Food Truck Food Cost Percentage: Example
By mise · Updated September 29, 2026
Quick answer: food cost for food trucks usually runs 28–35% 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 food trucks 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 food trucks?
Most food trucks land between 28–35% of the menu price. The biggest cost drivers: protein, bread, sauces and packaging, since almost everything is to-go.
Example: pulled pork sandwich
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pork (5 oz cooked) | $1.60 |
| Bun | $0.45 |
| Slaw and sauce | $0.40 |
| Wrap and napkin | $0.20 |
| Total plate cost | $2.65 |
Food cost: —
How to bring it down without cutting quality
- Count before and after every event.
- Prep to the event forecast, not to fill the truck.
- Short menu: fewer ingredients, less waste.
- Packaging in every recipe 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 food trucks?
Plate cost ÷ menu price × 100. For the month: (beginning inventory + purchases − ending inventory) ÷ food sales × 100.
What food cost percentage should food trucks aim for?
Between 28–35%. Above that, check portions, waste and supplier prices before raising prices.
How do I track inventory on a food truck?
Few items and a quick count when you load and unload. Scanning with a phone takes five minutes.
How much does mise cost?
A 7-day free trial, then US$33 a month per location (£26 in the UK).