Important: To configure Option Types or Modifier Groups in your menu, refer to the setup guides How to Create Menu Item Option Types or How to Create Modifier Groups
When building your menu, you'll configure Option Types and Modifier Groups. Understanding the difference ensures your products are structured correctly and customers can order without confusion.
📋 What Each Element Does
Element | Definition | Customer Behavior |
Option Types | Defines what the product is — the core identity | Must select to complete order |
Modifier Groups | Defines how the product is customized — add-ons, removals, customizations | Can skip entirely |
Option Types
Option Types are the core attributes a customer must select to identify the item they want to purchase. They determine the product's SKU, price, and how it appears on receipts and kitchen tickets.
Examples: Pizza Size (Small, Medium, Large) · Coffee Roast (Dark or Light) · T-Shirt Size (S, M, L) · Burger Patty (Beef, Chicken, Veggie)
Modifier Groups
Modifier Groups define how the product is customized. They are optional add-ons, removals, or preparation instructions that change the product's build without changing its core identity.
Examples: Extra Cheese · No Onions · Add Bacon · Well Done · Oat Milk · No Mayo
⚙️ Configuration Checklist
Attribute | Option Types | Modifier Groups |
Customer must select to complete order | ✅ Yes | ❌ No — fully optional |
Has a base price per option | ✅ Yes — each option can have its own price tier | ➕ Add-on cost (or free choice) |
Display location | Shown in product title | Shown in "Add-ons / Customize" section |
Selection type | 🔘 Mutually exclusive — pick one | 🔘 Single or ☑️ Multiple (checkboxes) |
🌳 Decision Tree: Which One Should I Use?
Start here → Does this attribute define what the product fundamentally is?
YES → Use an Option Type The customer must make this selection. The choice changes the base product identity, SKU, and price tier.
Appears in the product name on receipts and kitchen displays
Required — customer cannot proceed without selecting one
Mutually exclusive (pick one)
NO → Use a Modifier Group The customer may select this to personalize their order. The choice tweaks the product but does not change what it fundamentally is.
Appears as add-ons or special instructions
Optional — the customer can skip entirely
Can allow single or multiple selections
📊 Comparison Table Examples
Scenario | Option Type | Modifier Group | Why |
Pizza Size (Small, Medium, Large) | ✅ | ❌ | Required to identify the base product |
Pizza Crust (Thin, Thick, Stuffed) | ✅ | ❌ | Required to identify the base product |
Extra Cheese | ❌ | ✅ | Optional enhancement to the base product |
"No Onions" | ❌ | ✅ | Optional removal from the base product |
Burger Patty Type (Beef, Chicken, Veggie) | ✅ | ❌ | Required to identify the base product |
"Add Bacon" | ❌ | ✅ | Optional enhancement to the base product |
Drink Size | ✅ | ❌ | Required to identify the base product |
Ice Level (50% / No Ice) | ❌ | ✅ | Optional preparation preference |
Coffee Roast (Dark / Light) | ✅ | ❌ | Required to identify the base product |
🌍 F&B Examples
Product | Option Types | Modifier Groups |
🍕 Pizza | Size, Crust type, Sauce base | Extra toppings, "Light cheese", "Well done", "Cut into squares" |
🍔 Burgers | Patty type, Size | Add bacon, No pickle, Extra sauce, Substitute side |
☕ Coffee | Size, Roast, Bean origin | Extra shot, Oat milk, No foam, Extra sugar |
🧋 Bubble Tea | Size, Tea base | Boba pearls, Ice level, Sugar %, Pudding add-on |