Pulled Pork Shopping List for 30 People

For 30 adults the pulled pork sandwiches list comes to 16 items and about $321, starting with 2 × 8 lb pork butt, bone-in. Change any input below and the list updates.

Advanced: sides, vegetarians, appetite, weather
$321 for 30 guests
about $10.71 per guest · 16 items · buying whole packs adds 13% over the exact amounts
ItemNeedBuyEst. cost
Meat
15 lb2 × 8 lb$40.00
Bakery
332 × 16-pack + 1 × 8-pack (+21%)$14.00
Deli
9 lb3 × 3 lb$22.50
9 lb3 × 3 lb$22.50
Pantry
78 oz6 × 13 oz$24.00
17 oz1 × 32 oz (+94%)$3.84*
9 oz1 × 20 oz (+142%)$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
23 lb2 × 16 lb (+39%)$48.00
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
Pork butt, bone-in15 lb2 × 8 lb1 × 16 lb
Hamburger buns332 × 16-pack + 1 × 8-pack3 × 12-pack
Potato salad9 lb3 × 3 lb3 × 3 lb
Coleslaw9 lb3 × 3 lb3 × 3 lb
Potato chips78 oz6 × 13 oz6 × 13 oz
Ketchup17 oz1 × 32 oz1 × 32 oz
Mustard9 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 briquettes23 lb2 × 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$258$12.9016
30 guests$321$10.7116
50 guests$522$10.4516

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

BBQ list for 30Mixed BBQ (burgers, chicken, ribs, sausages) Burgers & Hot Dogs list for 30Burgers and hot dogs 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 pulled pork for 30 people?

15 lb pork butt, bone-in, 33 hamburger buns, 9 lb potato salad, 9 lb coleslaw, plus sides, drinks and supplies. The full list above is rounded to store packs.

How much does a pulled pork for 30 people cost?

About $321, or $10.71 per guest, at our Oct 2026 planning prices. Buying whole packs adds 13% 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 pulled pork 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.