Kids menu pricing is emotional. Parents want value. Kids want something familiar.
Your job is to make it profitable without making it feel expensive. That requires portion control, smart combos, and clear pricing rules.
This guide is a U.S.-focused kids menu pricing calculator. It includes portion standards, U.S. price benchmarks, and real cost examples.
Quick Summary
- Build kids meals from fixed portions, not from full-size items
- Use a combo structure to control drink and side costs
- Keep the menu small to reduce waste and prep complexity
- Price for speed and repeatability, not just food cost
- Review prices quarterly when protein or dairy costs swing
Why Kids Menu Pricing Is Tricky
- Small portions still carry full labor
- Packaging and sides cost more than you expect
- Substitutions create inventory chaos
- Parents compare price to fast casual chains
- Kids meals are ordered at the busiest times
If you do not lock portions, margins disappear.
The Core Pricing Formulas
Kids meal cost = Protein + Side + Veg/Fruit + Drink + Packaging
Target price = Kids meal cost / Target food cost %U.S. Price Benchmarks (Retail, City Average)
These are BLS average retail prices via FRED. They are retail, not wholesale. Use them to sanity-check supplier swings.
| Item | Latest U.S. city average | Unit cost | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast, boneless | $4.153/lb (Dec 2025) | $0.26/oz | Core kids protein |
| Milk, fresh whole | $4.047/gal (Dec 2025) | $0.03/oz | Kids drink baseline |
| Eggs, grade A large | $2.712/doz (Dec 2025) | $0.23/egg | Breakfast kids items |
Price conversion formulas:
Price per oz = Price per lb / 16
Price per oz = Price per gallon / 128
Price per egg = Price per dozen / 12Build a Simple Kids Plate Template
Use one template and swap proteins. This keeps costs predictable.
Template example:
- Protein (2.5-3.5 oz)
- Starch (3-5 oz)
- Fruit or veg (2-3 oz)
- Drink (8-10 oz)
Example 1: Grilled Chicken + Rice + Veg
Assumptions (example):
- Chicken breast: 3 oz at $0.26/oz
- Rice: 4 oz at $0.05/oz
- Vegetables: 2 oz at $0.15/oz
- Sauce + oil: $0.15
- Packaging: $0.25
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Portion | Unit Cost | Line Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 3 oz | $0.26 | $0.78 |
| Rice | 4 oz | $0.05 | $0.20 |
| Vegetables | 2 oz | $0.15 | $0.30 |
| Sauce + oil | 1 set | $0.15 | $0.15 |
| Packaging | 1 set | $0.25 | $0.25 |
| Total | $1.68 |
Price test:
Target price at 28% food cost = 1.68 / 0.28 = $6.00Rounded menu price: $6
Example 2: Mac + Fruit + Milk
Assumptions (example):
- Pasta (cooked): 3 oz at $0.08/oz
- Cheese sauce: 2 oz at $0.25/oz
- Fruit cup: 3 oz at $0.12/oz
- Milk: 6 oz at $0.03/oz
- Packaging: $0.25
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Portion | Unit Cost | Line Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pasta | 3 oz | $0.08 | $0.24 |
| Cheese sauce | 2 oz | $0.25 | $0.50 |
| Fruit cup | 3 oz | $0.12 | $0.36 |
| Milk | 6 oz | $0.03 | $0.18 |
| Packaging | 1 set | $0.25 | $0.25 |
| Total | $1.53 |
Price test:
Target price at 26% food cost = 1.53 / 0.26 = $5.88Rounded menu price: $6
Combo vs A La Carte
Combos are easier to control. They also protect drink margin.
If you allow a la carte, limit options to:
- 2 proteins
- 2 sides
- 2 drinks
That keeps inventory clean and prep fast.
Portion Standards to Lock In
- Protein weight per kids plate
- Side scoop size
- Fruit or veg cup weight
- Drink size (oz)
- Sauce portion (oz)
Write the standard and train to it.
Common Kids Menu Mistakes
- Using adult portions “because it is easier”
- Offering too many customizations
- Forgetting packaging cost on takeout
- Pricing kids meals too low to support labor
Pricing Checklist
- Each kids meal has a written portion standard
- Combo price is profitable without upsells
- Inventory list stays under 12 SKUs for kids items
- Prices reviewed when chicken or dairy changes
Related Guides
- Menu Pricing Calculator
- Restaurant Portion Control Guide
- Food Cost Percentage Guide
- Breakfast Diner Cost Guide
Sources
- BLS average prices for chicken breast (FRED)
- BLS average prices for milk (FRED)
- BLS average prices for eggs (FRED)
Try KitchenCost
If you want kids menu pricing that updates in minutes, KitchenCost can help. Track recipes, portions, and pricing targets in one place.
Start here: KitchenCost