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Food cost & menu price calculator
Enter the ingredient cost per portion and your target food cost percentage – or your current menu price to check it.
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🔒 Runs entirely in your browser – nothing you enter is uploaded or stored.
How to use it
- Enter the ingredient cost per portion (net, incl. a little waste).
- Enter your target food cost % and choose food or drinks.
- Optionally enter your current menu price to see its food cost %.
Last checked: October 2026 · Based on: § 12(2) German VAT Act as amended 2025 (restaurant food 7 % from 1 Jan 2026); drinks 19 %. Found a mistake? Use the form below – we fix confirmed errors and update the date.
Frequently asked questions
What food cost percentage is normal?
Many restaurants aim for about 25–35 % on food and lower on drinks; fine dining and fast food differ.
Which VAT rate applies to restaurant food in 2026?
7 % for food served on the premises (since 1 January 2026, permanently); drinks remain at 19 %.
How do I get from the food cost to the menu price?
Divide the ingredient cost by the target food cost % (e.g. €3.00 ÷ 30 % = €10.00 net), then add VAT.