Eating contest shopping list

An eating contest needs more than the food being eaten. You also need identical portions, clear labels, serving equipment, timers, chilled drinks and a way to keep competitors and spectators separated. Plan equipment around the number of participants, judges and tables rather than buying one shared set and hoping it is enough. This list helps you check the easy-to-forget items before shopping, especially power supplies, thermometers, race numbers and printed table signs.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 80
Bar stoolsqty 6
Bollardsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 3

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable bowlsqty 40
Reusable forksqty 100
Reusable knivesqty 80
Reusable cupsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 20

Kitchen

Serving tongsqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 6
Kitchen knivesqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 4

Equipment

Hot dog warmersqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Digital timersqty 6
Kitchen scalesqty 4
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Portable speaker
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Thermometersqty 4

Decorations

Race numbersqty 50
Table numbersqty 12
Competition banner
Direction signsqty 8
Markersqty 12
Adhesive tapeqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Hot dog buns - 220 pieces
- Frankfurters - 220 pieces
- Vegetarian hot dogs - 30 pieces
- Gluten-free hot dog buns - 12 pieces
- Ketchup - 8 bottles
- Mustard - 6 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Hamburger sauce - 3 bottles
- Crispy fried onions - 8 bags
- Pickles - 6 jars
- Jalapeño peppers - 4 jars
- Grated cheese - 5 kilograms
- Fried bacon bits - 3 kilogram
- Salt - 1 tin
- Black pepper - 1 canister
- Paprika powder - 1 can
- Chili powder - 1 tin
- Barbecue sauce - 4 bottles
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Salted peanuts - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Still water - 100 bottles
- Sparkling water - 48 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Ice tea - 18 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Disposable gloves - 10 boxes
- Hairnets - 100 pieces
- Aprons - 20 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 3 rolls
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 150 pieces

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Cleaning brushesqty 6
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 20
Crates for waste separationqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lampsqty 6
Spare batteriesqty 24

Sports equipment

Starting bell
Stop signqty 2
Scoreboardsqty 6
Jury clipboardsqty 6
Pensqty 30
Trophiesqty 3
Medal ribbonsqty 3

Safety

First aid kit
Nitrile glovesqty 2
Fire extinguisher

Tips

Prepare one identical serving setup per competitor, then add at least 10% extra food for damaged portions, spills and last-minute registrations. Weigh or measure portions in advance so every contestant starts with the same amount.
Buy or bring one clear race number for each participant, plus a few spares. Add table numbers and direction signs before the day; replacing missing labels during registration slows down the start.
Allow one serving utensil for each food type and keep separate tongs or knives for dietary alternatives. Label alternative portions clearly and store all fresh food refrigerated until preparation.
Check the venue’s power points before buying or transporting warmers, timers or speakers. Pack extension cords and power strips, and test the hot dog warmers, thermometers and digital timers at least one day beforehand.
Plan drinks by service period rather than by guesswork: chill two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add more for the expected duration. Bring coolers so drinks stay cold while competition food is being prepared.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for an eating contest?: Prepare one measured portion per contestant for every round, plus at least 10% extra for spills, damaged servings and late additions. For 20 competitors, that means 22 portions per round.
How many plates, bowls and forks do I need for an eating contest?: Provide one complete place setting per competitor for each round, then add 10% spare tableware. For 20 contestants, pack at least 22 plates or bowls and 22 forks, depending on the menu.
How many timers and thermometers are needed?: Use one visible digital timer for the main competition and keep a second timer as backup. Use at least one food thermometer for hot food, plus a second thermometer if several serving tables need checking at the same time.
When should I buy food for an eating contest?: Buy shelf-stable ingredients and disposable backup supplies up to 3 days ahead. Purchase fresh food no earlier than 1 day before the contest, keep it refrigerated, and prepare measured portions as close to the start as the menu allows.

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