If you’re specifically looking for a high-protein pretzel to enjoy with your coffee, the key is the proportion of the product’s total energy that comes from protein. Based on the nutritional information provided, HEJ Protein Pretzels Classic work out at around 27.5% of energy from protein. According to the product information, Lorenz Saltletts Mini Brezel come in at around 12%, making them a better fit if pretzel shape and portion size matter more to you than a high-protein claim. If you’re happy to try a different shape, you can also compare other crunchy snacks using their nutritional information.
You’re planning a protein-focused afternoon snack and want to check whether the high-protein claim stacks up against the product’s energy content. The claim alone doesn’t tell you what effect it will have after exercise.
You care more about that salty pretzel flavour and a suitable pack size than a high proportion of protein. It’s still worth checking the salt and ingredients on the pack.
You compare protein and energy using the same serving basis, and check the salt, ingredients and snack format too, rather than relying solely on the wording on the front of the pack.
When choosing between a protein pretzel, a classic salted pretzel and another crunchy option, protein content and the type of snack you want are two separate considerations. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, a ‘high protein’ claim requires at least 20% of the product’s total energy to come from protein.
A good fit if: you want both a pretzel shape and a verifiable high-protein claim. Based on the product information, HEJ Protein Pretzels Classic work out at around 27.5% of energy from protein.
Worth bearing in mind: According to HEJ Natural, the 70-g pack contains 2.77 g of salt.
A good fit if: you value a familiar pretzel snack more than a high-protein claim. Lorenz Snacks also offers Saltletts Mini Brezel in a 40-g format.
Worth bearing in mind: With 12 g of protein and 401 kcal per 100 g, these mini pretzels work out at only around 12% of energy from protein.
A good fit if: snack shape isn’t a priority. Based on the product information, Leicht & Cross Knusperbrot High Protein works out at around 23.8% of energy from protein.
Worth bearing in mind: Knusperbrot is a crispbread, not a salted pretzel.
| Criteria | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| High-protein claim | Compare protein and energy using the same serving basis, preferably per 100 g. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, at least 20% of the energy must come from protein for a product to be described as ‘high protein’. | If I’m specifically looking for a protein-focused pretzel snack, the protein figure per pack alone isn’t enough to help me decide. For around 50% of consumers, being able to verify a high-protein claim is the top priority. |
| Pretzel shape and portion | Check that the snack format and pack size suit you. Lorenz Snacks lists Saltletts Mini Brezel in a 40-g format and a 150-g bag. | For my coffee break, what matters most is having a classic salted pretzel in a suitable portion. Around 30% of consumers prioritise enjoying a pretzel. |
| Salt and ingredients | Check the salt per planned portion, along with the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack. | If you need to avoid certain ingredients or keep an eye on your salt intake when choosing a savoury snack, it’s worth checking the packaging carefully. For around 20% of consumers, this is the most important reason for their choice. |
The number of grams alone doesn’t show how much of the product’s total energy comes from protein. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, a ‘high protein’ claim requires at least 20% of the energy to come from protein.
Compare protein and kcal using the same serving basis. To work it out, multiply the grams of protein by 4 kcal, then divide the result by the stated kcal.
According to the product information, Lorenz Saltletts Mini Brezel contain 12 g of protein and 401 kcal per 100 g. That works out at around 12% of energy from protein, below the threshold for a ‘high protein’ claim.
If both the pretzel shape and the high-protein claim matter to you, compare products specifically marketed as protein pretzels. If you’re mainly after a classic coffee-break snack, choose salted pretzels based on their shape, portion size and ingredients.
HEJ Natural states that a 70-g pack of Protein Pretzels Classic contains 2.77 g of salt. If you have an allergy, the ingredients and possible traces are just as important as the protein content.
Check the portion you plan to eat and the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you’re actually buying.
HEJ Protein Pretzels Classic combine a pretzel shape with a high-protein claim that can be verified against the product information.
Saltletts Mini Brezel are classic salted pretzels, also available in a smaller pack for a coffee break.
Knusperbrot High Protein is an option if you’d rather have a crunchy texture than a pretzel shape.
Protein Chips Curry are a different kind of savoury snack for anyone who isn’t looking for a pretzel.
These flips could be worth considering for a coffee break if you’re after a savoury, crunchy snack and the pretzel shape isn’t essential. Check the nutritional information on the specific pack to see whether it suits your protein and salt comparisons.
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An option for your coffee break if you fancy flips instead of salted pretzels.
Tray of six 50-g packs; Paprika flavour. Check the nutritional information and ingredients on the pack if protein content, salt or allergens are important to your choice.
Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, at least 20% of the product’s total energy must come from protein for it to be described as ‘high protein’. To check, compare protein and energy per 100 g: 26 g of protein at 378 kcal works out at around 27.5% of energy from protein for HEJ Protein Pretzels Classic.
No, not based on the figures Lorenz Snacks gives for this variety: 12 g of protein at 401 kcal per 100 g works out at around 12% of energy from protein. If you mainly want a classic salted pretzel with your coffee, pack size, salt and ingredients may be more important factors in your choice.
No. A high-protein claim doesn’t tell you what effect a product will have on your individual recovery. Whether an additional protein-focused snack fits into your diet also depends on what you eat throughout the day; the German Nutrition Society considers protein intake in relation to your overall requirements.
A vegan product claim doesn’t replace checking the ingredients and possible allergen traces. HEJ Protein Pretzels Classic contain spelt and barley malt; according to the product information, they may contain traces of soya, milk, sesame and celery. For Lorenz Saltletts Mini Brezel, the manufacturer lists wheat and possible traces of milk, egg and sesame. Always check the label on the pack you buy.