Overnight oats are popular because they feel simple. They lose margin when mix-ins vary and jar costs are ignored.
Quick Summary
- Build one base recipe and cost it by batch
- Standardize jar size: 8-10 oz is typical
- Include jar, lid, and label in your total cost
- Price premium toppings (nut butter, extra fruit) as add-ons
This guide shows how to price overnight oats by batch, so every jar lands on the same margin.
Key Takeaways
- Build one base recipe and cost it by batch
- Set a standard jar size (8-10 oz)
- Treat premium toppings as paid add-ons
- Include jar, lid, and label costs
Batch Cost Formula
Overnight oats cost per jar = Batch cost / Number of jars
Price = Cost per jar / Target food cost %Base Recipe (12 Jars Example)
Base per jar
- Rolled oats: 2 oz
- Milk: 4 oz
- Yogurt: 2 oz
- Sweetener + spice: fixed portion
- Fruit: 2 oz
If the 12-jar batch costs $18.60:
$18.60 / 12 = $1.55 per jarAdd packaging:
- Jar + lid + label: $0.45
Total per jar: $2.00
Pricing Example
With a 30% target food cost:
$2.00 / 0.30 = $6.67Round to $6.50 or $7.00 depending on your market and add-on strategy.
Add-On Pricing Ladder
- Nut butter: premium add-on
- Extra fruit: small modifier
- Protein boost: separate tier
Margin Leaks to Watch
- Fruit portions drifting by scoop size
- Inconsistent jar fill levels
- Free toppings without a price bump
- Packaging costs excluded from base pricing
Market Check (BLS)
BLS CPI data for December 2025 shows food away from home up 4.1% year-over-year. Dairy and fruit move often, so review your base recipe monthly.
Related Guides
KitchenCost keeps batch recipes and jar costs updated in one place. If your grab-and-go shelf is guessing, start here: KitchenCost.
Do This Now
- Pick one jar size and measure it (8-10 oz is standard)
- Write down your base recipe ingredients and portions
- Calculate the cost of one batch (12-15 jars)
- Divide batch cost by number of jars to get cost per jar
- Add packaging cost (jar, lid, label)
- Divide total cost by 0.30 to find your menu price at 30% food cost