Inventory Item Types: When to Use Ingredient vs Consumable
One powerful feature at a time.
Inventory Item Types: When to Use Ingredient vs. Consumable
The Problem
You're adding a new item and see three type options: Ingredient, Consumable, and Beverage Stock. What's the difference? Picking wrong could limit how you can use the item later.
The Solution
Each type controls what the item can be used for. Ingredient is for recipe components only. Consumable can be used in recipes AND sold directly. Beverage Stock is like Consumable but specialized for drinks.
How to Choose
- Ingredient: Flour, spices, raw proteins - things that go INTO dishes but aren't sold alone
- Consumable: Napkins, condiment packets, takeout containers - or items that might be sold individually AND used in recipes
- Beverage Stock: Bottled drinks, kegs, wine - beverages that can be sold or used as ingredients
How to Set It
- Navigate to Kitchen → Inventory
- Open or create an inventory item
- Find the Type dropdown in the Setup section
- Select the appropriate type
- Click Save
[SCREENSHOT: Type dropdown showing the three options]
Pro Tip
When in doubt, choose Consumable - it's the most flexible. You can always use it just in recipes, but you'll have the option to sell it directly if needed.
Learn More
For more on inventory setup, see our Kitchen Inventory: Adding Items & Understanding UOMs guide.