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If you are looking for how many Brussels sprouts are needed for a crowd, then you have come to the right place. Although there is a well-known serving size, this recommendation is often ignored, which makes it invalid when trying to estimate how many sprouts will be needed for a group of people. However, there is a clear estimate for how many Brussels sprouts every individual will eat.
To feed a crowd, 1/3 of a pound of Brussels sprouts is needed per person. Men typically eat 1/2 of a pound, while women eat 1/4 of a pound. Only four Brussels sprouts are in a serving, however, individuals commonly double the serving size. If other dishes are also provided, then fewer are needed.
There are many ways to provide brussels sprouts for a large group cheaply, which is what every host will want to do. To learn more about how many brussels sprouts are needed for a crowd, continue reading.
How Many Brussels Sprouts Are in a Serving?
There are four Brussels sprouts in a single serving, which is equivalent to three ounces. In every serving of brussels sprouts, there are 40 calories, making it a perfectly healthy side option.
Brussels sprouts are low calorie and high in certain nutrients such as potassium and protein. However, most who cook brussels sprouts use ingredients that significantly decrease the nutritional value.
While there is a specific serving size, many ignore this recommendation. Portion size
is steadily increasing, particularly in the United States.
Over the past 20 years, portion size has greatly strayed from serving size. The increase in portion size can be seen everywhere, from restaurants to individual households. This means that most individuals eat far more than they should, which can greatly impact their overall health.
How Many Brussels Sprouts for Groups
Mix-Gender Crowd:
| Gender | Number of People in the Group | Grams of Brussels Sprouts needed | Ounces of Brussels Sprouts Needed | Pounds of Brussels Sprouts Needed |
| Mixed | 5 | 751.3 | 26.5 | 1.7 |
| Mixed | 10 | 1502.5 | 53 | 3.3 |
| Mixed | 15 | 2253.8 | 79.5 | 5 |
| Mixed | 20 | 3005.1 | 106 | 6.7 |
| Mixed | 25 | 3756.3 | 132.5 | 8.3 |
| Mixed | 30 | 4507.6 | 159 | 10 |
For a mixed-gender crowd, assume every individual will eat 1/3 of a pound of brussels sprouts.
Crowd with Only Men:
| Gender | Number of People in the Group | Grams of Brussels sprouts needed | Ounces of Brussels Sprouts Needed | Pounds of Brussels Sprouts Needed |
| Male | 5 | 1134 | 40 | 2.5 |
| Male | 10 | 2268 | 80 | 5 |
| Male | 15 | 3401.9 | 120 | 7.5 |
| Male | 20 | 4535.9 | 160 | 10 |
| Male | 25 | 5669.9 | 200 | 12.5 |
| Male | 30 | 6803.9 | 240 | 15 |
For an event with only men, assume every individual will eat 1/2 of a pound of Brussels sprouts.
Crowd with Only Women:
| Gender | Number of People in the Group | Grams of Brussels Sprouts Needed | Ounces of Brussels Sprouts Needed | Pounds of Brussels Sprouts Needed |
| Female | 5 | 567 | 20 | 1.25 |
| Female | 10 | 1134 | 40 | 2.5 |
| Female | 15 | 1701 | 60 | 3.75 |
| Female | 20 | 2268 | 80 | 5 |
| Female | 25 | 2835 | 100 | 6.25 |
| Female | 30 | 3118.5 | 110 | 7.5 |
For an event with only women, assume every individual will eat 1/4 of a pound of Brussels sprouts.
What the Experts Say
Nobody knows exactly how many Brussels sprouts are needed per person than the professionals. Because they cater and serve Brussels sprouts daily, they know exactly how many every individual eats.
One caterer said that they assume every individual will eat 1/2 of a pound of Brussels sprouts. This, however, is higher than the typical estimate.
Another caterer said that individuals only eat 1/4 of a pound of Brussels sprouts at a time. Although many will eat more than this, many people don’t like Brussels sprouts, which means some will not eat any at all, and the number of Brussels sprouts you need for a group will be influenced.
How Many Brussels Sprouts if There Are Other Sides?
If dishes or sides are being provided with Brussels sprouts, then fewer sprouts will be needed. This is because many people will choose other sides or dishes to eat in place of the Brussels sprouts.
In addition, even those who do eat the sprouts will not have as much room for them given how many foods are being served, so they will likely only eat a few of them.
And, if other sides are being served alongside the Brussels sprouts, that means less money will have to be spent on the sprouts. The more sides there are, the less the cost of the event has to spend on Brussels sprouts.
Men
If there are other sides, expect that men will eat 1/3 of a pound of Brussels sprouts. Although this is much less than they typically eat, it is to be expected when multiple sides are being served.
Women
Women will eat 1/5 of a pound of Brussels sprouts if other sides are being provided as well.
Children
Children do not typically eat Brussels sprouts. Most of them will stay clear of this vegetable and will avoid them at all costs. However, if they do eat them, they will typically only eat three ounces, which is the same as one serving. This is only four Brussels sprouts.
How Many Brussels Sprouts if There Are No Other Sides?
If there are no other sides, more Brussels sprouts will be needed. However, it is recommended for those hosting an event to provide additional sides and dishes.
Men
With no other sides, men will eat over 1/2 of a pound of Brussels sprouts. This may seem like an overabundance of sprouts, however, they are not especially filling. This means that if there is nothing that is served with them, men will be able to eat many Brussels sprouts.
Women
If no sides are being served with the Brussels sprouts, women will be able to eat 1/3 of a pound. This is not as much as the men can eat, however, it is still an exceptional amount of Brussels sprouts that will be needed.
Children
As mentioned, most children will not eat Brussels sprouts. However, if nothing else is being served, then they may resort to eating them. Assume that children will only eat three ounces of Brussels sprouts.
How to Limit the Amount of Brussels Sprouts Needed
Pre-Serve the Brussels Sprouts
The first way to limit the number of brussels sprouts you need for a group is by pre-serving the vegetable. By pre-serving the sprouts, individuals will be less inclined to take more than they can eat. Pre-erving brussels sprouts can be done by placing the sprouts on a plate before the event begins. This way, the guests can take a plate that has a pre-set number of brussels sprouts on it.
The downside to pre-serving the brussels sprouts is that it takes preparation. Some hosts may be too busy to take the time and serve the sprouts ahead of time. In addition, some individuals who may have taken fewer brussels sprouts will no longer have this option. This means that some will be going to waste, which is what many hosts are trying to avoid.
Although hosts will be trying to avoid excess waste, pre-serving the sprouts will greatly reduce the number of Brussels sprouts needed overall. In addition, if the host does have enough time to pre-serve the sprouts, then it is a perfect option.
Use Smaller Plates
Another way to limit the number of brussels sprouts needed is by using smaller plates. When smaller plates are used, people will naturally eat less. This means that people will take fewer Brussels sprouts, as their plate will appear to be fuller than if they were using larger plates. In addition, only a small number of sprouts will be able to fit on the plate.
Using smaller plates will eliminate a large number of Brussels sprouts being needed because of the Delboeuf effect. This effect tricks the mind into thinking that the person is eating a larger amount of food than they are in actuality. With the Delboeuf effect in action, while using smaller plates, fewer Brussels sprouts will be needed.
Provide Sides
Sides should always be provided, no matter what is being served. Sides are the easiest ways to eliminate how many Brussels sprouts will be needed, as other foods will be provided. In addition, many people are not fond of sprouts, which means the host should provide alternate options to account for taste differences.
Serve the Brussels Sprouts Yourself
The final way to limit how many brussels sprouts are needed is by serving them yourself. If the host serves them for people, then the individuals will be less likely to ask for more. In addition, they will be less likely to take more than they can finish. Serving the brussels sprouts yourself is the perfect way to reduce how many sprouts are needed.
What to Serve With Brussels Sprouts
Salad
Salad is the perfect side dish to serve in combination with Brussels sprouts. Any kind of salad can work, whether it be a classic caesar or the common house salad. Many salads even have brussels sprouts in them, proving that they go well with the vegetable.
Salad is a customary dish to have with Brussels sprouts, and it is well understood why. Salad and brussels sprouts coincide with each other very well, enhancing the other’s flavors flawlessly.
Soup
The second dish that can be served with Brussels sprouts is soup. Soup is a popular option for side dishes because it is hearty and filling. In specific, soup with meat should be heavily considered.
Pork chop soup is commonly paired with Brussels sprouts because pork chops and all kinds of meat go together well. Although pork chop soup may sound obscure, it is the perfect addition to Brussels sprouts.
Pasta
Another option for dishes to serve with brussels sprouts is pasta. Everyone loves pasta, given it is a staple in many people’s diets. Any kind of pasta will do the trick, and there are many kinds to choose from. However, if ideas are needed, fettuccine alfredo is easy to make and is fairly inexpensive, which makes it the ideal pasta to serve at any event. However, any kind of pasta should be considered.
Chicken
If the host is wanting a more substantial dish to be served with Brussels sprouts, then chicken should be considered. No matter how the chicken is cooked, it will go well with the vegetable.
Whether the chicken is baked, grilled, or boiled, it should be served with Brussels sprouts. If chicken is being served, then fewer Brussels sprouts will be needed. This is because most of the crowd will fill up on the chicken rather than on the vegetable.
How Much Will Brussels Sprouts Cost for a Crowd
How much it will cost to provide Brussels sprouts for a crowd is a large cause of concern. Many who are hosting an event will want to cut costs in every way possible, meaning they will want to shop at the grocery stores that will provide them with the best deals. Below is a list of the most popular stores to purchase Brussels sprouts from and how much it will cost to buy them.
At Walmart, Brussels sprouts cost $2.97 per pound. This means that for a group of 20, 7 pounds of sprouts will be needed, costing less than $21. Walmart is one of the most inexpensive grocery stores to purchase Brussels sprouts from.
At Target, Brussels sprouts cost $2.69 per 12 ounces. This means that for a group of 20, 9 bags of sprouts will be needed, costing just over $24. When shopping for brussels sprouts, Target should be avoided, because Brussels sprouts from Target will be much more expensive, especially when purchasing for large groups. However, produce from Target is often better quality than produce from Walmart.
At Albertsons, Brussels sprouts cost $2.99 per pound. This means that for a group of 29, 7 pounds of sprouts will be needed, costing nearly $21. The cost of Brussels sprouts from Albertsons is comparable to Walmart, which means it should be considered when shopping for a large event.
