This section is from the book "A Manual Of Home-Making", by Martha Van Rensselaer. Also available from Amazon: A Manual of Home-Making.
When the amount to be bought has been determined, the housewife must decide whether to buy in bulk or package, and, if in package, the size of the unit. It is generally cheaper to buy in bulk than in package. (See Table XXIII.) The package costs more because of the container and the labor involved in packing and handling. The package, on the other hand, has the merit of being air-tight and dirt-proof. For these and other reasons it is preferred by some persons. It is possible, however, for the grocer to keep food in bulk in a satisfactory and sanitary condition. Buying in bulk usually necessitates storage in moistand in Bulkure and vermin-proof receptacles. Such receptacles accumulate in every household and should be saved for this purpose.
Food | Cost of package | Weight or measure of contents of package | Amount obtainable in bulk for the same money |
Bacon................. | $.50 | 9 ounces | 13.3 ounces |
Cocoa................. | .38 | 16 ounces | 30.4 ounces |
Cocoanut.............. | .04 | 3.5 ounces | 5.75 ounces |
Codfish................ | .24 | 16 ounces | 20 ounces |
Coffee................. | .35 | 16 ounces | 17.5 ounces |
Crackers (soda)......... | .05 | 24 crackers | 35 crackers |
Crackers (graham)...... | .10 | 33 crackers | 48 crackers |
Ginger snaps........... | .05 | 5 ounces | 8 ounces |
Ginger................ | .075 | 4 ounces | 6 ounces |
Macaroni.............. | .10 | 12.5 ounces | 16 ounces |
Peanut butter........ . | .30 | 20 ounces | 27 ounces |
Peas (a can)........... | .18 | 2 cups | 4 cups cooked |
Raisins................ | .135 | 15 ounces | 16 ounces |
Rolled oats............ | .13 | 20 ounces | 23 ounces |
Saltines............... | .15 | 45 crackers | 96 crackers |
Starch................. | .09 | 16 ounces | 19.5 ounces |
Tapioca............... | .25 | 16 ounces | 19 ounces |
Vinegar................ | .24 | 1 quart | 2 quarts. |
 
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