Rice, pasta, grain, potato economics

I've been wondering for a while which starchy accompaniment to meals was the cheapest. My feeling was that it would be potatoes bought in bulk but I thought I'd do a little research and find out.

I shop at Waitrose where, by and large everything is more expensive, so these prices (apart from the bulk spuds) are bound to be cheaper at other supermarkets. I would imagine that the prices are relative and what is most expensive and least expensive in Waitrose will be true elsewhere.

I've included cost per serving so that you get a true idea of how much each thing will cost per meal. More potato is eaten at a meal than rice for example. I took the serving sizes from the recommendations on the packets.

I've used the cost of the biggest packet available as they're cheaper than small packets. Prices are per kilogram. Serving sizes are for dry food.

Couscous £1.59 per 45g serving- 7p

Bulghar £1.50 per 40g serving- 6p

Rice-white long grain £1.23 per 75g serving- 9p

Rice-brown long grain £1.50 per 75g serving- 11p

Rice-white basmati £2.10 per 75g serving- 16p

Rice-brown basmati £2.89 per 75g serving-21p

Rice-risotto £2.98 per 75g serving-22p

Pasta-spaghetti £1.15 per 75g serving-9p

Pasta-penne 99p per 75g serving-7p

Ebly(whole wheat) £4.18 per 35g serving-15p

Spelt(similar to Ebly but home produced) £5.90 per 35g serving-20p

Barley(also home produced) 98p per 35g serving-3p

Potatoes (Waitrose white) 56p per 200g serving -11p

Potatoes (20kg sack from a farmshop) 25p per 200g serving- 5p

I couldn't find the serving size for Ebly and spelt but assumed they would be the same as barley as they are very similar and cook in the same way. If the serving size is more like that of rice, then they come out as the most expensive grain.

So, what does all that tell us? Barley, barley, barley;) cheap and versatile. I use it in risottos-not quite the same but lovely and chewy and much less trouble. Throw it into stews and soups, it doesn't take that long to cook. Use it cold in salads like rice. Make simple pilaffs- cook it up add veg, diced meat, tuna, cheese etc. It's great for wheat avoiders and it is home grown.

Spuds, of course come out well but cheapest bought in bulk from the farm. Couscous and bulghar turn out to be cheaper than I thought and are both really easy to prepare-just pour on boiling water, so saving on fuel costs too;) Waitrose couscous comes from France so not too far away.

Pasta and white long grain rice are also good buys.

I hope this is useful to someone -can you tell I'm having a slow Sunday?:D