Pasta v. Cous cous: market anomalies

Came home from shopping yesterday pondering the following: Why is it that your average dried pasta runs about .69-$1.29/lb. (Assuming it's mass produced and not imported by Dean & DeLuca after being hand rolled on the thighs of Calabrian virgins), but if you call it cous-cous, then it's about $2.19 for 6 oz., or nearly $6/lb.?

I've started buying my couscous in bulk, rather than pay the outrageous prices that Far East commands.

Not sure if bulk buying is cheaper than pasta, as I've never purchased pasta in bulk.

Just hit up Whole Paycheck last night to stock up on some bulk items...first time buying bulgar --- using it in a salad tonight --- and also flax seed for extra healthy bonus.

miss ellen

Actually, my wife and I discovered a while back that (at least at W.F.) buying in bulk is no bargain at all, if you do the math. For instance, I think the King Arthur flour, which my wife likes, is actually more per lb. bulk than in the 5 lb. sack. But it's been a while since I checked. It probably varies by item and whether or not you normally buy a premium version or not.

Still, one can feel virtuous for not bringing home more packaging to throw away.

"Bulk" is somewhat of a misnomer these days ... or, at least, an inversion. Since most consumers use the "bulk" area in order to be able to buy small quantities, they're happy that instead of buying a pound for $5 they can buy a half pound for $3. The bulk savings goes to the retailer, I suppose. You can tell that, at least at whole foods, customers aren't really intended to buy in bulk by the size of the bulk bins and the available packaging. If you wanted to buy, say, 5 pounds of couscous you'd empty half the bin and have to use 5 flimsy plastic bags.

Your better bet off heading to Middle Eastern Market or Al Khayyam for couscous, bulgur (remarkably versatile - since I've started using it, It's become one of my favorite quick meals ... throw in some diced almonds/pistachios, some currants, raisins), basmati rice, chickpeas, etc. Probably fresher due to the turnover and definitely cheaper. You also get your choice of size of bulgur; different uses require the bulgur to be fine or coarse. If memory serves, bulgur and couscous come prepackaged in 2 lb bags for $1.98 and $2.98 respectively. Stock up ... it's not like it's going to go bad.

That said, I think the process of making couscous at an industrial level is not as efficient as that of spaghetti making. And the demand is obviously lower, so economies of scale aren't running at full tilt. Near East seems to have cornered the market and there's not enough demand to stimulate more competition and drive down prices. Some price premium is probably justified ... just not $6 a pound.

rien

Nice post, rien.