Why Are There 2 Pop-Tarts In Every Pack?

There are two things most people love: Convenience and snacks. 

Kellogg's originally founded Pop-Tarts after being inspired by Post's similar product, Country Squares. The idea was motivated by the semi-moist dog food their pet division had created. The company realized the concept — that food could be fresh, and moist without being refrigerated — could be applied perfectly to their breakfast line. But Post was slow-moving, and Kellogg's saw the opportunity to beat its competition. In 1964, Pop-Tarts were released. The new breakfast offering was targeted to kids and families who needed a quick and convenient breakfast on their way out the door. And boy were they a hit (via The Chicago Tribune). 

Many people's oldest and most fond memories are dotted with Pop-Tarts. Maybe you recall watching Sunday morning cartoons, and waiting to hear the toaster pop out a strawberry tart, or the midnight, raw Pop-Tart snack. It's undeniable; the snacks ooze nostalgia. 

But, we've all encountered the moment where we rip open a pack and only want one of the tarts inside. The second is left to loosely wiggle in the foil bag and slowly go stale. A tiny bit of agitation might have crossed your mind when this last happened, "Why are Pop-Tarts packaged in pairs?" you might have asked. Well, we've got the answers.

There's likely a bit of psychology in the company's choice to present two tarts per package, despite the serving size being a single pastry (via NBC News). It's a fairly natural thing: If you are presented with the opportunity to eat two — and there's actually a bit of motivation prompted by the dilemma of a loose tart — you will eat them both. These guys are smart and sneaky. 

The other reason Pop-Tarts are in packages of two is economically driven. The machines needed to wrap the iconic pastries in foil were expensive when the product first came to market. So, for half the machinery budget, Kellogg's could wrap two tarts and sell 'em to hungry consumers for a win-win situation (via Mental Floss).

You're likely craving one of these American breakfast favorites by now, and lucky for you there are about 30 varieties to choose from (via Kellogg's). Go find your new favorite, there's bound to be a tart — or two — for you.