Hidden Valley Ranch is one of the most popular ranch dressing brands in the United States. Its signature ranch seasoning mix packets are a pantry staple for many home cooks and a quick way to add flavor to salads, dips, meats, vegetables and more. But just how much dry ranch mix is inside one of those little packets? Let’s take a closer look.
Standard Hidden Valley Ranch Packet Size
The standard size for a Hidden Valley Ranch packet is approximately 2 tablespoons or 0.74 ounces (21 grams). This is the amount of dry ranch seasoning mix powder contained in the single-serve packets that you can find in most grocery store spice aisles.
Some key details about standard Hidden Valley Ranch packet sizes:
- Weight: 0.74 ounces or 21 grams
- Volume: 2 tablespoons
- Dimensions: approximately 3 x 2 inches
So if you see a recipe calling for a “packet” or “envelope” of Hidden Valley Ranch, you can plan on using about 2 tablespoons worth of dry ranch seasoning mix.
Different Types of Hidden Valley Ranch Packets
While 2 tablespoons (0.74 oz) is the standard amount of seasoning in an original Hidden Valley Ranch packet, keep in mind that there are some other variations as well:
- Half packets – Hidden Valley also offers half-size packets that contain 1 tablespoon (0.37 oz) of mix.
- Large packets – Some club stores like Costco sell larger ranch packets containing approximately 1/4 cup or 4 tablespoons (1.5 oz) of mix.
- Restaurant-style packets – Hidden Valley’s foodservice line for restaurants provides ranch packets in a few sizes, like 0.85 oz and 1.5 oz.
So be sure to check the size details on the Hidden Valley Ranch packaging to know exactly how much dry seasoning you’re getting per packet. The standard is 2 tablespoons, but larger and smaller options are available.
How Many Servings in a Ranch Packet?
A standard 2 tablespoon Hidden Valley Ranch packet contains approximately 16 servings of ranch seasoning.
To make one serving of ranch dressing, simply mix 1 tablespoon of the dry ranch seasoning with 2 tablespoons mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon milk or buttermilk. This makes about 2-3 tablespoons of creamy ranch dressing per serving.
So a 2 tablespoon packet, which contains approximately 32 teaspoons of dry mix, will make around 16 servings following this ratio. Here is a breakdown:
| Ranch Mix Per Serving | Mayonnaise Per Serving | Milk/Buttermilk Per Serving | Total Dressing Per Serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | 2 tablespoons | 1 tablespoon | ~2-3 tablespoons |
Keep in mind that recipes vary, so you may use slightly more or less dressing mix per serving depending on how thick and potent you want your ranch dressing to taste. But the standard Hidden Valley Ranch packet contains approximately 16 servings of mix.
Cost Breakdown Per Serving
Based on the popular $2 price for a 2-tablespoon packet of Hidden Valley Ranch and a 16 serving yield, here is the basic cost breakdown:
- Total cost for one 2-tablespoon packet: $2
- Number of servings per packet: Approximately 16
- Cost per serving: $2 / 16 = $0.125 per serving
So each serving of homemade ranch dressing made from a Hidden Valley Ranch packet costs about 12 cents. That’s a pretty good value compared to buying pre-made bottles of ranch dressing from the grocery store. Making homemade ranch with the seasoning packets can save you lots of money!
Tips for Using Hidden Valley Ranch Packets
To get the most out of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packets, keep these tips in mind:
- Mix with mayonnaise and milk – Combine dry ranch mix with mayo and milk rather than oil and vinegar for optimal creaminess.
- Refrigerate leftovers – Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10-14 days.
- Reseal partly used packets – Fold over top of packet and use clip or rubber band to reseal.
- Use as a seasoning – Sprinkle dry ranch mix on meats, veggies, popcorn or pizza for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Hidden Valley Ranch mix packets contain approximately 2 tablespoons (0.74 oz) of dry ranch seasoning, which typically provides around 16 servings. The exact amount can vary slightly depending on the specific product. But you can count on getting approximately 15-20 uses out of one ranch packet. Making your own ranch dressing with the seasoning mix packets is simple, economical and lets you control the ingredients.