Why Are There 10 Hot Dogs in a Pack but Only 8 Buns?

I'll never understand why this wasn't fixed a long time ago!

It’s a food dilemma that’s been haunting people around the world for too long…and we’re finally ready to right this wrong. You know what we’re talking about. You’re at the store trying to stock up for your backyard barbecue, and you always end up with more buns than hot dogs. Ugh!

There’s a reason why ten hot dogs and eight buns in each package is the norm, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying.

How many hot dogs come in a pack?

If you’ve been grilling lately, you’ll know that hot dogs come ten to a pack—a nice, even number. Why ten? Because hot dogs are sold by the pound, and standard-sized hot dogs sold in stores weigh 1.6 ounces, so of course, ten is the perfect number for a package. This started in 1940 and remains so today. After you’ve grilled, it’s important to not let the sun heat up your dogs and buns—this viral hack shows you how to keep summer food from overheating!

How many hot dog buns are in a standard package?

When it comes to buns, it’s not weight that comes into play, but baking pans. According to the National Hot Dog Sausage Council (NHDSC), “Sandwich rolls, or hot dog buns, most often come eight to the pack because the buns are baked in clusters of four in pans designed to hold eight rolls.” Yep, there’s a council for hot dogs. So many things factor into play, even with drinks too! Learn why Mexican Coca-Cola tastes better than American Coca-Cola.

So why ten hot dogs and eight buns?

It’s always been that way. But it would make sense to match up the amounts of buns and hot dogs per package, wouldn’t it? Just seems like a food waste issue—plus it’s beyond irritating every time you go to the grocery store to buy at least two packs of buns per pack of hot dogs to make sure no dog is left alone. Well, the “Condiment King,” Heinz, has decided to put its foot down on the age-old debate.

July is officially National Hot Dog Month. To celebrate, Heinz has begun a campaign called the Heinz Hot Dog Pact to finally make big hot dog companies and big bun companies agree on a single number of products per package: ten! This is most definitely a cause we can get behind.

We know all this talk of hot dogs has made you hungry. Here are the best hot dog brands to try this summer! Plus, learn if a hot dog is actually a sandwich.

Taste of Home
Originally Published on Taste of Home