📝 Software comparison & alternatives · ⏱️ 3 min read

What features set KitchenNmbrs apart from other food cost apps on the market?

📝 KitchenNmbrs · updated 12 Mar 2026

KitchenNmbrs stands out through the combination of simplicity and completeness for small hospitality businesses. While other apps focus on large chains or are simply too limited, KitchenNmbrs offers everything an independent restaurant owner needs in one clear app. From cost price calculation to HACCP registration, specifically designed for entrepreneurs with 1-5 locations.

Cost price calculation with real-time insight

KitchenNmbrs automatically calculates the exact cost price of each dish, including all ingredients, garnishes and even the oil in the pan. You add your ingredients once with purchase prices, and the app does the rest.

💡 Example:

Pasta carbonara with all ingredients:

  • Pasta: €0.45
  • Bacon: €1.20
  • Egg: €0.30
  • Parmesan: €0.85
  • Olive oil, pepper, salt: €0.15

Cost price: €2.95 → Food cost at €18.50 menu price: 17.4%

Many other apps stop at the main ingredients. KitchenNmbrs counts everything that goes on the plate, so your food cost percentage matches reality.

Mobile HACCP registration without hassle

Most HACCP systems are designed for large kitchens with administrative staff. KitchenNmbrs works on your phone, so your chef can quickly log temperatures without having to go to a computer.

  • Refrigerator temperatures registered in 10 seconds
  • Delivery inspection right upon arrival
  • Assign cleaning tasks to team members
  • Allergens automatically calculated into menu

⚠️ Note:

An app doesn't register automatically. You have to enter the temperatures yourself. But searching digitally is much faster during a health inspection than flipping through stacks of paper.

Ingredient library with supplier management

KitchenNmbrs has a central database where you manage all ingredients with current purchase prices. If your supplier raises the price, you update it once and all dishes are automatically recalculated.

💡 Example:

Your supplier raises beef from €28/kg to €32/kg:

  • Update price once in the app
  • All dishes with beef get new cost price
  • You immediately see which dishes exceed 35% food cost

Result: Your menu price is adjusted within 5 minutes

Other apps often require you to manually adjust each recipe. KitchenNmbrs does this automatically through the link between ingredients and recipes.

Menu price calculator for direct profit margin

While many apps stop at cost price calculation, KitchenNmbrs goes further. You specify your desired food cost percentage (for example 30%), and the app calculates what you need to charge minimum for that dish.

Formula: Minimum selling price = Cost price ÷ (Food cost % ÷ 100)

💡 Example:

Steak cost price: €12.50, desired food cost: 32%

  • Minimum price excl. VAT: €12.50 ÷ 0.32 = €39.06
  • Minimum menu price incl. 9% VAT: €39.06 × 1.09 = €42.58

App recommendation: "Charge at least €42.60 for this dish"

Team features without complexity

KitchenNmbrs is designed for small teams. Your chef can view recipes on his phone, register temperatures and check off HACCP tasks. No complicated user permissions or training needed.

  • Multiple users per location
  • Share recipes with kitchen team
  • Assign and monitor HACCP tasks
  • Friend codes for new users

What KitchenNmbrs does NOT do (and why that makes sense)

KitchenNmbrs deliberately focuses on cost price calculation, recipe management and HACCP. It's not a POS system, not accounting software and not a reservation system.

⚠️ Note:

For small hospitality businesses, one system that does everything is often too complex and expensive. KitchenNmbrs deliberately does less, but does it really well.

Price difference with alternatives

Large foodservice systems often cost €200-500 per month. KitchenNmbrs starts from €24.99 per month, because it's designed for independent entrepreneurs without large budgets.

  • No setup costs or implementation projects
  • No annual contract required
  • 3 days free trial without credit card
  • Cancel anytime on a monthly basis

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How do you compare food cost apps? (step by step)

1

Check the target audience of the app

Look at whether the app is designed for your type of business. Apps for large chains are often too complex and expensive for small businesses. Apps for home cooks lack professional features like HACCP.

2

Test the cost price calculation with your own recipes

Enter a few of your best-selling dishes with all ingredients. Check if the app also counts garnishes, sauces and oil, not just the main ingredients.

3

Try the mobile functionality

Test if your chef can easily use the app in the kitchen. Can he view recipes on his phone? Are HACCP registrations done quickly? Does it work without wifi?

✨ Pro tip

Always test the free trial with your own recipes before you decide. Every kitchen is different, and what works for your neighbor doesn't necessarily work for you.

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Frequently asked questions

Is KitchenNmbrs better than Excel for cost price calculation?

KitchenNmbrs automates what you have to do manually in Excel. If ingredient prices change, the app automatically recalculates all dishes. In Excel you have to manually adjust every formula.

Can KitchenNmbrs connect with my POS system?

No, KitchenNmbrs has no direct POS integration. It focuses purely on cost price calculation and HACCP. For small businesses, this is often more logical than one big system that tries to do everything.

What if I have more than 5 locations?

KitchenNmbrs is designed for 1-5 locations. With more branches, you probably need a more comprehensive ERP system like Apicbase or a custom solution.

Are there hidden costs at KitchenNmbrs?

No, you only pay the monthly subscription starting from €24.99. No setup costs, no implementation, no annual contract. You can always cancel on a monthly basis.

How often do I need to update ingredient prices?

Check your main ingredients monthly (meat, fish, dairy). If your supplier raises prices, you update it once in the app and all dishes are automatically recalculated.

⚠️ EU Regulation 1169/2011 — Allergen Information https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2011/1169/oj

The allergen information on this page is based on EU Regulation 1169/2011. Recipes and ingredients may vary by supplier. Always verify current allergen information with your supplier and communicate this correctly to your guests. KitchenNmbrs is not liable for allergic reactions.

In the UK, the FSA enforces allergen regulations under the Food Information Regulations 2014.

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.

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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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