For fans of pretzels with extra flavour
If plain salted pretzels seem a little too simple, look for sesame or seed varieties. Check the ingredients list for the variety you choose, especially if anyone at the table needs to avoid sesame.
The right snacks for different occasions
For hosts serving dips to a group
Small pretzels are easy to portion into bowls. If you want a snack that also works with a dip, take a look at Laugen crackers: Lorenz specifically recommends its Saltletts PausenCracker for this.
For shoppers with specific ingredient or nutritional requirements
If allergens, a vegan recipe or salt content matter to you, compare the details on the specific packs. Shape and flavour alone won’t tell you what you need to know.
What to look for when choosing
First decide whether you want a snack with its own flavour, something to serve with a dip or an option that’s easy to share. Then compare the ingredients and nutritional information for the varieties that fit the bill.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour | Check for sesame, seeds and other flavouring ingredients in the specific variety. | I want to offer more than a classic salted pretzel: I’m looking for something with its own flavour profile. This is the top priority for around 36 % of consumers. |
| Sharing and dipping | Check the pack size and whether the product is specifically recommended for dipping. | If several people will be helping themselves and there’s a dip on the table, the snack should be easy to serve. Around 21 % of consumers prioritise this. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any relevant ‘may contain’ statements on the pack. | I need to know which ingredients are suitable for my guests before serving. A vegan claim alone doesn’t answer questions about allergens. This is the most important buying criterion for around 29 % of consumers. |
| Salt and nutritional information | Compare salt and other relevant nutritional information per 100 g, as well as the amount you plan to serve. | Even when comparing similar salted pretzels, I don’t want to guess the salt content from the pack size. This comparison comes first for around 14 % of consumers. |
Common buying mistakes
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Extra flavour doesn’t mean everyone can tuck in
Sesame and other ingredients don’t just change the flavour profile. Germany’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity lists sesame among the allergens that must be declared.
Check for any relevant allergies before choosing, then read the allergen information for every variety you plan to serve.
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‘Vegan’ doesn’t replace an allergen check
Lorenz describes its Saltletts PausenCracker as vegan, but also warns that the product may contain traces of milk and egg.
If an allergy is a concern, check the ingredients and ‘may contain’ information on the specific pack, regardless of its vegan claim.
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A bigger pack doesn’t automatically mean less salt
Lorenz lists 3,5 g of salt per 100 g for Saltletts Mini Brezel; EDEKA lists 4,4 g per 100 g for GUT&GÜNSTIG Salzbrezeln. These figures apply to these two varieties, not every pack from either brand.
Compare the current nutritional information per 100 g and consider how much of the snack you’ll actually serve.
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An online description isn’t the same as the pack
Recipes and labelling can change. Lorenz advises shoppers to check the information on the relevant pack; EDEKA also notes that pack information may vary.
Before serving, check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the pack you’ve received.
Brands to consider
Lorenz / Saltletts
Saltletts products with published information include classic mini pretzels, sesame sticks and PausenCracker with seeds.
- Lorenz offers different shapes for sharing, including mini pretzels and PausenCracker that can be served on a snack table with dips.
- Ingredients and ‘may contain’ information vary by product, so always check the labelling on the specific pack.
GUT&GÜNSTIG / EDEKA
The 250-g pack of GUT&GÜNSTIG Salzbrezeln is a classic pretzel option for your snack table.
- EDEKA provides ingredient and nutritional information for this variety.
- This isn’t a flavoured pretzel variety. EDEKA notes that pack information may vary and the product may not be available in every store.
ALDI SÜD
Alongside classic Laugen snacks, ALDI SÜD’s savoury snack range includes options with sesame or cheese.
- If you’re looking for a different flavour as well as classic shapes, compare the varieties currently available.
- Which products and recipes are available depends on the specific variety and store.
Pretzel snacks at Joybuy
This selection includes a spelt pretzel with sesame, sesame salt sticks and a sweet-and-salty chocolate-coated pretzel. The sticks are a different type of snack from pretzels, while the chocolate-coated pretzel isn’t a savoury seed variety. So start by choosing the flavour profile that suits your table.
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Alnatura spelt pretzels with sesame, 125 g
A pretzel-shaped snack for your table if sesame is a flavour you’re specifically looking for.
The product name lists spelt and sesame. If you have an intolerance or allergy to either, check the information on the pack.
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Lorenz Saltletts sesame salt sticks, 175 g
An option for anyone who’d rather serve sesame salt snacks than classic-shaped pretzels on football night.
The name describes sesame sticks; check separately whether they’ll work with the dip you have in mind.
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Alpia salted pretzels with milk chocolate, 140 g
These chocolate-coated salted pretzels make a sweet-and-salty addition to your savoury snacks.
The milk chocolate coating sets them apart from sesame or seed varieties. If you have an allergy, check the information on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Do allergens have to be listed on packaged pretzel snacks?
Yes. Germany’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity explains that the 14 most common causes of allergies and intolerances must be labelled on pre-packed foods. Which of them are relevant depends on the pretzel or Laugen variety.
Is a Laugen snack labelled vegan suitable for someone with a milk or egg allergy?
The vegan claim alone doesn’t answer this. Lorenz describes its Saltletts PausenCracker as vegan, but also says it may contain traces of milk and egg. If you have a relevant allergy, check the information on the specific pack.
What information should I be able to see when buying pretzel snacks online?
According to the European Commission, mandatory information about pre-packed foods must be available before you buy. When choosing pretzel snacks, pay particular attention to the ingredients, allergens, nutritional information and net quantity. Check these details against the pack you receive before eating.
How do I compare the salt content of different pretzels?
First compare the salt listed per 100 g on each pack, then consider how much you plan to serve. The German Nutrition Society gives up to 6 g of table salt per day as a guideline for your total daily intake, not as a target for a portion of pretzels.