If you need a lunchbox snack with no preparation, a ready-to-eat pretzel is an option. For several planned snacks, a multipack to bake at home could work if you have the time and a suitable appliance. If you’re specifically looking for thickly sliced pretzels, check the shape and slice thickness of the actual product: a large or scored pretzel isn’t the same as thick slices.
A ready-to-eat pretzel is a good option if there’s no time to bake one in the morning. ALDI SÜD, for example, sells individual pretzels; if you’re buying loose bakery items, check the details for the specific version on offer.
Multipacks for baking at home are a good fit if you have an oven or air fryer and can plan the preparation time. EDEKA sells a pack of ten GUT&GÜNSTIG pretzels to bake at home.
A larger or differently shaped pretzel may be worth considering if you want a more substantial bite. Ditsch also lists pre-sliced pretzel products, but you’ll need to check the product details to see whether a particular item contains thick slices.
First, decide whether the pretzel needs to be ready to eat or whether baking it fits into your school-morning routine. Then check the shape you want, along with the ingredients, allergens and salt information for the specific product.
| What you’re looking for | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Bite and shape | Is it a whole pretzel, a scored pretzel or one that’s specifically sliced? Is the slice thickness stated? | I’m looking for a particular, more substantial pretzel shape for a break-time snack and don’t want to mistake a scored pretzel for thick slices. This is the main priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Preparation and planning | Is the pretzel ready to eat or frozen? What appliances and preparation steps are listed on the pack? | If there’s little time in the morning, I need a snack that’s ready to eat. For several days, on the other hand, I can plan to bake pretzels at home. Around 36% of consumers consider this the most important question. |
| Ingredients and salt | Which allergens and precautionary allergen statements apply to this specific product? How much salt is listed per 100 g, and is pretzel salt included? | If anyone in the household has allergies or I regularly pack school snacks, I mainly want to check the ingredients and salt content. This is the top priority for around 28% of consumers. |
Ditsch describes a 150-g pretzel as ‘scored’. This doesn’t automatically mean it’s sold in slices.
If thick pretzel slices are important to you, look for a clear description of the slice shape or thickness.
A multipack of frozen pretzels needs to be prepared according to the instructions on the pack. That’s different from a ready-to-eat pretzel for a morning when there’s no time to bake.
Prepare them before the break, or choose ready-to-eat pretzels if you need a snack straight away.
Thawing and baking take time and a suitable appliance.
‘Vegan’ doesn’t tell you whether a product contains wheat or other relevant allergens. EDEKA lists wheat and soya among the ingredients in its GUT&GÜNSTIG pretzels for baking at home, as well as possible traces of other allergens.
If you have allergies, check the label on the pack you buy. For loose bakery items, ask for allergen information.
Some pretzel products come with salt to sprinkle on top. When comparing products, consider the salt content in the nutritional information separately from any extra pretzel salt you add.
Compare the salt information per 100 g on the specific pack and decide whether you want to use the salt provided.
Ditsch offers pretzel pastries in a range of shapes and sizes. According to Ditsch, some fully baked products are also available pre-sliced.
EDEKA’s own-brand range includes both individual pretzels and pretzels for baking at home.
ALDI SÜD sells an individual Swabian-style pretzel under the MEINE BACKWELT brand.
Frozen pretzels topped with coarse salt are sold under ALDI SÜD’s own-brand GOLDÄHREN.
Look for a clear statement about the slice shape or thickness on the specific product. A large pretzel, Ditsch’s description ‘scored’ and pre-sliced pretzel pastries in general don’t necessarily mean thick pretzel slices.
Follow the instructions on the pack you buy, as preparation times vary by product. For its GUT&GÜNSTIG pretzels for baking at home, EDEKA recommends thawing for around ten minutes, followed by 15 to 16 minutes in the oven. For an air fryer, it gives a cooking time of 9 to 12 minutes at 180 °C.
No. ‘Vegan’ is no substitute for checking the allergens. For packaged pretzels, read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you buy. For loose bakery items, ask for the relevant details.
No. You can use as much or as little of the separately packed pretzel salt as you like. If you’re comparing pretzels for children, also check the salt information per 100 g. The German Nutrition Society advises against getting children used to a strong salty taste.