Understanding Food Portions Per Person
Planning food for a group starts with one simple question: how much does one person eat? While individual appetites vary, there are reliable averages that caterers and party planners have used for decades.
General Rules of Thumb
- Main dishes: 6-8 oz of protein per person, or 2-3 servings of the main item
- Appetizers: 5-6 pieces per person before a meal, 10-12 for appetizer-only events
- Sides: 1/2 cup per person per side dish
- Desserts: 1 serving per person, plus 10% extra
- Beverages: 2-3 drinks per person for a 2-3 hour event
Factors That Affect Portions
These averages should be adjusted based on:
- Guest demographics: Teenagers eat more, seniors and children eat less
- Time of day: Lunch portions are smaller than dinner
- Event duration: Longer events need more food
- Other food options: More variety means less of each item
- Activity level: Active events (sports parties, outdoor BBQs) need more food
The 10-15% Buffer Rule
Always add 10-15% extra food to your calculations. This accounts for:
- Unexpected guests
- Guests with larger appetites
- Leftovers for the host
- Presentation (some food is for display)