Coffee Shop Food Cost Percentage: Latte Example
By mise · Updated September 29, 2026
Quick answer: food cost for coffee shops usually runs 20–30% of the menu price. Divide the ingredient cost of a plate by its menu price; for the month, use beginning and ending inventory plus purchases.
Every concept has its own food cost. What is healthy for coffee shops can be a problem somewhere else, so it helps to know the benchmark and which ingredient moves it.
What is a good food cost for coffee shops?
Most coffee shops land between 20–30% of the menu price. The biggest cost drivers: coffee beans, milk (especially oat and almond), pastries and to-go cups.
Example: 12 oz latte
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Espresso (18 g) | $0.38 |
| Milk (10 oz) | $0.30 |
| Cup, lid, sleeve | $0.22 |
| Total plate cost | $0.90 |
Food cost: —
How to bring it down without cutting quality
- Fixed dose on the grinder.
- Steam only what you need: pitchers poured out are money down the drain.
- Pastry orders by weekday.
- Cups and lids in the drink cost.
How mise helps
Scan the barcode with your phone camera or snap a photo of the label; mise's AI finds the product and categorizes it with name, brand, category, photo and price. Count at the start and end of the period, add purchases, and mise gives you the actual food cost to compare with the recipe cost. Every count is saved with a date and a name, par levels warn you before you run out, and you see shrinkage and food cost for the period without building a spreadsheet.
Scan the barcode or snap a photo: mise's AI finds the product and categorizes it. 7-day free trial, then US$33 a month (£26 in the UK).
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Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate food cost for coffee shops?
Plate cost ÷ menu price × 100. For the month: (beginning inventory + purchases − ending inventory) ÷ food sales × 100.
What food cost percentage should coffee shops aim for?
Between 20–30%. Above that, check portions, waste and supplier prices before raising prices.
Why does food push up coffee shop food cost?
Drinks run 15–20%; sandwiches and pastries 30–35%. The sales mix sets the total.
How much does mise cost?
A 7-day free trial, then US$33 a month per location (£26 in the UK).