Here’s Why There Are 10 Hot Dogs in a Pack, But Only 8 Buns
Updated: Aug. 03, 2023
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 party, and you always end up with more buns than hot dogs. Ugh!
There’s a reason why 10 hot dogs and 8 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 10 to a pack—a nice, even number. Why 10? Because hot dogs are sold by the pound, and standard-sized hot dogs sold in stores weigh 1.6 ounces, so of course, 10 is the perfect number for a package. This started in 1940 and remains so today.
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. Let’s end the debate and determine if a hot dog is a sandwich.
So Why 10 Hot Dogs and 8 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? 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—10! 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!
Fun Hot Dog Recipes for Summer
Mexican Hot DogsMy stepmom was born in Mexico and introduced us to hot dogs with avocado and bacon. We were instantly hooked. Now our whole family makes them. —Amanda Brandenburg, Hamilton, Ohio
These are America's best regional hot dog styles.
Fair-Favorite Corn DogsBring the county fair home to your kitchen with these summer-ready corn dogs. A tip for dipping: Pour the batter in a tall Mason jar and dunk the dogs to create an even coating all around. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mini Corn DogsFor fun flavor, try this mini corn dog snack made with cornmeal dough. Serve a tangy dipping sauce. —Geralyn Harrington, Floral Park, New York
Old-Fashioned Coney Hot Dog SauceCamping and hot dogs go hand in hand. Roast some up over the fire, then top with this irresistible one-pot sauce. —Loriann Cargill Bustos, Phoenix, Arizona
Here are more hot dog toppings you haven't tried yet.
Sweet Hoosier Dog SauceIn our area of Indiana, we love sweet coney sauce on our hot dogs! Our town still has an old drive-in that is famous for its sauce. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Indiana-Style Corn DogsOne of the best parts of the many fairs and festivals in Indiana is the corn dogs! My family loves corn dogs, so I fix them fairly often at home. —Sally Denney, Warsaw, Indiana
Barbecued Party StartersThis sweet and tangy hot dog recipe will tide over everyone until dinner. At the buffet, set out some fun toothpicks to make for easy nibbling. —Anastasia Weiss, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Dogs in a SweaterFor a new twist on an old favorite, try these skewered hot dogs wrapped with breadstick dough and baked. They're fun to dip in ketchup, mustard or ranch dressing. The dressed-up dog recipe comes kid-tested from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Hot Dog Sliders with Mango-Pineapple SalsaFor parties, we shrink down lots of foods, including these quick hot dogs, to slider size. Pile on the easy but irresistible fruit salsa for a burst of fresh flavor. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
Pigs in a PonchoFor pigs in a blanket Mexican style, we add refried beans and green chiles. Spice it up even more with pepper jack, jalapenos and guacamole. —Jennifer Stowell, Montezuma, Iowa
Party FranksThis tiny, tangy hot dog recipe haa broad appeal. I prepare it often for holiday gatherings, weddings and family reunions. It's convenient to serve at parties since the sauce can be made ahead and then reheated with the franks before serving. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon
Hot Dog PieA co-worker who loves hot dogs shared this hot dog recipe with me. Baked in a purchased pastry shell, the pie is easy to assemble and is on the table in just 30 minutes. —Amy Bullis, Henryville, Pennsylvania
Chipotle Chili DogsLong live childhood favorites! I created this hot dog recipe for the 125th anniversary of a small town in Minnesota. The medium spice level means that people of all ages love the flavors. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Rhode Island Hot WienersMany Rhode Islanders spell "wiener" with an ei and serve theirs all the way with meat sauce, mustard, onion and a sprinkle of celery salt. —Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island
Originally Published: July 09, 2021
