Nachos look like easy margin. The real costs live in cheese, protein, and topping drift.
This guide shows how to cost nachos by the tray, price add-ons correctly, and protect margin on delivery.
Quick Summary
- Chips are cheap; cheese and protein are not
- Cost by tray, not by pile
- Cheese sauce ounces must be fixed
- Protein add-ons need their own price tier
- Delivery packaging changes cost
Why Nachos Lose Margin
- Cheese sauce poured without a measure
- Protein add-ons priced too low
- Toppings added by feel
- Delivery trays and liners ignored
Core Cost Formula
Nachos cost = Chips + Cheese + Protein + Toppings + Packaging
Target price = Nachos cost ÷ Target food cost %Portion Standards (Example)
- Chips: 6 to 8 oz per tray
- Cheese sauce: 3 to 4 oz
- Protein: 3 to 4 oz cooked
- Toppings: fixed scoop sizes
- Packaging: tray + lid + liner
Market Check (BLS)
Food-away-from-home prices continue to move in the BLS CPI. Review add-on pricing quarterly.
Source: BLS Consumer Price Index
Checklist
- Chip ounces fixed per tray
- Cheese sauce portion standardized
- Protein add-ons priced by cooked ounces
- Delivery packaging included
- Topping scoops consistent
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 Loaded Fries Cost Guide
- US Quesadilla Cost Guide
- US Taco Truck Cost Guide
- US Combo Meal Pricing Guide
KitchenCost prices nachos by tray, add-on, and package in one workflow.