Cost guide
How much does vegan catering cost?
Vegan catering costs £8 to £15 per head for a buffet or street food, £16 to £35 for bowl food or sharing platters with staff, and £36 to £65 for a plated menu. That is close to the same format with meat, because staff and service, not ingredients, make up most of a catering price.
Typical prices
Ranges, not quotes. A quote depends on your room.
| Work | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Vegan buffet or street food, per head | £8 to £15 |
| Bowl food or sharing platters with staff, per head | £16 to £35 |
| Plated vegan menu, per head | £36 to £65 |
| Vegan canapé reception, per head | £18 to £25 |
| Vegan dishes within a mixed menu | Usually priced as the main menu |
If anyone eating has a milk or egg allergy, say so separately. Vegan describes the recipe, not an allergen control, and a caterer who also cooks with dairy may not be able to rule out traces.
What moves the price
- Service style. Staffed canapés, bowl food and plated service cost more than a delivered buffet.
- Guest numbers. Small orders pay more per head, as with any caterer.
- Fully vegan kitchen or mixed. A specialist may cost more or less; the difference is in how cross-contact is handled.
- Menu. Plant-based cheeses and specialist products cost more than vegetable, grain and pulse dishes.
- Location and travel. London and long journeys add to the price.
Who quotes for it
2 of the 2,162 caterers listed on this site take on vegan catering.
Where they are: Bournemouth (1).
Questions about vegan catering
Can a vegan menu work for a wedding?
Yes. Vegan caterers offer canapés, sharing dishes, plated courses and desserts, and many couples serve a fully vegan menu to every guest. Ask for a tasting, as you would with any wedding caterer.
Is vegetarian catering cheaper than meat?
Sometimes slightly, because vegetables and pulses cost less than meat. The difference is small next to staff and service, which set most of the price.