Avocado toast looks high-margin. It is not if your avocado portion creeps or your bread yield is off.
This guide shows the cost math behind avocado toast so your cafe menu stays profitable.
Quick Summary
- Cost by portion standards and batch recipes
- Track all components: protein, sides, sauces, packaging
- Update prices monthly when supplier costs change
- Use portion scales to prevent margin drift
Key Takeaways
- Cost by grams of avocado, not by half a fruit
- Bread yield (slices per loaf) decides your base cost
- Eggs, feta, and salmon must be priced as add-ons
- Reprice when avocado and dairy move
Core Cost Formula
Avocado toast cost = Bread + Avocado + Spread + Toppings + Packaging
Price = Avocado toast cost / Target food cost %Portion Standards to Set
- Bread: 2 slices (standard thickness)
- Avocado: 60-80 g per toast
- Spread (butter/ricotta): 0.3-0.6 oz
- Salt/pepper/chili: fixed pinch
- Packaging: box + liner for to-go
Example Cost (Classic Avocado Toast)
| Item | Portion | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough bread | 2 slices | $0.70 |
| Avocado | 70 g | $1.20 |
| Spread | 0.4 oz | $0.25 |
| Seasoning | fixed | $0.05 |
| Packaging | 1 set | $0.30 |
| Total | $2.50 |
If your target food cost is 25%:
$2.50 / 0.25 = $10.00Add-On Pricing Ladder
- Egg add-on: price by unit (not “free”)
- Bacon add-on: price by cooked strip count
- Smoked salmon add-on: premium tier
Margin Leaks to Watch
- Avocado portions scooped without weighing
- Slices cut too thick, reducing loaf yield
- Free add-ons (extra avocado, feta) without a price bump
- To-go packaging not counted in dine-in pricing
Market Check (BLS)
BLS CPI data for December 2025 shows food away from home up 4.1% year-over-year. That pressure shows up first in produce and dairy, so avocado toast needs scheduled price reviews.
Do This Now
- Weigh and record 3 portions of your main ingredient
- Calculate the cost per portion using your supplier invoice
- Set a portion standard and train your team
- Review your current menu price against 28-35% food cost target
- Update your pricing if food cost is above 35%
- Schedule a monthly cost review with your team
Related Guides
KitchenCost keeps bread yields, avocado portions, and add-ons in one place. If your toast margin feels random, start here: KitchenCost.