often the same ingredients
- Parents expect a lower price
- More waste from picky eaters
- Extra attention and service needed
⚠️ Note:
Don't just calculate 50% of the adult portion. Kids eat less, but prep time and service remain the same.
Gather all ingredients
Make a list of everything that goes on the children's brunch plate. Think about:
- Main dishes: mini pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon strips
- Fruit: strawberries, blueberries, banana
- Bread: toast, croissant
- Extras: jam, butter, chocolate sprinkles
- Drinks: fresh orange juice, milk
💡 Example ingredient list:
For 1 children's brunch (6-12 years):
- 2 mini pancakes: €0.45
- 1 egg (scrambled): €0.28
- 1 slice bacon: €0.35
- 50g mixed fruit: €0.60
- 1 slice toast + butter + jam: €0.25
- 150ml fresh juice: €0.40
Total ingredient costs: €2.33
Calculate the right quantities
Children between 6-12 years eat about 60-70% of an adult portion. But not all ingredients scale the same way:
- Meat/fish: 60% of adult portion
- Vegetables/fruit: 50% of adult portion
- Bread/sides: 70% of adult portion
- Drinks: 50-60% of adult portion
Add waste and extra costs
With kids, you have more waste than with adults. Budget an extra 10-15% in ingredient costs for:
- Food that falls on the floor
- Dishes that don't get eaten
- Extra napkins and cleaning
- More attention from staff
💡 Calculation example:
Base ingredient costs: €2.33
- Waste 12%: €2.33 × 0.12 = €0.28
- Extra service 5%: €2.33 × 0.05 = €0.12
Actual cost price: €2.33 + €0.28 + €0.12 = €2.73
Determine your selling price
Children's brunch often has a lower food cost because parents expect a lower price. Standard food cost for children's menus is between 35-40%.
💡 Price calculation:
Cost price: €2.73
Desired food cost: 38%
- Minimum price excl. VAT: €2.73 ÷ 0.38 = €7.18
- Price incl. 9% VAT: €7.18 × 1.09 = €7.83
- Rounded menu price: €7.95
Check your competition
Look at what other establishments in your area charge for children's brunch. Parents actively compare prices for children's menus. If your price is much higher, you need to offer extra value.
⚠️ Note:
A too-low price for children's menus attracts many families, but can destroy your margin. Always calculate whether you're still making a profit.
Calculate children's brunch cost price (step by step)
Make an ingredient list
Write down all ingredients that go into the children's brunch menu. Note the quantity per portion and the purchase price per ingredient. Don't forget small things like butter, jam, or garnish.
Calculate the base costs
Add up all ingredient costs. This is your base price per portion. Check that you've used realistic quantities for the 6-12 year age group.
Add waste and extra costs
Add 10-15% for waste and extra service. Kids spill more and need more attention. These are hidden costs you need to include in your calculation.
✨ Pro tip
Recheck your food cost every month. Kids grow and their eating habits change by season. What worked in January might be too little or too much in June.
Calculate this yourself?
In the KitchenNmbrs app you can do this in just a few clicks. 7 days free, no credit card.
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Frequently asked questions
What food cost is normal for a children's brunch menu?
For children's menus, food cost is often slightly higher than for adults: between 35-40%. This is because parents expect a lower price, but your service costs remain the same.
Should I include VAT in my cost price calculation?
No, always calculate with prices excluding VAT. Restaurant food is subject to 9% VAT. Divide your menu price by 1.09 to get the price excl. VAT.
How do I account for extra waste with kids?
Add 10-15% extra ingredient costs for waste and spillage. Kids are more likely to leave food uneaten or drop it, which affects your margin.
Can I use the same portion sizes as for adults?
No, kids eat about 50-70% of an adult portion, depending on the ingredient. Meat and fish 60%, vegetables and fruit 50%, bread and sides 70%.
What if my children's brunch turns out too expensive?
Look for cheaper ingredients or smaller portions. You can also adjust the presentation: fun-shaped pancakes cost the same but feel more special.
📚 Sources consulted
- EU Verordening 852/2004 — Levensmiddelenhygiëne (2004) — Official source
- EU Verordening 853/2004 — Hygiënevoorschriften voor levensmiddelen van dierlijke oorsprong (2004) — Official source
- EU Verordening 1169/2011 — Voedselinformatie aan consumenten (2011) — Official source
- NVWA — Hygiënecode voor de horeca (2024) — Official source
- NVWA — Allergenen in voedsel (2024) — Official source
- Codex Alimentarius — International Food Standards (2024) — Official source
- FSA — Safer food, better business (HACCP) (2024) — Official source
- BVL — Lebensmittelhygiene (HACCP) (2024) — Official source
- Warenwetbesluit Bereiding en behandeling van levensmiddelen (2024) — Official source
- WHO — Foodborne diseases estimates (2024) — Official source
Food Standards Agency (FSA) — https://www.food.gov.uk
The HACCP standards shown in this application are for informational purposes only. KitchenNmbrs does not guarantee that displayed values are current or complete. Always consult the FSA or your local authority for the latest regulations.
Written by
Jeffrey Smit
Founder & CEO of KitchenNmbrs
Jeffrey Smit built KitchenNmbrs from 8 years of hands-on experience as kitchen manager at 1NUL8 Group in Rotterdam. His mission: give every restaurant owner control over food cost.
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