Parents comparing energy figures
If you have several savoury snacks to choose from, comparing their kcal per 100 g is a useful starting point. For party bags, the amount you actually put in each one is what matters next.
What different shoppers should consider
Organisers catering for allergies in the group
If several children will receive a party bag, check the requirements of their parents or the setting before you shop. Check each pack you buy for wheat and other gluten-containing cereals, as well as possible traces.
Hosts who want to hand out small portions
Smaller packs can make it easier to hand out individual party bags. If you buy a larger bag, you can decide how much to give each child and portion it out yourself.
What to look for when shopping
First compare the nutritional figures per 100 g, then decide how much to put in each bag. Before handing them out, check the ingredients and allergens on the specific pack you’ve bought.
| What matters | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention |
|---|---|---|
| Energy content | Compare kcal per 100 g on a like-for-like basis and decide how many grams to put in each bag. | If you’re looking for savoury snacks with a lower energy value, you’ll want to know what the comparison means for the amount you actually put in each bag. Around 31% of consumers would consider comparing energy content a top priority. |
| Salt | Check the salt figure per 100 g and take any other salty snacks at the party into account. | If other salty foods are already on the table, some consumers will focus on how much salt the pretzels contain. For around 31%, salt would be the main selection criterion. |
| Allergens | Check the ingredients and possible traces against the requirements for the group of children. | If a child needs to avoid certain ingredients, finding a suitable option takes priority over comparing nutritional values and formats. Around 23% of consumers would consider allergens their main concern. |
| Portioning | Check the pack size and format: small individual packs or portions you fill yourself from a larger bag. | If you’re preparing lots of party bags, you’ll want to be able to hand out the intended amount easily. For around 15% of consumers, portioning would come first. |
Common selection mistakes
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Assuming a lower figure in a comparison means “low calorie”
The four documented products range from 392 to 408 kcal per 100 g. The difference between these figures doesn’t tell you how much will end up in each party bag.
Compare the figures per 100 g and decide how much to portion out before you shop.
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Overlooking salt when comparing nutritional values
The four products list between 3.5 and 4.51 g of salt per 100 g. A lower energy value doesn’t automatically mean a lower salt content.
Check both figures in the nutritional information and consider what other salty foods will be served at the party.
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Handing out one type of pretzel to the whole group without checking
The documented Lorenz varieties contain wheat and barley; depending on the product, possible traces of other allergens are also listed. GUT&GÜNSTIG Salted Pretzels contain wheat and may contain milk.
Check the requirements of the parents or setting, and read the ingredients and allergen information on each specific pack you buy.
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Relying on online information for the pack you buy
EDEKA warns that product information may differ from the packaging. ALDI SÜD notes that information may vary because products can come from different suppliers.
Use product pages to help you shortlist options, then check the information on the pack in front of you before portioning it out.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Lorenz / Saltletts
This range includes both wholegrain sticks and mini pretzels, so both are worth considering.
- Lorenz lists 392 kcal and 6.0 g of fibre per 100 g for Saltletts Wholegrain. For Saltletts Mini Pretzel, the manufacturer offers a 150 g bag, a 40 g format and a multipack of 3 × 40 g.
- Both documented varieties contain 3.5 g of salt per 100 g, as well as wheat and barley. The possible trace warnings differ between the products.
GUT&GÜNSTIG
EDEKA’s salted pretzels in a 250 g bag are an option if you want to portion out the amounts for individual party bags yourself.
- EDEKA lists 408 kcal per 100 g for the documented product.
- The product lists 4.4 g of salt per 100 g and contains wheat; it may contain milk. Check the current pack, as EDEKA warns that product information may differ.
SUNSNACKS
ALDI SÜD’s salted pretzels come in a 250 g bag, offering another option to portion out yourself.
- ALDI SÜD lists 397 kcal and 4.2 g of fibre per 100 g for the documented product.
- The product lists 4.51 g of salt per 100 g. ALDI SÜD notes that different suppliers may be used, so nutritional values may vary. The figures on the pack you buy are the ones to go by.
Savoury snacks available at Joybuy
This selection includes wholegrain sticks, salted and mini pretzels, and spelt pretzels with sesame. Check the specific pack size when comparing products: even mini pretzels in a larger bag don’t determine how much each child will get.
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Lorenz Saltletts Wholegrain Salt Sticks, 175 g
An option if you’d prefer to portion out wholegrain sticks for party bags instead of pretzels.
Lorenz lists 392 kcal, 6.0 g of fibre and 3.5 g of salt per 100 g for Saltletts Wholegrain. The product contains wheat and barley and may contain sesame. Check the information against the current pack before handing them out.
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Alnatura Organic Wholegrain Salted Pretzels, 125 g
The 125 g pack is a handy size if you’re looking for wholegrain salted pretzels and plan to portion them out yourself.
Before deciding on portions, check the pack for energy and salt per 100 g, as well as the ingredients and allergen information.
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Lorenz Saltletts Salted Pretzels, 200 g
These classic salted pretzels are an option if you want to fill several party bags from one 200 g pack.
Decide how much to give each child, then check the nutritional information, ingredients and allergens on the pack you buy.
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Lorenz Saltletts Mini Salted Pretzels, 150 g
These small pretzels are easy to portion out. This 150 g bag is not the separately available 40 g format.
Lorenz lists 401 kcal and 3.5 g of salt per 100 g for Saltletts Mini Pretzel. According to the product information, this variety contains wheat and barley and may contain milk, egg and sesame. Check the information on the current pack.
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Alnatura Organic Spelt Pretzels with Sesame, 125 g
These spelt pretzels are worth considering if you’re comparing options with sesame and plan to portion them out from the 125 g bag.
Sesame is listed in the product name. For the group of children, check the full ingredients list, any other allergen information and the nutritional values on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Are salted pretzels low in calories for children’s party bags?
A lower figure in a product comparison doesn’t mean you can describe a product as “low calorie” across the board. The four documented savoury snacks range from 392 to 408 kcal per 100 g; the amount you actually put in each bag matters too.
How do I compare the salt content of pretzels?
Compare the salt figures per 100 g, then consider the planned portion size. The four documented products contain between 3.5 and 4.51 g of salt per 100 g. Remember to include any other salty foods at the party in your plans too.
Do I need to check allergens in small snack packs?
Yes. A small pack doesn’t mean you can skip checking the ingredients and allergen information. If you’re catering for a group of children, first check the requirements of their parents or the setting, then check each specific variety you buy.
What does “may contain traces of milk” mean when choosing a product?
This kind of warning matters when choosing products for someone with relevant allergy requirements. Before the party, check what the child needs to avoid and compare this with the information on the specific pack. Don’t assume it’s the same as other varieties of pretzels.