What to Buy for a French Fry Contest

A French fry contest needs more than potatoes and oil. You will need enough fries for tasting portions, separate sauces, serving cups, drinks, judging supplies, and safe frying equipment for each station. Buy chilled storage and serving materials before the event, because cups, score sheets, thermometers, and oil collection trays are easy to overlook. Plan the shopping around your number of participants, judges, and tasting rounds so every portion is consistent.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 50
Tableclothqty 8
Waste binsqty 6

Equipment

Deep fryersqty 4
Hot platesqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Thermometersqty 4
Kitchen scalesqty 4
Coffee maker

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 8
Kitchen knivesqty 8
Mixing bowlsqty 8
Colandersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Kitchen tongsqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 4
Oil collection traysqty 4

Tableware

Platesqty 70
French fry cupsqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 70
Drinking glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 30
Sauce cupsqty 40

Sports equipment

Score sheetsqty 80
Ballot slipsqty 60
Participant numbersqty 12
Jury signsqty 8
Trophiesqty 3

Decorations

Flagsqty 4
Competition posterqty 2
Prize table sign

Lighting

String lightsqty 4

Safety

Fire extinguisherqty 2
Fire blanketqty 2
Non-slip matsqty 6

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 3
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop setsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Fresh potatoes - 35 kg
- Frozen fries - 15 kg
- Frying oil - 20 liter
- Salt - 2 kg
- Paprika powder - 250 g
- Garlic powder - 150 g
- Curry powder - 150 g
- Mayonnaise - 4 liters
- Ketchup - 4 liters
- Curry - 3 liters
- Mustard - 2 liters
- Garlic sauce - 2 liters
- Satay sauce - 2 liters
- Truffle mayonnaise - 1 liter
- Grated cheese - 2 kg
- Fried onions - 1 kg
- Jalapeños - 3 jars
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Fresh parsley - 6 bunches
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kg
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Coffee stirrers - 100 pieces
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper fries bags - 100 pieces
- Wooden skewers - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Nitrile gloves - 4 boxes
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Garbage bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 package
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Degreaser - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Cleaning cloths - 2 packs
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 packs
- Bandages - 1 box
- Coffee filters - 2 packs

Tips

Plan one tasting portion per entry and add 10–15% extra fries for spills, failed batches, and late registrations. Use kitchen scales to keep portions consistent across all competitors.
Allow 2–3 sauces per person if guests can sample freely, then buy separate sauce cups and serving spoons rather than putting shared bowls beside the fryers.
Keep fries chilled until preparation and arrange enough coolers for the full quantity. Do not rely on a household refrigerator if several participants are bringing large batches.
Count one plate or French fry cup, one cutlery set, and one drinking glass per guest, plus at least 10% spare tableware. Coffee cups are easy to forget if drinks are served throughout the judging.
Prepare one score sheet or ballot slip for every judge and round, then add 5 spare copies. Buy or bring participant numbers and jury signs before setup so entries can be identified without naming the cooks.

Frequently asked questions

How many fries do I need for a French fry contest?: Plan one tasting portion for each entry and each judge, then add 10–15% extra. Weigh the portions with a kitchen scale so every competitor is judged on roughly the same serving size.
How much sauce should I buy for a fry contest?: Allow about 30–45 ml of sauce per guest for a tasting-focused event, depending on how many varieties you offer. Buy extra sauce cups and keep each sauce in its own portioned container.
What judging supplies do I need for a French fry contest?: Prepare one score sheet or ballot slip per judge for every round, plus at least 5 spare copies. You also need participant numbers and jury signs so samples and judging areas remain clearly identified.
How early should I shop for a French fry contest?: Buy disposable serving supplies, judging materials, and equipment at least 3–5 days beforehand. Purchase or collect chilled fries, drinks, and other perishable items as close to the event as practical, usually within 24 hours.

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