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Why is macaroni primarily sold curved ("elbow") but boxed macaroni-and-cheese sold straight?

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Why is macaroni primarily sold curved ("elbow") but boxed macaroni-and-cheese sold straight?

If I wanted to buy the non-curved pasta, the only generally-available way of purchasing it is to buy boxed macaroni and cheese, and just not use the cheese packet.

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This isn't the case everywhere. I remember when I used to eat boxed mac and cheese, the macaroni was ... (1 comment)
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"Macaroni" in common usage in the US specifically refers to "elbow macaroni", the kind of dried pasta you are talking about. The US has a standard of identity:

(b) Macaroni is the macaroni product the units of which are tube-shaped and more than 0.11 inch but not more than 0.27 inch in diameter.

(c) Spaghetti is the macaroni product the units of which are tube-shaped or cord-shaped (not tubular) and more than 0.06 inch but not more than 0.11 inch in diameter.

(d) Vermicelli is the macaroni product the units of which are cord-shaped (not tubular) and not more than 0.06 inch in diameter.

(from https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-139/subpart-B/section-139.110 )

However, hundreds if not thousands of different kinds of pasta are commonly available, both fresh and dried. If the pasta selection in your nearest market is unacceptable, find another market or order online.

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