How Much Candy Does My Buffet Need?

How Much Candy Does My Buffet Need?
How Much Candy Does My Buffet Need?
How Much Candy Does My Buffet Need?

Now that you have an idea of what you want to serve at your candy buffet, it is time to determine how much to purchase.  Keep in mind that you should offer at least 5 different types of candy.   Many event and wedding planners are opting to use candy buffets as take-home party favors. 

Here is a quick checklist to give you a better idea of how much candy to order.   Unlike flowers, a candy buffet is decorative AND functional.  

  • When using ounces, we recommend 8 ounces of candy per guest. Therefore, a 5 pound bag of candy will serve approximately 10 guests.
  • When using pounds, we recommend a half a pound of candy per guest.
  • When using cups, a half of a cup equals 4 ounces.  We recommend 1 cup per guest.
  • For candy dishes, we estimate 2 ounces per guest. Use 1 candy dish for every 10 guests.  A 5 pound bag will fill candy dishes for around 40 guests. 
  • For lollipops consider 1 piece per guest.
  • There are approximately 400 jelly beans per one pound bag.
  • 95 Hershey Kisses equal one pound.
  • 1 pound BUTTERMINTS = 3 cups
  • 1 pound GUMBALLS (1 inch) = 3 ½ cups
  • 1 pound HERSHEY KISSES = 3 cups
  • 1 pound JELLY BELLY = 2 cups
  • 1 pound JOLLY RANCHER = 3 cups
  • 1 pound JORDAN ALMONDS = 2 cups
  • 1 pound LAFFY TAFFY = 4 cups
  • 1 pound LEMONHEADS = 2 cups
  • 1 pound M&Ms = 2 cups
  • 1 pound MIKE AND IKES = 2 cups
  • 1 pound RUNTS = 2 1/3 cups
  • 1 pound SIXLETS = 3 cups
  • 1 pound SKITTLES = 2 cups
  • 1 pound SMARTIES = 5 cups
  • 1 pound STARBURST = 2 ½ cups
  • 1 pound SUPER BUBBLE GUM = 5 cups
  • 1 pound TOOTSIE ROLLS = 4 cups

Consider adding volume by choosing an assortment of larger and smaller candies.  Your candy buffet will appear fuller and will, in essence, cost less money.  A jar of gumballs next to a glass jar of Sixlets is visually appealing as well as fiscally sound! 

Like a Good Book...

People only remember the beginning and end of an event.  If your candy buffet is offered later in the evening, you should order more than you think you need to ensure that you don’t run out.  You want the last guest to have just as many options as the first guest.

The Size of the Scoop!

The size of the scoop actually makes a difference!  You don’t want scoops to be too big because that will deplete your candy supply too quickly.  A 2 ounce scoop equals a 1/4 cup and will scoop around 45-50 regular size M&M's.  People will scoop as much candy as will fit in the spoon.

#Candy Tip:  If you have your favor bags or boxes picked out but are unsure how much candy they will hold, bring or send your favor container to the CandyFavorites.com warehouse and let us help you estimate. 

What to do with leftover Candy?

Leftover candy is great to donate to a local charity, shelter, fire or police department.  Candy brings a smile to everyone’s face!

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