'Serve size' is a set amount stated in the Australian Dietary Guidelines and this doesn’t change. However, when determining meal portion sizes, it is important to remember that portion size for a Resident will depend on how hungry they are and what type of meal or snack they are eating.


Industry standards tend to vary slightly across States, so the portion sizes shown below are a guide only:


At breakfast & mid meals the following represents a medium (which is the default) sized meal:

  • At least 180 grams of porridge
  • At least 20 grams of ready to eat cereal (excluding muesli)
  • At least 50 grams of ready to eat muesli
  • 2 slices of bread or toast
  • At least 140 mls of full cream milk
  • At least 40 grams of cheese (2 slices)
  • At least 100 grams of drained canned fruit
  • 1 piece or equivalent of fresh fruit
  • At least 100 mls of fruit juice


At main meals the following represents a medium (which is the default) sized meal:

  • 180 mls of soup
  • 90 to 110 grams of meat, fish or chicken. If the main part of the meal is a curry or casserole, remember to ensure that the cooked meat portion is still equivalent to 90 – 110 grams. This may mean you need to serve 160 grams of a casserole if it also contains vegetables
  • 160 grams of vegetarian meals
  • For salads, at least 100g of protein, such as roast beef, canned tuna and boiled eggs
  • At least 90 grams of starch, such as potato, rice, pasta
  • At least 120 to 140 grams of non-starchy vegetables


For desserts:

  • At least 90 to 120 grams of most desserts
  • For yoghurt, 200 grams if given on it’s own at breakfast or as a dessert. As a side to dessert, 100 grams is the appropriate portion
  • At least 100 grams of ice cream (or two scoops)


Small meal: If a resident is a small eater, a big meal can overwhelm them. They can always have another serve if still hungry however the aim is to encourage them to eat even a small portion. Generally, a small meal is three quarters the serving size of a medium size meal.


Extra small meal: An extra small meal is half the serving size of a medium size meal. Ensure the plate is of a medium to small size.


Large meal: Generally, a large meal is one and a half the serving size of a medium size meal.


Extra large meal: An extra-large is twice the serving size of a medium size meal. A medium or large size plate with a small rim is ideal


For a more detailed explanation on small, medium and large portion sizes in particular, please download the meal-sizes PDF.