BBQ Shopping List for 30 People

For 30 adults the mixed BBQ (burgers, chicken, ribs, sausages) list comes to 21 items and about $355, starting with 1 × 3 lb + 1 × 1 lb ground beef 80/20. Change any input below and the list updates.

Advanced: sides, vegetarians, appetite, weather
$355 for 30 guests
about $11.83 per guest · 21 items · buying whole packs adds 8% over the exact amounts
ItemNeedBuyEst. cost
Meat
3.75 lb1 × 3 lb + 1 × 1 lb$28.00
4.5 lb2 × 2.5 lb$12.50
4 racks4 × rack$40.00
153 × 5-pack$15.00
Bakery
151 × 16-pack$5.60
152 × 8-pack$5.60
Dairy
111 × 24-pack (+118%)$4.80
Deli
9 lb3 × 3 lb$22.50
9 lb3 × 3 lb$22.50
Pantry
78 oz6 × 13 oz$24.00
15 oz1 × 32 oz (+113%)$3.84*
8 oz1 × 20 oz (+167%)$2.40*
48 oz3 × 18 oz$16.88
Drinks & ice
303 × 12-pack (+20%)$54.00
232 × 12-pack$24.00
221 × 24-pack$19.20
45 lb5 × 10 lb$15.00
Supplies & fuel
15 lb1 × 16 lb$24.00
391 × 50-pack (+28%)$15.00
1201 × 200-pack (+67%)—
602 × 50-pack (+67%)—

Meat, buns, sides, drinks, ice and charcoal are priced at our planning prices (Oct 2026); * marks estimates. Warehouse clubs are usually cheaper per unit, so a club list mainly changes pack sizes.

How much ice → Split it with friends → Will it fit on my grill → When to start cooking →

Supermarket vs Costco packs for 30 people

ItemNeedSupermarket packsCostco / Sam's packs
Ground beef 80/203.75 lb1 × 3 lb + 1 × 1 lb1 × 5.6 lb
Chicken thighs and drumsticks, bone-in4.5 lb2 × 2.5 lb2 × 2.5 lb
Baby back ribs4 racks4 × rack4 × rack
Bratwurst or Italian links153 × 5-pack2 × 14-pack
Hamburger buns151 × 16-pack2 × 12-pack
Hot dog buns152 × 8-pack2 × 12-pack
American cheese slices111 × 24-pack1 × 24-pack
Potato salad9 lb3 × 3 lb3 × 3 lb
Coleslaw9 lb3 × 3 lb3 × 3 lb
Potato chips78 oz6 × 13 oz6 × 13 oz
Ketchup15 oz1 × 32 oz1 × 32 oz
Mustard8 oz1 × 20 oz1 × 20 oz
BBQ sauce48 oz3 × 18 oz3 × 18 oz
Beer303 × 12-pack1 × 30-pack
Soda232 × 12-pack1 × 35-pack
Bottled water221 × 24-pack1 × 40-pack
Ice45 lb5 × 10 lb5 × 10 lb
Charcoal briquettes15 lb1 × 16 lb1 × 40 lb
Paper plates391 × 50-pack1 × 186-pack
Napkins1201 × 200-pack1 × 660-pack
Cups602 × 50-pack1 × 240-pack

Cost for nearby party sizes

PartyTotalPer guestItems
20 guests$275$13.7621
30 guests$355$11.8321
50 guests$613$12.2521

Same portions as our party-size guides, rounded up to store packs. How we calculate every number here, with sources: full method and methodology.

Plan the rest

Burgers & Hot Dogs list for 30Burgers and hot dogs Pulled Pork list for 30Pulled pork sandwiches Meat for 30 peoplePortions by meat Build a custom listAny guest count, kids, Costco

All shopping lists

Menu10 guests20 guests30 guests50 guests100 guests
Mixed BBQ (burgers, chicken, ribs, sausages)10: $17520: $27530: $35550: $613100: $1,164
Burgers and hot dogs10: $15220: $24330: $33350: $572100: $1,106
Pulled pork sandwiches10: $16920: $25830: $32150: $522100: $962

Useful gear

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product links open Amazon search results.

ThermoPro TP-16 meat thermometerprobe thermometerBurgers to 160°F, chicken to 165°F: the one tool every list needs.
See options on Amazon
Kingsford charcoal briquettes 2 packcharcoalCovers the charcoal line on most lists for 20 to 50 guests.
See options on Amazon

FAQ

How much food do I need for a bbq for 30 people?

3.75 lb ground beef 80/20, 4.5 lb chicken thighs and drumsticks, bone-in, 4 racks baby back ribs, 15 bratwurst or italian links, plus sides, drinks and supplies. The full list above is rounded to store packs.

How much does a bbq for 30 people cost?

About $355, or $11.83 per guest, at our Oct 2026 planning prices. Buying whole packs adds 8% over the exact amounts.

How many drinks for 30 people?

75 drinks for a 3-hour party, plus 45 lb of ice.

Is Costco cheaper for a bbq for 30?

Usually per unit, yes. The bigger packs also change how much is left over: compare the two pack columns above before you shop.