What to buy for a chocolate tasting

A chocolate tasting needs more than a selection of chocolate. You also need enough tasting plates, water glasses, dessert spoons, labels and forms for guests to compare each sample properly. Plan the drinks, fruit and coffee station separately, and check how you will keep chocolate and chilled drinks at the right temperature. This shopping list covers the food, serving items, kitchen equipment and cleanup supplies needed to prepare the tasting stations and host the event smoothly.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Buffet tableqty 2

Tableware

Tasting platesqty 240
Coffee cupsqty 50
Water glassesqty 50
Dessert spoonsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving platters for fruitqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 3
Kitchen scaleqty 2
Measuring cupsqty 3
Coolersqty 3
Cut-resistant glovesqty 2

Equipment

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettleqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Ice packsqty 12

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Name badgesqty 50
Chocolate platesqty 12
Table signsqty 6

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Floor squeegee
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Dark chocolate 70% - 500 grams
- Dark chocolate 85% - 500 grams
- Milk chocolate - 500 grams
- White chocolate - 500 gram
- Ruby chocolate - 500 grams
- Chocolate with caramel - 500 gram
- Cocoa nibs - 250 gram
- Unsalted almonds - 500 grams
- Hazelnuts - 500 grams
- Pistachios - 300 grams
- Dried apricots - 500 grams
- Dried cranberries - 500 gram
- Raisins - 500 grams
- Fresh strawberries - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 2 kilo
- Pears - 2 kilos
- Bananas - 2 kilos
- Plain crackers - 6 packs
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Sea salt - 1 pack
- Cinnamon - 1 jar
- Vanilla extract - 1 bottle
- Honey - 1 jar
- Strawberry jam - 1 jar
- Coffee beans - 1 kilo
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Grape juice - 6 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Paper napkins - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Rinse aid - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 3 pairs
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Storage containers - 20 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos

Tips

Buy enough chocolate for every tasting sample plus a small reserve. Weigh each portion with a kitchen scale rather than estimating, so every guest receives the same amount.
Provide one tasting plate and dessert spoon per guest, then add at least 10% extra for replacements. Water glasses should be available throughout the tasting, not only at the reception table.
Plan two to three small pieces of fruit or garnish per guest if you are serving pairings. Use separate serving platters, cutting boards and a clean chef’s knife to keep preparation organised.
Prepare labels, table signs, name badges and tasting forms before guests arrive. Print at least one tasting form per person, with five to ten spare copies for last-minute registrations or mistakes.
Chill drinks several hours before the event and check the coffee maker, kettle, extension cords and power strips on the day. Keep ice packs or coolers ready if the drinks cannot stay in a refrigerator.

Frequently asked questions

How much chocolate do I need per person for a tasting?: Allow about 15–25 grams of each chocolate sample per person, depending on how many samples you serve. Add a 10% reserve so you can replace damaged portions or accommodate extra guests.
How many tasting plates and spoons do I need?: Plan one tasting plate and one dessert spoon per guest, plus at least 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means buying or preparing at least 22 plates and 22 spoons.
What drinks should I buy for a chocolate tasting?: Provide water throughout the tasting and include coffee and tea if they are part of the plan. For the first hour, allow roughly two to three small drinks per guest, then adjust for the event length and guest preferences.
When should I prepare the chocolate tasting shopping?: Check the full shopping list at least 3–5 days before the tasting and buy shelf-stable items first. Portion, label and arrange the chocolate on the day of the event, shortly before guests arrive.

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