Per case vs per kilo: which is cheaper for UK restaurants
Wholesale food trades in cases, sacks and kilos — and the same product can look cheaper or dearer depending on which unit you read. Here's how to compare them correctly so you're not fooled by a big-looking case price.
Why the unit matters
A case price bundles a quantity you have to move before it spoils; a per-kilo price is easier to cost a single dish with. Neither is 'cheaper' on its own — you have to normalise to the same unit.
The rule: divide the case price by the kilos in the case to get the real per-kilo cost, then compare that to the per-kilo quote.
The break-even
Buying by the case usually wins on per-kilo cost — but only if you actually use the case before it degrades. The break-even isn't just price; it's price times the share of the case you'll sell. A case that's 20% cheaper per kilo but throws away 30% is dearer in practice.
For high-turnover staples, buy the case. For low-volume or perishable specialist items, the per-kilo (or smaller pack) price often wins once waste is counted.
Check both before you order
On every Foodomarket product page we show the price per kilo and per case so you can do this comparison without a spreadsheet. Use today's number, because the gap between case and per-kilo shifts with the market.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a case of produce in the UK?
It varies by product and day. Each product page shows the current per-case and per-kilo wholesale price so you can compare on the unit that fits your kitchen.
Is buying by the case always cheaper?
Per kilo, usually — but only if you use the whole case before it spoils. Factor waste into the comparison for perishable items.