Breakfast tacos move fast. Your margin lives in egg ounces, tortilla size, and add-ons.
This guide shows how to cost tacos by the piece, price proteins correctly, and build combos that stay profitable.
Quick Summary
- Cost by taco, not by batch
- Egg and cheese ounces drive most of the cost
- Tortilla size must map to price
- Protein add-ons need their own price tier
- Combos protect margin when coffee is included
Why Breakfast Tacos Lose Margin
- Egg portions drift in a rush
- Tortilla size not tied to price
- Bacon or sausage added without charge
- Salsa cups given away
Core Cost Formula
Taco cost = Tortilla + Eggs + Cheese + Protein + Salsa + Packaging
Target price = Taco cost ÷ Target food cost %Portion Standards (Example)
- Tortilla: 6-inch (or 8-inch priced higher)
- Eggs: 2.5 to 3 oz cooked
- Cheese: 0.6 to 0.8 oz
- Protein add-on: 1.5 to 2 oz cooked
- Salsa cups: 1 per order
Market Check (BLS)
Food-away-from-home prices continue to move in the BLS CPI. Review breakfast pricing at least quarterly.
Source: BLS Consumer Price Index
Checklist
- Egg ounces fixed per taco
- Tortilla size mapped to price
- Protein add-ons priced by cooked ounces
- Salsa cup count standardized
- Packaging included
Do This Now
- Standardize all portion sizes in grams or ounces
- Calculate food cost for your top 5 menu items
- Set up a weekly price check for key ingredients
- Document your current yield percentages
- Create a pricing review calendar for the next 12 months
Related Guides
- US Breakfast Burrito Cost Guide
- US Breakfast Sandwich Cost Guide
- US Coffee Shop Pricing Guide
- US Combo Meal Pricing Guide
KitchenCost prices breakfast tacos by size, add-on, and sauce in one workflow.