Understanding Veggie Tray Portions
Fresh crudités platter with dip. Plan for 1/2 cup of vegetables per person as an appetizer. When planning for a group, the key is knowing that the average adult consumes 0.5 servings of veggie tray.
Factors That Affect Portion Size
- Time of day: Lunch portions are typically 20% smaller than dinner portions.
- Other foods: When serving multiple dishes, reduce veggie tray 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 veggie tray for any group:
Number of Guests × 0.5 = Total Servings
Pro Tips for Veggie Tray Servings
- Include 5-6 vegetable varieties for color and variety
- Cut veggies into bite-size pieces
- Offer 2-3 dips (ranch, hummus, blue cheese)
- Prep veggies day before and store in water
- Arrange on ice to keep crisp at outdoor events
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