If you’ve ever stood in front of a hot food van, clutching a piping hot cone of chips or a recently cooked burger, and find yourself thinking, “I could do this,” then you’re part of the growing army.
The UK food van phenomenon has blown up in the last couple of years, with more and more enthusiastic chefs turning their cooking ability on wheels. However, before you do this, you need to know precisely what you are in for cost-wise before you fire up the fryer and open for business.
So, how much does a food truck cost in the UK? Let’s break it down.
The Big One: Buying Your Food Truck
The most obvious (and probably the biggest) expense is the truck itself. And while your configuration depends on your menu, brand, and ambitions, generally, here’s what to expect:
- Normal used food truck or van: £5,000 – £20,000
- Brand new, fully fitted food truck: £40,000 – £150,000+
If you have mechanical skills and don’t mind customising, you may be able to manage with a second-hand van and fit it out yourself. But if you want a great, ready-to-go facility with commercial fryers, ventilation, and branding already in place, you’ll pay more.
Conversion And Equipment Costs
If you buy a van shell or want to customise your setup, conversion costs will quickly add up. This includes everything from installing cooking appliances to plumbing and electrics. Here’s a rough idea:
- Kitchen fit-out: £10,000 – £30,000
- Generator or battery power system: £2,000 – £5,000
- Ventilation and fire suppression systems: £2,000 – £4,000
A fryer-friendly setup can lean towards the pricier side if you need heavy-duty oil filtration systems or high-output gas fryers. That’s where quality deep frying oil like Frymax comes in. Long-lasting and clean-tasting, it makes all the difference in a compact mobile kitchen.
Licences, Permits and Legal Bits
Here’s a less exciting, but absolutely essential, part of setting up shop: paperwork. The food truck license cost UK-wide can vary depending on where you’re planning to operate.
- Street trading licence: £1,000 – £3,000 per year (varies by council)
- Food business registration: Free, but must be done at least 28 days before trading
- Gas and electrical safety certificates: Around £200 – £500 annually
- Public liability insurance: £200 – £1,000 per year
And don’t forget about food hygiene training and Health & Safety risk assessments. These might not cost much, but they do take time and effort.
Initial Branding And Marketing
It might seem like a side thought, but first impressions matter. If you want to stand out at festivals or street food markets, your truck has to look the part.
- Logo and branding design: £500 – £2,000
- Vehicle wrap or paint job: £2,000 – £5,000
- Website and social media setup: £500 – £1,500
Keep in mind, many new food truck owners skimp here and regret it later. A sharp, inviting look draws in hungry passers-by. Want to proudly display that you fry in Frymax? Ask us about our free marketing materials and window stickers that show you care about quality.
Stocking Up
Your first day on the road means having enough ingredients and supplies to get cooking. These costs will vary massively depending on your menu, but don’t overlook:
- Initial food stock: £500 – £2,000
- Cooking oil: £30 – £60 per 12.5kg (depending on type and supplier)
- Serving packaging and disposables: £50 – £500
- Cleaning products and consumables: £100 – £300
If you’re doing chips or anything fried, investing in a good oil pays for itself. The cost of a food truck menu gone wrong due to low-quality oil? Much higher than a few extra quid for top-tier frying oil.
Pitch Fees And Events
Many food trucks make their money at markets, festivals, and private events. But getting a pitch often comes with a price.
- Local market pitch fee: £30 – £100 per day
- Festival or event pitch fee: £200 – £2,000+, depending on the event.
- Private hire fees (e.g. weddings): Typically negotiable, but can range from £500 to £3,000 per event
Plan ahead and budget carefully, as these costs can sneak up quickly. Some food truckers balance high-profile festivals with regular street trading or private events to keep income steady.
Running costs
Once you start up, the everyday costs begin to creep in. The average cost of running a food truck includes fuel, restocking, maintenance and labour costs.
- Fuel: Gasoline/diesel: £100 – £300/month
- Filling stock: £500 – £2,000/month depending on amount
- Staff wages: £10 – £15/hour per staff.
- Maintenance and repairs: £200 – £600/month
You might also consider professional cleaning or recycling of oils based on your operation. And while oil like Frymax lasts well, you will still need to factor it into your periodic budget.
A Quick Look At Total Costs
So, how much would a food truck cost overall when you put it all together? Here’s a rough estimate:
- Bare-bones setup (DIY): £20,000 – £50,000
- Mid-range setup (partially converted): £60,000 – £100,000
- Premium setup (new & fully branded): £100,000 – £200,000+
This doesn’t even account for menu design, taste-testing days, or pre-opening trial runs. But don’t be intimidated. Many food truck entrepreneurs make a profit within the first 12-18 months just by being good with money and having a solid concept.
Final words of advice
Beginning a food truck is possibly one of the most thrilling pursuits within the hospitality industry. It’s a combination of culinary passion, entrepreneurial drive, and good old-fashioned customer service.
If you’re serious about getting it right, make sure to:
- Do your research on local council rules and costs
- Budget for both startup and ongoing expenses
- Choose quality suppliers (especially for oil and packaging)
- Plan for flexibility in your trading locations
- Keep track of everything. Spreadsheets are your new best mate
And if you’re planning to serve up crispy chips or golden battered fish, don’t forget that your fryer oil makes all the difference. That’s where Frymax comes in. We’re proud to support fryers and food truckers across the UK with the best all-natural palm oil on the market.
Ready to hit the road?
Whether you’re just dreaming or knee-deep in spreadsheets, understanding the food truck cost puzzle is step one. The good news? You’re not alone. The Frymax team and our community of Ambassadors are always here to help you get the best out of your frying setup and your business. For support or guidance, reach out directly.
