Here’s Why There Are 10 Hot Dogs in a Pack, But Only 8 Buns

It’s a food dilemma that’s been haunting people 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 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 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, 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 so 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 and Wonder have teamed together in the Heinz Hot Dog Pact. Finally, a big hot dog company and a big bun company 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

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Pigs in a Blanket This baked hot dog recipe appeal to kids of all ages. Even my husband, Allan, admits to enjoying every bite! We like to dip them in ketchup and mustard. —Linda Young, Longmont, Colorado Go to Recipe

Hot Dog Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Hot Dog CasseroleWhen our children were small and I was busy trying to get done all those extra things that are part of a mom's normal schedule, I would make this quick hot dog casserole. Kids love it! —JoAnn Gunio, Franklin, North Carolina

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Corn DogsPrepare corn dogs at home just like you'd get at the fair. Both kids and grown-ups will love this hearty corn dog batter. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana

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My Favorite Chili DogsThe very thought of a hot dog dressed in chili makes me giddy. To get that straight-from-the-ballpark taste, I combine ketchup, mustard, chili and pepper sauce. —Patricia Pauling, Adams, New York

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Cowboy StewI made up this cowboy stew in the early 1970s when I was down to very little food in the house. Because it's a combination of barbecue sauce, hamburger, hot dogs and beans, this one-skillet meal makes both children and adults happy. —Val Rananawski, Millville, New Jersey

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Beefy Chili DogsFor years, people have told me I make the best hot dog chili out there. It’s timeless, it’s family-friendly, and I carry the recipe with me because people ask for it. —Vicki Boyd, Mechanicsville, Virginia

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Don't feel like making your own? These are the best hot dog joints in every state.

Taste of Home

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

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These are America's best regional hot dog styles.

Taste of Home

Fair-Favorite Corn DogsBring the county fair home to your kitchen with these corn dogs. A tip for dipping: Pour the batter into a tall Mason jar and dunk your dogs for an even all-over coating. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Chili Cheese Dog CasseroleKids and dads alike will dive right into this hearty, comforting hot dog recipe. With a crispy cheese topping on a warm corn bread crust, this chili dog casserole recipe is a keeper. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Mini Corn Dogs Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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

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Taste of Home

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

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Here are more hot dog toppings you haven't tried yet.

Taste of Home

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

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Chili Dog PizzaMy girls love it when I make this mash-up pizza with hot dogs and chili. It’s a marvelous way to use up leftover chili. —Jennifer Stowell, Smithville, Missouri

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Chicago-Style Hot DogsI decided to give a Chicago-style dog a healthy twist for my family. Our kids love it. You can use other fresh toppings to please just about anyone. —Gregg May, Columbus, Ohio

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Taste of Home

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

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Taste of Home

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

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Corn Dog Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Corn Dog CasseroleReminiscent of traditional corn dogs, this fun hot dog recipe really hits the spot on fall days. It's perfect for the football parties my husband and I often host. It tastes especially good right from the oven. -Marcy Suzanne Olipane, Belleville, Illinois

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Cincinnati Chili DogsMy in-laws are from Ohio, so we have Cincinnati chili at many of our family gatherings. I spiced up this family classic with cinnamon and cocoa powder and then ladled it over hot dogs. It's perfect for game day, tailgates and potlucks. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

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Taste of Home

Bandito Chili DogsThese deluxe chili dogs are a surefire hit at family functions. Adults and children alike love the cheesy chili sauce, and the toppings are fun! —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon

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Mini Mac & Cheese DogsWe wanted to get creative with hot dogs, so we made a mac-and-cheesy one. Pile on the extra cheese, relish and even bacon. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

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Taste of Home

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

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Hot Dog SlidersTurn all-American hot dogs into a fun international treat at your next casual party. They get three special treatments in this recipe: Chicago-style, Bavarian and south of the border. Bet you can't eat just one! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Taste of Home

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

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Cheddar Corn Dog MuffinsI wanted to riff on hot dogs, so I made corn dog muffins. I added jalapenos to this kid-friendly recipe and won my husband over, too. —Becky Tarala, Palm Coast, Florida

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Taste of Home

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

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BBQ Hot Dog & Potato PacksFor these nifty foil packs, small hands make quick work of topping potato wedges with a hot dog, onions and cheese. — Kelly Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin

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Hot Dog SlidersTurn all-American hot dogs into a fun international treat at your next casual party. They get three special treatments in this recipe: Chicago-style, Bavarian and south of the border. Bet you can't eat just one! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Sloppy Joe DogsThere are so many different ways to top a hot dog, but this tasty sloppy joe version beats them all! —Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio

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Hot Dog Roll-UpsNot only do my grandchildren love these cheese-filled hot dogs, they enjoy helping put the meal together, too. It's the perfect solution when you need a last-minute lunch. —Lyletta Searle, Morgan, Utah

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Chili Coney Dogs Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Chili Coney DogsFrom the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves this hot dog recipe. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan

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Taste of Home

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

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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

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Taste of Home

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

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Corn Dog TwistsKids will have as much fun making as they will eating these cute twists on hot dogs and buns! Set out bowls of relish, mustard and ketchup for dunkable fun. —Melissa Tatum, Greensboro, North Carolina

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