What to buy for a vegan barbecue

A vegan barbecue needs more than plant-based burgers. Plan enough food for the grill, salads, sauces, bread, desserts and drinks, then check that everything can stay cold until serving. For a mixed group, label dishes clearly so guests can identify allergens and vegan options at a glance. This guide also covers the easy-to-forget equipment and serving items, from spare gas cylinders to tongs, coolers and lighting.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tent
Foldable tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Buffet tablesqty 2
Stoolsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable cupsqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Soup ladlesqty 4

Equipment

Gas barbecueqty 2
Gas cylindersqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Grill tongsqty 4
Spatulasqty 4
Oven mittsqty 4
Aluminum foilqty 2

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Napkinsqty 100
Menusqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Vegan burgers - 50 pieces
- Vegan sausages - 40 pieces
- Vegan chicken pieces - 2,5 kilogram
- Hamburger buns - 50 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 40 pieces
- Portobello mushrooms - 20 pieces
- Zucchini - 8 pieces
- Eggplants - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Corn cobs - 20 pieces
- Red onions - 8 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Iceberg lettuce - 5 heads
- Avocados - 12 pieces
- Potatoes - 5 kilograms
- Pasta - 2 kilograms
- Quinoa - 1 kilogram
- Chickpeas - 8 cans
- Brown beans - 6 cans
- Vegan cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Vegan mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Apple cider vinegar - 1 bottle
- Soy sauce - 1 bottle
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Cumin - 1 jar
- Chili powder - 1 jar
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Fresh garlic - 5 bulbs
- Fresh parsley - 4 bunches
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Apples - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Vegan brownies - 50 pieces
- Vegan ice cream - 5 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Lemonade - 4 liters
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Vegan wine - 12 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Cleaning wipes - 2 packs

Tips

Allow 2–3 grilled portions per person, then add one filling side such as potato salad, couscous or bread per 4–6 guests. Buy extra vegetables for skewers and salads because they are often eaten before the main grill items.
Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per hour after that. Chill drinks in advance and use coolers so food and beverages do not compete for space in the refrigerator.
Buy separate grill tongs, cutting boards and serving utensils for vegan food. Keep sauces, salads and desserts covered, and mark common allergens on menu cards before guests arrive.
Check the barbecue and gas at least 2 days before the event. If you are using a gas barbecue, keep a full spare cylinder available rather than discovering during cooking that the first one is nearly empty.
Prepare salads, marinades and sauces the day before, but wash and cut delicate produce as close to serving as practical. Chill desserts overnight and set up a tent, tables, lighting and lanterns before the barbecue starts.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a vegan barbecue per person?: Plan for 2–3 grilled portions per person, plus one substantial side and 150–200 g of salad per guest. Add extra bread or another filling side if the barbecue is the main meal.
How many drinks should I buy for a vegan barbecue?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and roughly 1 more per hour afterwards. For a four-hour event with 10 guests, that is about 50–60 drinks, adjusted for weather and non-drinkers.
What should I prepare the day before a vegan barbecue?: Make marinades, sauces and sturdy salads the day before, and chill desserts overnight. Check the weather, gas supply and cold-storage space at least 24 hours in advance.
What equipment do I need for a vegan barbecue?: You need a barbecue, gas cylinders if applicable, grill tongs, spatulas, oven mitts, coolers, serving platters and separate utensils for prepared food. For an outdoor event, allow one table for every 6–8 guests and add lighting if serving after dark.

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