📝 Recipe development & new dishes · ⏱️ 2 min read

How do I use KitchenNmbrs to compare the food cost of...

📝 KitchenNmbrs — · updated 06 Apr 2026

Quick answer
Which version of your signature dish actually makes you the most money? Most restaurants have multiple ways to prepare popular dishes, but few track which variants deliver the highest margins.

Which version of your signature dish actually makes you the most money? Most restaurants have multiple ways to prepare popular dishes, but few track which variants deliver the highest margins. Tools like KitchenNmbrs let you compare different recipe versions side by side, so you stop leaving profit on the table.

Why comparing variants matters

Many kitchens have multiple versions of popular dishes. Think of a pasta carbonara with bacon versus pancetta, or a steak from different cuts of meat. These variants can have major differences in food cost, while the selling price often stays the same.

? Example:

Three variants of steak at €32.00 (incl. 9% VAT):

  • Ribeye: €12.50 ingredients = 42.6% food cost
  • Entrecote: €9.80 ingredients = 33.4% food cost
  • Bavette: €7.20 ingredients = 24.5% food cost

Difference per portion: €5.30 profit!

Creating variants in KitchenNmbrs

The app lets you save multiple recipe variants for each dish. Each variant gets its own ingredient list and food cost calculation. This keeps everything organized without hunting through different versions.

  • Create the main recipe (for example "Steak with fries")
  • Add variants with descriptive names ("Ribeye Steak", "Entrecote Steak")
  • Fill in the exact ingredients and quantities for each variant
  • The app automatically calculates the food cost and food cost percentage per variant

Making comparisons between variants

From years of working in professional kitchens, I've seen how small ingredient swaps can dramatically impact your bottom line. The software displays all variants of a dish in one overview. You immediately see the food cost, food cost percentage and potential profit per portion.

? Comparison example:

Pasta Carbonara variants at selling price €18.50:

  • With pancetta: €5.80 cost = 34.2% food cost
  • With bacon bits: €4.20 cost = 24.8% food cost
  • With ham: €3.90 cost = 23.0% food cost

Choice: ham variant saves €1.90 per portion

Factors to consider in your decision

The cheapest variant isn't always the smartest choice. Besides food cost, you also need to consider taste, guest quality expectations and ingredient availability.

  • Guest satisfaction: Don't always choose the cheapest if it compromises quality
  • Supplier stability: Cheap ingredients are sometimes harder to source
  • Seasonal fluctuations: Ingredient prices vary throughout the year
  • Inventory risk: Expensive ingredients mean more money tied up in stock

⚠️ Note:

Regularly update your purchase prices in the app. Suppliers often raise prices without you noticing immediately, which makes your comparison inaccurate.

From comparison to action

Once you've chosen the optimal variant, adjust your kitchen workflow accordingly. Make sure your team knows which ingredients to use and update your purchasing plan. Also monitor whether the chosen variant delivers the expected margin in practice.

Related articles

How do you compare variants in KitchenNmbrs?

1

Create the base recipe

Go to 'Recipes' and create a new recipe for your dish. Give it a clear name like 'Steak with fries' or 'Pasta Carbonara'. This becomes your main recipe where you can add variants.

2

Add variants with different ingredients

Click 'Add variant' and give each variant a descriptive name. For each variant, fill in the exact ingredients, quantities and purchase prices. The app automatically calculates the food cost per variant.

3

Compare food cost and food cost percentages

In the overview you see all variants side by side with food cost, food cost percentage and profit per portion. Choose the variant that offers the best balance between food cost and quality for your concept.

✨ Pro tip

Test variant comparisons on your 3 highest-volume dishes every 6 weeks. Even a €0.50 savings per portion adds up to serious money over hundreds of services.

Calculate this yourself?

In the KitchenNmbrs app you can do this in just a few clicks. 7 days free, no credit card.

Try KitchenNmbrs free →

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Frequently asked questions

Can I create unlimited variants of a dish?
Yes, you can add as many variants as you want. It's helpful to keep it organized and only add realistic alternatives that you're actually considering.
Are purchase prices automatically updated for all variants?
Yes, when you change the price of an ingredient in your ingredient library, this is automatically recalculated in all recipes and variants that use that ingredient.
How often should I compare my variants?
Check your variants whenever suppliers change prices, during seasonal changes, or when you notice your margin is under pressure. At least once per quarter is recommended.
Can I also compare variants with different portion sizes?
Yes, you can create variants with different quantities of the same ingredients. This way you immediately see the difference between a small, regular and large portion in terms of food cost and margin.
What if a variant is much more expensive but more popular with guests?
Then you could consider charging a slightly higher menu price for that variant, or offer it as a 'premium option'. The app helps you calculate what the minimum surcharge needs to be to maintain the same margin.
Can I compare variants that use completely different cooking methods?
Absolutely. You can create variants with different preparation techniques, cooking times, or equipment usage. The system focuses on ingredient costs, so grilled versus braised versions of the same protein will show accurate cost differences.

kennisbank.ingredients_in_article

Ribeye Steak kennisbank.ingredient_card_meta
ℹ️ This article was prepared based on official sources and professional expertise. While we strive for current and accurate information, the content may differ from the most recent regulations. Always consult the official authorities for binding standards.

Sources consulted

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.

JS

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.

8 years kitchen manager at 1NUL8 Group Rotterdam
Expertise: food cost management HACCP kitchen management restaurant operations food safety compliance

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