Biscuit sandwiches feel simple. That is exactly why they leak margin.
Butter spikes, sausage sizes drift, and biscuits dry out on the hold. If you cost by “what feels right,” your best seller becomes your biggest loss.
This guide is a U.S.-focused biscuit sandwich cost calculator that uses portion standards, dough weight, and a quick pricing formula.
Quick Summary
- Cost biscuits by dough batch → yield → weight per biscuit
- Set one protein weight and train to it (no “heavy hand” patties)
- Track hold loss on baked biscuits and price it in
- Bundle combos to protect margin on coffee and sides
- Review prices quarterly using CPI + USDA outlook
Why Biscuit Sandwich Costing Is Tricky
- Biscuit size drifts between shifts
- Butter and dairy prices swing fast
- Breakfast proteins are the real cost driver
- Holding biscuits creates silent waste
- Combo pricing hides margin problems
If you do not weigh biscuits, you are guessing.
The Core Cost Formulas
Biscuit cost = Biscuit batch cost / Biscuit count
Protein cost = Protein pack cost / Portion count
Sandwich cost = Biscuit + Protein + Egg + Cheese + Condiments + Packaging
Target price = Sandwich cost / Target food cost %Portion Standards to Lock In
Write these down and train to them.
- Dough weight per biscuit (oz or g)
- Butter brush per biscuit (g)
- Protein weight per patty (oz)
- Egg size (large, liquid oz, or patty weight)
- Cheese slice weight
- Biscuit hold time + discard rule
Example 1: Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit
Assumptions (example):
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Biscuit (from scratch batch) | $0.50 |
| Sausage patty (3.0 oz) | $0.85 |
| Egg (folded) | $0.35 |
| Cheese slice | $0.40 |
| Butter brush + sauce | $0.08 |
| Wrap + napkin | $0.12 |
| Total | $2.30 |
If your target food cost is 30%:
$2.30 ÷ 0.30 = $7.67Menu price: $7.49-$7.99 (adjust for your market)
Example 2: Bacon, Egg, and Biscuit (Add-On Pricing)
If bacon is $0.75 per sandwich and the base build is $1.60:
$2.35 ÷ 0.30 = $7.83Instead of a full price jump, price bacon as a $1.25 add-on so the base sandwich stays competitive while margin is protected.
Combo Strategy That Actually Works
- Keep the sandwich price healthy on its own
- Price coffee for margin (not just traffic)
- Offer a small bundle discount that still holds 28-30% food cost
If your combo price undercuts the sandwich too much, you are discounting your cost drivers.
Price Review Cadence (US)
Food-away-from-home inflation continues to run above grocery inflation. Use CPI plus the USDA Food Price Outlook to set a quarterly review for breakfast pricing.
Related Guides
- US Breakfast Sandwich Cost Guide
- US Coffee Shop Pricing Guide
- US Menu Pricing Calculator
- US Menu Price Rounding Guide
- US Food Cost Calculator
- US Restaurant Portion Control Guide
Want This Done Automatically?
KitchenCost recalculates recipe costs, food cost %, and price targets as ingredient prices change.
If you want a faster way to protect margin, try KitchenCost.