Recipe cost calculator
Find out what a recipe really costs per serving, and how much you pay for every 10 g of protein.
Example prices are illustrative. Enter what you paid for each package for an accurate cost.
| Ingredient | Package price | Package size | Cost used |
|---|
How to calculate the cost of a recipe
- Paste the ingredientsOne per line. The calculator works out how many grams of each the recipe uses.
- Enter what you paidFor each ingredient, type the package price and size: $8.99 for 2 lb of chicken, $1.29 for 1 bell pepper.
- Read cost per servingYou get the whole recipe, cost per serving and cost per 10 g of protein, the best way to compare protein value.
Only what you use
A 32 oz tub of yogurt might cost $5.49, but half a cup of it costs about 50 cents. The calculator charges each recipe only for the amount it uses, so pantry staples do not inflate the total.
Cost per gram of protein
Eating more protein on a budget? Comparing dollars per 10 g of protein shows that eggs, canned tuna, lentils and chicken thighs usually beat steak and protein bars.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate cost per serving?
Add up what each ingredient costs for the amount used (package price × amount used ÷ package size), then divide the total by the number of servings.
How do I calculate food cost?
For a recipe, total the cost of the ingredients used. Restaurants often express food cost as a percentage of the menu price: ingredient cost ÷ menu price × 100.
What is the cheapest source of protein?
It depends on local prices, which is why the calculator shows cost per 10 g of protein. Dry beans and lentils, eggs, canned tuna and chicken thighs are usually among the cheapest.
Does the calculator know grocery prices?
No. Prices vary a lot by store and region, so you enter your own. The example prices are only for illustration.
References
Keep cooking smarter
Protein calculator
Your daily protein target from weight, activity and goal, plus a day of meals that hits it.
High-protein meal plan generator
A 5 or 7-day plan for your protein target with one grocery list, ready to print.
Ingredient substitute finder
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Recipe scaler
Double, halve or scale any recipe to any servings, with pan sizes and smart rounding.
Cups to grams converter
Convert cups, tablespoons and grams for 30 ingredients, measured the way bakers do.
What can I make with these ingredients?
Tick what is in your fridge and get recipes ranked by match, with what is missing.
Every tool on this page, built into one app.
RecipeVault saves recipes from TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, shows protein on every recipe, plans your week and builds the grocery list. Free on iPhone and Android.