Pasta: how to choose good quality and buy at a fair price
Know what you are buying
Pasta looks simple but quality varies a lot. It is made from durum wheat semolina or from refined flour, and the difference shows in the cooking. Good pasta stays firm, does not turn sticky and holds the sauce. Decide first whether you need it for home, a cafe or a bulk order.
Main kinds
- Durum wheat pasta. Firm, with a better bite. The usual choice for spaghetti, penne and fusilli.
- Refined flour pasta. Softer and cheaper, common in quick-cook packs.
- Whole wheat and multigrain. More fibre and a stronger taste.
- Gluten-free and millet pasta. For special diets.
- Fresh and filled pasta, such as ravioli. These need a cold chain.
What to put in your request
- Shape: spaghetti, penne, macaroni, fusilli, lasagne sheets.
- Type: durum, whole wheat, gluten-free.
- Quantity and pack size: 500 g packs, 5 kg or a carton.
- Vegetarian or meat filling if filled pasta, and any allergy notes.
- Delivery to your city and the tax invoice if you buy for a business.
- Budget per kilogram or in total.
Example: “I need 20 kg of durum wheat penne and spaghetti in 500 g packs for a small cafe in Davao City. Fresh stock with at least 8 months of shelf life, a tax invoice, delivery to the cafe. Budget around ₱3,000.”
How to compare offers
Compare the price per kilogram, not per pack, since pack sizes differ. Check the ingredients on the label, the manufacturing and expiry dates, and whether the seller stores the packs away from damp. Add delivery to the total.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You write one request on BlaBlaPrice. It checks the request and suggests which details are missing, then looks through sellers' price lists and websites to find what you are looking for. Sellers answer in the chat with a price or with what the price depends on. The most suitable offers come first, and your phone number stays hidden until you choose. It is free for buyers. More on the page “How it works”.
Common mistakes
- Buying by pack price without checking the weight.
- Ignoring the expiry date on bulk orders.
- Storing open packs in humid weather without an airtight container.
For flour, rice and pulses see grains, flour and groceries, and for sauces you may also like dairy, cheese and eggs. All related categories are in the section Food & drink.
Questions and answers
Is durum wheat pasta better?
It holds its shape better and does not get sticky, so many cooks prefer it. Refined flour pasta is softer and often cheaper.
How long does dry pasta last?
Unopened dry pasta usually lasts many months. Check the expiry date on the pack and store it in a cool, dry place.
How do I store it in humid weather?
Move it to an airtight container after opening. Humidity makes dry pasta soft and attracts insects.
What should I check on a bulk order?
Check the manufacturing and expiry dates, sealed packs, the ingredients list and the invoice before you accept the delivery.
