The Bean Scale of Self Service Food Provision

The scale was defined by author Erik Ga Bean in 2015, following a suggestion by Kelly La Porte. The aim was to standardise terminology and so better set the expectations of those invited to social gatherings.

The fare detailed at every grade is in addition to that included in the grades before it.

Bean number	Description	Meal equivalent	Effect	Fare	Notes
0	Nothing	None	Immediate	May contain nuts	Beware possible urine traces
1	Light Nibbles	None	Immediate	Crisps	It is often socially acceptable for guests to order in takeout with Bean 0-3.
2	Nibbles	Light snack	Next meal	Dips, Pastry, Confectionary	Beyond Bean 2 some guests may think that the host has "made an effort".
3	Heavy Nibbles	Snack	Next meal	Cold processed meats (party eggs, cocktail sausages)	Bean 3 is the last where it is acceptable to serve in the original packaging.
4	Finger Buffet	Snack/meal	1 meal	Sandwiches	Should not contain actual fingers, chocolate and roll versions permitted.
5	Buffet	Meal	1 meal	Anatomically identifiable chicken parts, Sweet biscuits / slices.	From Bean 5 it is increasingly unacceptable to go in "hands on" if serving irons are provided.
6	Full Buffet	1.5 meals	Half a day	A range of fresh vegetation, Actual cakes	Bean 6 is suitable for a wedding.
7	Good Spread	1.	Half a day +	Hot wet meat dishes, vegetables, potatoes, Dessert / fruit	From Bean 7 it is easier to prepare dinner party fare.
8	Light Trough	1-2 meals	Nightfall	Sufficient elements to comprise a wide range of sit-down meals with hot and cold desserts.	It would be possible to live medium-term in a hotel offering Bean 8-10 twice daily.
9	Trough	2 meals	Nightfall	Multiple hot take-out dishes, Selection of desserts.	Bean 9 can be aromatic. Ventilation options should be considered.
10	Heavy Trough	2-3 meals	Next day	Items from all available takeout menus. Many dessert options, hot and cold.	Bean 10 can invalidate some life insurance policies.
11	Farm	3-4 meals	1-2 days	Multiple, whole roast farm animals (cow, sheep, etc.) served for free carving.	Animals may be served concentrically - goat inside pig inside cow, for example.
12	Zoo	Capacity	2-3 days	Multiple, whole roast zoo animals (camel, kangaroo, etc.) served for free carving.	The serving of endangered species is considered socially unacceptable.