How much bbq/pulled pork do I need for 25 guests?

You need 5 lbs of bbq/pulled pork for 25 guests at a thanksgiving. This provides 12 total servings with a 15% buffer.

How much bbq/pulled pork per person for a thanksgiving?

Plan for 0.5 servings of bbq/pulled pork per person at a thanksgiving. This assumes bbq/pulled pork is your main food; reduce by 30-40% if serving multiple dishes.

How many servings in 5 lbs of bbq/pulled pork?

5 lbs of bbq/pulled pork provides 12 total servings, enough for 25 guests with a 15% buffer to ensure you don't run out.

Is 5 lbs of bbq/pulled pork enough for 25 people?

Yes, 5 lbs is the recommended amount for 25 guests at a thanksgiving. This includes a 15% buffer (1 extra lbs) so you won't run short.

Should I order more bbq/pulled pork than calculated?

Our calculation of 5 lbs already includes a 15% buffer. However, if your guests are big eaters or bbq/pulled pork is the only food, consider adding 10-20% more. It's always better to have leftovers!

What if I'm serving bbq/pulled pork with other foods?

If serving bbq/pulled pork as part of a buffet spread with other options, reduce this amount by 30-40%. Instead of 5 lbs, you'd need approximately 4 lbs.

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How Much BBQ/Pulled Pork for a 25 Guests Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving • 25 guests

Your Total

lbs

of bbq/pulled pork

total servings

0.5

per person

15%

buffer

Note: This assumes bbq/pulled pork is your main food. Planning a buffet spread? See our Thanksgiving Party Planner for balanced quantities.

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📐 Why This Amount Works

Estimate actual eaters

25 guests × 95% eating rate

At small events, about 95% of guests will eat full servings. 24 eaters

Calculate servings (as main dish)

24 eaters × 1 pieces per person

As a main dish, plan for 1 pieces per person (~0.3 lb). 24 base servings

Apply thanksgiving modifier

× 0.5 (-50% for bbq/pulled pork)

Thanksgivings typically consume 50% less bbq/pulled pork than average. 12 pieces needed

Convert to lbs

12 pieces ÷ 3 per lb

Each lb provides 3 pieces. 4 lbs (raw)

Add 15% buffer & round up

4 × 1.15 = 4.6, rounded up

Always round up and add a buffer. Running out of food is worse than having leftovers! 5 lbs

✓

Caterer-Tested Formula

Our calculations are based on real event data from professional caterers and party planners.

📊 Quick Reference: BBQ/Pulled Pork by Guest Count

Guests	BBQ/Pulled Pork Needed	Total Servings
25 guests (you)	5 lbs	12 servings
50 guests	10 lbs	24 servings
75 guests	15 lbs	36 servings
100 guests	20 lbs	48 servings
150 guests	30 lbs	72 servings
200 guests	40 lbs	96 servings

* All calculations include a 15% buffer. Amounts for thanksgiving as main dish.

🛒 Your Complete Shopping List

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BBQ/Pulled Pork

5 lbs

Hamburger buns — For pulled pork sandwiches

15 buns

BBQ sauce — Extra for dipping

2 bottles Buy →

Coleslaw — Classic BBQ side

7 lbs

Pickles

2 jars

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💡 Pro Tips for Thanksgiving Food

✓ Turkey is 1-1.5 lbs per person (includes bone weight).
✓ Appetizers before dinner should be light - 3-4 pieces per person max.
✓ Plan 3-4 side dishes total - not 3-4 per person.
✓ Dessert is non-negotiable - 1 pie per 6-8 guests.
✓ Leftovers are part of Thanksgiving - plan for turkey sandwiches.

Buying Guide

Thanksgiving is about the traditional spread: turkey (1-1.5 lbs per person), stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pie. Light appetizers before dinner only. Plan for leftovers!