Lunch combos feel simple. They are not.
The main item is easy to cost. The side and drink are where margins vanish.
This guide gives you a U.S.-focused lunch combo pricing system. It includes portion standards, drink math, and real examples for sandwich combos.
Quick Summary
- Price combos from total cost, not from a discount guess
- Control fries and drink portions like core menu items
- Build a small set of combos with fixed sides
- Use a small, consistent discount to drive attachment
- Review prices quarterly or after supplier changes
Why Lunch Combos Leak Margin
- Fries and chips are over-portioned during rush
- Fountain drinks are not measured consistently
- Combo discounts get stacked with promotions
- Packaging and utensils are forgotten
- Staff swaps sides without updating cost
If combos are not standardized, they are not profitable.
The Core Combo Pricing Formulas
Combo cost = Main + Side + Drink + Packaging
Target price = Combo cost / Target food cost %
Combo discount = A la carte total - Combo priceU.S. Price Benchmarks (Retail, City Average)
These are BLS average retail prices via FRED. They are retail, not wholesale. Use them to sanity-check cost swings.
| Item | Latest U.S. city average | Unit cost | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast, boneless | $4.153/lb (Dec 2025) | $0.26/oz | Common sandwich protein |
| Carbonated drinks | $1.975/2L (Dec 2025) | $0.029/oz | Drink cost sanity check |
Price conversion formulas:
Price per oz = Price per lb / 16
Price per oz = Price per 2L / 67.6Example 1: Chicken Sandwich Combo
Assumptions (example):
- Chicken breast: 4 oz at $0.26/oz
- Bun: $0.30
- Sauce + veg: $0.25
- Fries: 4 oz at $0.10/oz
- Fountain drink: 12 oz at $0.029/oz
- Packaging: $0.25
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Portion | Unit Cost | Line Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 4 oz | $0.26 | $1.04 |
| Bun | 1 each | $0.30 | $0.30 |
| Sauce + veg | 1 set | $0.25 | $0.25 |
| Fries | 4 oz | $0.10 | $0.40 |
| Drink | 12 oz | $0.029 | $0.35 |
| Packaging | 1 set | $0.25 | $0.25 |
| Total | $2.59 |
Price test:
Target price at 28% food cost = 2.59 / 0.28 = $9.25Rounded combo price: $9.50
Example 2: Veggie Wrap Combo
Assumptions (example):
- Wrap + filling: $1.55
- Chips: 1 bag at $0.42
- Fountain drink: 12 oz at $0.029/oz
- Packaging: $0.20
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Portion | Unit Cost | Line Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrap + filling | 1 each | $1.55 | $1.55 |
| Chips | 1 bag | $0.42 | $0.42 |
| Drink | 12 oz | $0.029 | $0.35 |
| Packaging | 1 set | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Total | $2.52 |
Price test:
Target price at 27% food cost = 2.52 / 0.27 = $9.33Rounded combo price: $9.50
Combo Discount Rule That Works
Keep the discount small and consistent.
- A la carte total: $11.00
- Combo price: $9.50
- Discount: $1.50
This keeps the combo attractive without erasing margin.
Portion Standards to Lock In
- Protein weight per sandwich
- Fry or chip weight per combo
- Drink size (oz)
- Ice fill level
- Sauce or dip portion
When portions drift, combos lose money fast.
Packaging and Speed Costs
Combos move fast during rush. That means extra packaging, napkins, and utensils.
Add a packaging line item to every combo. If you use branded packaging, treat it like food cost.
Pricing Checklist
- Combo built from fixed portions only
- Discount is consistent across all combos
- Drink size and ice fill standard defined
- Prices reviewed quarterly
Related Guides
- Menu Pricing Calculator
- Restaurant Portion Control Guide
- Burger + Fries Combo Cost Guide
- Menu Price Review Checklist
Sources
Try KitchenCost
If you want combo pricing that updates automatically, KitchenCost can help. Track portions, costs, and target margins in one place.
Start here: KitchenCost