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How Much Tacos for a 50 Guests Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving • 50 guests

Your Total
4
dozen
of tacos
41
total servings
0.8
per person
15%
buffer

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

📐 Why This Amount Works

1
Estimate actual eaters
50 guests × 90% eating rate
At medium events, about 90% of guests will eat full servings. 45 eaters
2
Calculate servings (as main dish)
45 eaters × 3 tacos per person
As a main dish, plan for 3 tacos per person. 135 base servings
3
Apply thanksgiving modifier
× 0.3 (-70% for tacos)
Thanksgivings typically consume 70% less tacos than average. 41 tacos needed
4
Convert to dozen
41 tacos ÷ 12 per dozen
Each dozen provides 12 tacos. 3.4 dozen (raw)
5
Add 15% buffer & round up
3.4 × 1.15 = 3.9, rounded up
Always round up and add a buffer. Running out of food is worse than having leftovers! 4 dozen
Caterer-Tested Formula
Our calculations are based on real event data from professional caterers and party planners.

📊 Quick Reference: Tacos by Guest Count

Guests Tacos Needed Total Servings
25 guests 2 dozen 21 servings
50 guests (you) 4 dozen 41 servings
75 guests 6 dozen 62 servings
100 guests 8 dozen 82 servings
150 guests 12 dozen 123 servings
200 guests 16 dozen 164 servings

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

🛒 Your Complete Shopping List

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Tacos
4 dozen
Salsa — Mild and hot options
7 jars
Sour cream
5 containers
Lime wedges
25 limes
Cilantro
4 bunches

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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!

🍺 Complete Your Bar

Don't forget the drinks! See our drink calculators for this event:

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