Understanding Pulled Pork Portions
BBQ crowd favorite. Plan for 1/3 pound of cooked pulled pork per person for sandwiches. When planning for a group, the key is knowing that the average adult consumes 0.33 servings of pulled pork.
Factors That Affect Portion Size
- Time of day: Lunch portions are typically 20% smaller than dinner portions.
- Other foods: When serving multiple dishes, reduce pulled pork by 25-30%.
- Guest demographics: Teenagers eat more, seniors and young children eat less.
- Event type: Casual events see more eating; formal events see less.
- Duration: Longer events need more food as people graze over time.
The Formula
To calculate pulled pork for any group:
Number of Guests × 0.33 = Total Servings
Pro Tips for Pulled Pork Servings
- Buy 1.5x raw weight to account for cooking shrinkage
- Keep warm in slow cooker with a splash of apple juice
- Offer both sweet and vinegar-based sauces
- Provide slider buns for smaller portions
- Can be made 2 days ahead and reheated
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't assume everyone eats the same amount—always add a 10-15% buffer
- Don't forget about dietary restrictions—have alternatives ready
- Don't order last minute for large groups—plan ahead for best selection
- Don't underestimate hungry crowds—when in doubt, order more