Worked sample · Updated 2026-10-12
Latte cost calculation: beans, milk and packaging
A coffee price per pound, milk price per gallon and cup price per case cannot be added directly. Convert each purchase to the amount used for one drink first.
Edit this sampleThe sample calculation
All quantities, USD prices and yields below are illustrative. They are not current quotes, customer data or a benchmark for your business. Prepared ingredient subtotals are assumed inputs; replace them with your own costed sub-recipes.
| Ingredient | Sample purchase | Per serving | Usable yield | Line cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee beans | $15.00 / 1 lb | 0.64 oz | 100% | $0.60 |
| Milk | $4.80 / 1 gal | 0.0625 gal | 100% | $0.30 |
| Cup and lid | $25.00 / 100 each | 1 each | 100% | $0.25 |
- Sample ingredient cost
- $1.15
- Assumed menu price
- $5.50
- Sample food cost
- 20.9%
Line cost = pack price ÷ pack quantity × compatible serving quantity ÷ usable yield fraction. Calculations keep full precision before display rounding. Ingredient gross margin excludes labor, rent, taxes and other overhead; the assumed selling price is not a recommendation.
The detail that changes this calculation
This example uses an 8 fl oz milk input (0.0625 US gal), 0.64 oz of coffee by weight, and one cup-and-lid set. The milk quantity describes liquid used before steaming, not the nominal size of the finished drink. Weight ounces and fluid ounces are different dimensions.
Replace the sample with your evidence
- Weigh the actual coffee dose and record the beans used for dialing in separately if you want to allocate that cost.
- Measure milk drawn for one drink, including discarded milk. Do not divide by a steaming yield again when the input already measures purchased milk used.
- Check whether the packaging quote includes both the cup and lid. Add sleeves or other items your service uses.
A useful comparison to try
Compare a reusable dine-in cup with takeaway packaging by changing the packaging line. Keep washing and service labor separate from ingredient gross margin.
Edit the café latte sample
Change the purchase prices, portions and yields below. Sample status stays visible while you explore. To cost your own dish, clear the recipe and enter your records. Download the CSV or print the full calculation without an account; saving to Marji opens a separate review.
Open the editable café latte worksheet