Who is this choice important for?

Hosting someone with coeliac disease

You need a pastry that’s explicitly labelled gluten-free for your shared breakfast. A conventional pretzel, or a product labelled only “wheat-free”, is not a substitute for this labelling.

Hosting with an oven

You’d like to serve pretzels as part of your breakfast spread and can bake them according to the pack instructions shortly before eating.

Planning a snack platter

You’re looking for small pretzels or pretzel sticks to serve in a bowl, add to a gift or share with visiting family, and don’t need a large, soft pretzel.

What should you look for when buying?

Start by checking the gluten-free labelling and your guest’s requirements. Then choose between a pretzel to bake at home and a ready-to-eat snack.

Criteria What to check Who it matters to
Gluten-free labelling Look for the explicit “gluten-free” label and read the ingredients and allergen information. Under EU Implementing Regulation No. 828/2014, a food sold to the final consumer may be labelled “gluten-free” only if it contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten. If someone with coeliac disease is joining us, I want to plan a clearly labelled alternative rather than a conventional pretzel. Around 33% of consumers cite this labelling as their main reason for buying.
How it’s served Compare the number of pretzels, preparation method and shelf life. Hammermühle’s baker’s pretzels come in a pack of two, and the manufacturer recommends baking them at 200 °C for 5–8 minutes. For the breakfast table, I want to serve a pretzel, not just small snack pieces, so I can plan to use the oven. This serving style is the main consideration for around 27% of consumers.
Other ingredients Check the ingredients and “may contain” information against your guest’s requirements. Hammermühle notes that people with coeliac disease may tolerate gluten-free oats differently in its organic oat pretzels. If soya, sesame, egg or oats are also a concern, I need to compare the options more carefully within the gluten-free range. Around 20% of consumers prioritise these other requirements.
Snacks on the go Check the pack size and storage instructions, as well as availability at your chosen shop. Schär Salinis are sold in 60 g packs, and REWE notes that availability varies between its stores. If there’s no oven or we’re visiting someone, I need something I can serve without baking. For around 20% of consumers, this is the main reason for choosing a product.

Which mistakes can you avoid?

  • Assuming a traditional pretzel is gluten-free

    Ditsch lists wheat as an allergen in its traditional pretzels. That means they’re not a gluten-free alternative for a guest with coeliac disease.

    Choose a separate product explicitly labelled gluten-free for your guest. Freshly baked or vegan does not automatically mean gluten-free.

  • Overlooking other allergens

    According to REWE, Schär Salinis contain soya lecithin and may contain traces of sesame. REWE frei von organic pretzel sticks may contain traces of egg, sesame and soya.

    Ask your guest about their specific requirements and check the information on the current packaging before serving.

  • Assuming gluten-free oats are suitable for everyone

    Hammermühle notes that people with coeliac disease may tolerate gluten-free oats differently in its organic oat pretzels.

    Before buying, check whether your guest eats oats. If you’re unsure, Hammermühle recommends seeking medical advice before eating them.

  • Relying on one particular supermarket product being available

    REWE notes that products may not be available in every store, depending on demand and store size.

    Check your chosen store before shopping, and have another suitable gluten-free option in mind for your breakfast plans.

Brands to help you choose

Hammermühle

The brand offers both gluten-free baker’s pretzels to bake at home and small organic oat pretzels for snacking.

  • Hammermühle recommends baking its baker’s pretzels at 200 °C for 5–8 minutes before serving.
  • The organic oat pretzels contain gluten-free oat flour. Hammermühle notes that people with coeliac disease may tolerate oats differently; be sure to check the “may contain” information too.

Schär

Salinis are small gluten-free salted pretzels for a snack bowl, not a large pretzel for your breakfast plate.

  • The 60 g pack listed by REWE is labelled gluten-free, lactose-free, wheat-free and vegan.
  • The ingredients include soya lecithin; according to the product information, it may contain traces of sesame.

REWE frei von

These gluten-free organic pretzel sticks are crunchy savoury biscuits made with gluten-free oat and rice flour, but they aren’t pretzels.

  • REWE labels its pretzel sticks gluten-free, vegan and lactose-free.
  • Possible traces of egg, sesame and soya are listed. REWE also notes that its range may vary between stores.

Ditsch

Ditsch’s traditional pretzel is included here to show the difference between it and products explicitly labelled gluten-free.

  • Ditsch lists wheat as an allergen in this traditional pretzel. It is not a gluten-free choice for a guest with coeliac disease.

Products at Joybuy

Suitable products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is “wheat-free” enough for someone with coeliac disease?

No. “Wheat-free” does not mean the same as “gluten-free”. Look for the explicit gluten-free label: under EU Implementing Regulation No. 828/2014, it may only be used on food sold to the final consumer if the product contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten. Also check the current ingredients list.

Is Ditsch’s traditional pretzel a gluten-free option?

No. Ditsch’s product page lists wheat as an allergen in this pretzel. If someone with coeliac disease is joining you, choose a product explicitly labelled gluten-free for them and keep it separate from gluten-containing pastries when serving.

Which gluten-free pretzels can you bake for breakfast?

Hammermühle’s gluten-free baker’s pretzels are a bake-at-home option for the breakfast table. The manufacturer sells them in packs of two and recommends baking them at 200 °C for 5–8 minutes. Remember to allow time for this before serving.

What should you know about gluten-free pretzels made with oats?

If your guest has coeliac disease, check whether they can tolerate gluten-free oats before choosing oat-based pretzels. Hammermühle notes that people may tolerate its organic oat pretzels differently and recommends seeking medical advice before eating them.