Why a mixed-taste barbecue needs a plan
A summer barbecue rarely has one kind of guest. Some people eat meat without thinking, others prefer vegetarian skewers, a few avoid alcohol and the children want something simple. Before you buy anything, count your guests, note any dietary requirements you already know about and decide roughly how long the food needs to last. Most shopping mistakes come from guessing rather than from choosing the wrong product.
Pay attention first to quantities and timing. Cooking over charcoal or gas takes longer than people expect, and a long afternoon means the food may run out before the drinks. Plan a core of two or three main proteins, a couple of ready-to-serve sides and a sauce that suits more than one dish. Keep raw meat separate from other food, and check that you have enough chilling space before the day arrives.
How to choose food and drinks that suit everyone
Start with the mix of guests. Choose at least one option that suits each group: a meat main, a plant-based or fish alternative, and something light for those who only want a snack. Look at labels for fat content and how the meat is prepared, because a lean cut cooks quickly but dries out if left on the grill, while a fattier cut tolerates more heat. For drinks, count alcohol-free and low-alcohol options separately rather than assuming everyone wants the same thing.
Prepared food saves time but costs more per portion, and homemade marinades give you control over salt and sugar at the price of an evening of preparation. Ready meals and deli salads are useful for filling gaps, though buying everything pre-cooked removes the fun of the grill. Sauces and condiments are cheap to add and can carry a meal for guests who do not eat meat, so two or three options are more practical than one bottle everyone must share. Snacks such as nuts, crisps and dips work well alongside a main, but avoid buying so many that people fill up before the food arrives.
Plan by the guests who will actually come, label anything with nuts or gluten, and keep a takeaway option ready rather than hoping the food stretches.
From the editors
Common mistakes include buying for the number of people who said yes rather than those who turn up, forgetting cups, ice and bin bags, and leaving the takeaway backup until the last minute. Another frequent problem is underestimating charcoal and gas, so check supplies the day before. Do not buy large quantities of spirits you will not mix, and note any allergies on the list so nobody is surprised by a sauce containing nuts or gluten.
What to put on the list
For each item we name a store where you can start comparing.
Lean meat and skewers for the grill
Choose one or two lean main options, such as chicken thighs or lean beef cuts, and a vegetarian or fish alternative. Portion them before the day so the grill stays manageable.
Search termslean meat barbecue · high-protein grill food · barbecue skewers UK
Our recommendationmusclefood.comBest for lean mainsReady-made salads and sides
Ready-made salads, prepared meals and sides fill the gaps and reduce last-minute cooking. Check what each one contains so you can label dishes for guests with allergies.
Search termsready meals barbecue · prepared barbecue sides · easy summer salads
Our recommendationprepkitchen.co.ukEasy ready mealsDipping sauces and Asian snacks
Two or three sauces that work across different dishes are more practical than one bottle everyone shares. Add a few crisp or noodle snacks to go with the main food.
Search termsbarbecue sauces UK · dipping sauce · barbecue snacks
Our recommendationwanahong.co.ukBest for sauces and snacksCraft beer and low-alcohol beer
Buy a mix of standard and low-alcohol beers so that guests can choose what suits them. Estimate by the number of people who will drink beer rather than the total headcount.
Search termscraft beer barbecue · low-alcohol beer · summer beer selection
Our recommendationthornbridgebrewery.co.ukBeer and low-alcohol optionsSpirits, wine and mixers
Buy spirits and wine only for the drinks you know you will serve, and choose soft mixers for non-drinkers. Keeping the list short reduces waste.
Search termsbarbecue drinks · spirits for summer · wine for barbecue
Our recommendationthewhiskyexchange.comSpirits and wineTakeaway backup order
Keep a takeaway option ready for extra guests or if the cooking runs late. Check the menu in advance so you know what is available nearby.
Search termsbarbecue takeaway backup · food delivery UK · drink delivery
Our recommendationubereats.comTakeaway backup
Where to start shopping
Begin with the main protein, because it sets the timing for everything else. For meat, lean cuts and high-protein options are available from musclefood.com, which suits guests who want a leaner main and makes portion planning easier. For sides, sauces and snacks, wanahong.co.uk offers Asian groceries such as noodles, dipping sauces and drinks, which add variety without much preparation. Once you know how many people will drink beer, thornbridgebrewery.co.uk covers craft beer and low-alcohol options for those who want something lighter. Then fill any remaining gaps from a supermarket or arrange a takeaway backup through Uber Eats. Write the list by category, tick items off as you buy them, and keep a cool bag for anything bought early.
Before you order
- Count confirmed guests and note any known dietary needs or allergies.
- Check charcoal or gas supplies a day before the barbecue.
- Buy a meat main plus one vegetarian or fish option.
- Choose a mix of standard and low-alcohol drinks in the right quantities.
- Pick two or three sauces and a few snacks that work with several dishes.
- Store raw meat separately and check chilling space in advance.
- Save the number of a local takeaway or delivery option for a backup.
The stores at a glance
musclefood.com
Best for lean mainsUseful for a high-protein or lean meat main, with cuts that suit guests who want less fat on the grill.
Recommended for Lean meat and skewers for the grill
wanahong.co.uk
Best for sauces and snacksA good source of dipping sauces, noodles, snacks and drinks that add variety for guests with different tastes.
Recommended for Dipping sauces and Asian snacks
prepkitchen.co.uk
Easy ready mealsHelpful for prepared dishes and sides that take the pressure off cooking on the day.
Recommended for Ready-made salads and sides
thornbridgebrewery.co.uk
Beer and low-alcohol optionsCovers craft beer and low-alcohol varieties, so guests who want a lighter drink have a choice.
Recommended for Craft beer and low-alcohol beer
thewhiskyexchange.com
Spirits and wineSuitable if you plan to serve spirits, wine or mixers, and want to buy only what you will use.
Recommended for Spirits, wine and mixers
ubereats.com
Takeaway backupHandy as a fallback for food or drinks if numbers grow or the cooking runs short on the day.
Recommended for Takeaway backup order
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Frequently asked questions
How much food should I plan per guest?
Estimates vary with appetite and what else is served. Plan a main portion of meat or an alternative, then add sides and snacks so that people have choice rather than a large amount of one item.
How do I cater for vegetarians and people who avoid alcohol?
Include a plant-based or fish option on the grill, and label dishes clearly. Offer low-alcohol beer and soft drinks as standard, so guests who do not drink do not feel left out.
Is a takeaway backup worth arranging?
Yes, if numbers are uncertain or the weather might change plans. Check the menu and delivery options in advance so you can order quickly if needed.
What should I buy first?
Buy the main protein and any items that need chilling first, then sauces, snacks and drinks. Leave perishable salads and ready meals until close to the day.
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