When planning an event or gathering, fruit trays are a popular and easy option for providing refreshments. Pre-made fruit trays can be conveniently purchased from grocery stores, warehouses, and other retailers. However, making your own fruit tray allows you to customize the contents and potentially save money. So is it actually cheaper to make your own fruit tray versus buying one pre-made? There are several factors to consider when comparing the costs.
Comparing Fruit Tray Costs
The main factors that impact the cost of fruit trays are:
- Fruit prices
- Labor for preparation
- Tray/packaging costs
Let’s explore how each of these factors contributes to the total cost of purchased versus homemade fruit trays.
Fruit Prices
Fruit prices vary throughout the year, but on average, the cost per pound of common fruits used on trays are:
| Fruit | Average Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Strawberries | $3.99 |
| Grapes | $2.99 |
| Cantaloupe | $1.48 |
| Honeydew | $2.18 |
| Watermelon | $0.99 |
| Pineapple | $2.99 |
| Blueberries | $4.99 |
| Raspberries | $4.49 |
| Blackberries | $2.49 |
| Apples | $1.55 |
| Oranges | $1.28 |
| Kiwi | $2.18 |
When purchasing a pre-made fruit tray from a retailer, you are limited to what they have available that day. The fruit may not be what’s currently in season or on sale. By making your own tray, you can select cheaper in-season produce and buy exactly the amount you need. This allows you to minimize waste and control the fruit prices per pound.
Labor Costs
Store-bought fruit trays require no preparation time on your part. However, you are paying for the retailer’s employees to do the prep work like washing, cutting, and arranging the fruits. When making your own tray, you provide the labor yourself. The time involved depends on the size of fruit tray and contents. As a rough estimate, it takes 30-60 minutes to prep and arrange a medium serving tray for 10-15 people.
To determine if the labor costs balance savings on the fruit itself, multiply your hourly wage by the time required. For example, if your wage is $15/hour, manually preparing a 45 minute fruit tray “costs” $11.25 of your time. Compare that to the price difference between homemade and purchased trays for the same amount of fruit. In many cases, the fruit savings outweigh the labor expense.
Packaging Costs
Retailers factor tray costs into their overall pricing. Basic plastic fruit trays often cost $1 or more per tray. Fancier or larger trays range from $5-15 each. When making homemade fruit trays, you can repurpose or buy inexpensive trays. Options include:
- Reusing plastic takeout containers
- Dollar store plastic platters
- Foil baking trays
- Platters from thrift stores
Getting creative with packaging helps lower prep costs for homemade fruit trays. At a minimum, you can likely find trays for under $2 each versus $5 or more for pre-made trays.
Comparing a Small Fruit Tray
Let’s break down the costs for a sample small fruit tray serving 10 people with the following contents:
- 2 lbs strawberries
- 1 lb grapes
- 1 cantaloupe
- 1 pineapple
For a purchased tray, here are typical costs:
| Item | Est. Cost |
|---|---|
| Fruit | $13.45 (approx based on retailer’s bulk rates) |
| Tray | $2.99 |
| Total | $16.44 |
If making this tray yourself using the lowest regular prices for these fruits, your costs would be:
| Item | Est. Cost |
|---|---|
| 2 lbs strawberries | $7.98 |
| 1 lb grapes | $2.99 |
| 1 cantaloupe | $1.48 |
| 1 pineapple | $2.99 |
| Cheap plastic tray | $1 |
| Your labor (45 mins) | $11.25 |
| Total | $27.69 |
In this sample scenario, it would be **$11.25 cheaper to buy the pre-made tray** versus making your own. Even though you save on fruit costs when making it yourself, the added labor brings the overall cost higher. Let’s compare some larger trays next.
Comparing a Large Fruit Tray
For a fruit tray serving 25 people, the contents may be:
- 5 lbs strawberries
- 2 lbs grapes
- 2 cantaloupe
- 2 pineapples
- 1 honeydew melon
- 2 lbs blueberries
A purchased large tray costs:
| Item | Est. Cost |
|---|---|
| Fruit | $42.75 (bulk rate) |
| Large tray | $9.99 |
| Total | $52.74 |
For a homemade tray, the costs are:
| Item | Est. Cost |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs strawberries | $19.95 |
| 2 lbs grapes | $5.98 |
| 2 cantaloupe | $2.96 |
| 2 pineapples | $5.98 |
| 1 honeydew | $2.18 |
| 2 lbs blueberries | $9.98 |
| Large plastic tray | $3.00 |
| Your labor (90 mins) | $22.50 |
| Total | $72.53 |
In this case, the **pre-made tray is $19.79 cheaper** than homemade. With the greater quantity of fruit needed, the bulk rate savings are not significant enough to offset the higher labor costs for preparing a very large tray yourself.
Cost Analysis Conclusions
Based on typical fruit and supply prices, as well as the time needed for preparation, here are some general guidelines on when homemade trays are cheaper:
- Small trays (up to 12 people): Pre-made is often cheaper
- Medium trays (12-20 people): Can go either way
- Large trays (20+ people): Pre-made is typically cheaper
However, there are some additional factors that can change the analysis:
- Use very inexpensive platters like dollar store plastic trays or reused takeout containers – saves $1-5 compared to nicer platters
- Make trays with only cheaper in-season fruit to maximize savings
- Look for deep discounts on certain fruits when buying yourself – can save several dollars per pound versus retailer bulk rates
- Factor in potential waste from having leftover fruits when buying yourself
The most significant cost factors are your hourly labor rate and the retail packaging costs. If you can minimize both by repurposing materials and efficient prep time, you may be able to make medium and large trays for less than purchased ones.
Carefully compare costs each time and adjust fruit selections accordingly. Ingredients on pre-made trays can vary daily, so you may get lucky and find one with sale fruits at a lower bulk rate. Off-season, buyers usually come out ahead since retail costs go down while your own labor remains fixed.
In the end, homemade allows customization and convenience. But pre-made saves time and effort. Evaluate your priorities and do the math to determine whether to buy or DIY your next fruit tray!
Additional Tips for Homemade Fruit Trays
If you decide to prepare your own fruit tray, here are some extra tips:
Keep it cold
Fruit tastes best chilled. Keep prepared fruit trays refrigerated until serving time. Or use a tray with a cold gel pack layer.
Prevent browning
Some cut fruit like apples and pears brown quickly when exposed to air. Use lemon juice, citrus soda water, or commercial anti-browning products to keep the fruit looking fresh.
Use skewers
Metal and bamboo skewers add height and visual interest to fruit arrangements. Stack grapes, melon balls, berries, and other bite-sized fruits.
Include dips
Offer fruit dips on the side, like yogurt, chocolate, caramel, or peanut butter. Dips add variety and enhance the flavor.
Use garnishes
Mint, basil, lemon slices, or edible flowers can garnish fruit trays. Use toothpicks to attach any garnishes.
Arrange by color
A rainbow of bright colors looks appetizing on a tray. Arrange fruits from lightest to darkest hues.
Mix shapes and textures
Contrast round grapes and melon slices with pineapples chunks or strawberry halves. Vary the shapes for visual appeal.
Consider skewer fruits
For parties, have a do-it-yourself skewer station alongside the arranged trays. Guests can make custom fruit kebabs. Provide disposable bamboo skewers.
Offer two trays
Set out one fruit tray when guests arrive. Refill it or bring out a second tray later to keep plenty of fresh fruits available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fruits are usually on a fruit tray?
Common fruits are grapes, strawberries, melon, pineapple, and berries. Other options are apples, oranges, kiwi, mango, and dried fruits. Tailor the mix to seasonal availability.
How much fruit per person for a fruit tray?
Plan on 1-1.5 cups of prepared fruit pieces per guest. Adjust amounts based on appetites and whether the fruit tray is the only dessert or snack option.
How far in advance can I prepare a fruit tray?
Cut fruit should be served within 4-6 hours. Trays can be arranged 1-2 days ahead then stored in the fridge until needed. Dipped or soaked fruits have shorter shelf lives of 2-4 hours once cut.
What can I use instead of a platter for a fruit tray?
Cheap options are reusable plastic lids, aluminum roasting pans, and cardboard cake circles layered with plastic wrap. For a rustic look, arrange on a washed slab of wood, tree stump, or terra cotta plant saucer.
Should you wash fruit for a tray?
Yes, always wash fruits before cutting for health and safety. Even pre-cut melon and pineapple chunks should be rinsed since they were handled before packaging.