Which option is right for you?

People with a short lunch break

If you don’t want to defrost or bake during your break, you can choose a single ready-to-eat pretzel. ALDI SÜD says its MEINE BACKWELT baked goods are freshly baked several times a day.

People who plan lunches in advance

If you work from home regularly and have access to a freezer and oven, you can plan ahead with frozen dough pieces for several breaks. REWE says its REWE Regional pretzels need around ten minutes to defrost before baking.

People who check ingredients and nutritional information

If you need to keep an eye on allergens or salt, read the information for the specific product. The serving size and whether the product is baked are especially important when comparing the nutritional information for different pretzels.

What should you look for when buying?

For a home-working lunch break, the first thing to consider is whether the pretzel needs to be ready to eat straight away, or whether storing and baking it fits into your day.

Criterion What to check Who it matters to
Ready to eat straight away Is the pretzel ready to eat, and is the portion size right for your planned break? If I only have a short break, I want to eat without baking and avoid storing portions. Around 30% of consumers prioritise being able to eat straight away.
Easy-to-plan stock Check the number of pieces, freezer space and preparation time. REWE says its Regional dough pieces need around ten minutes to defrost and 15–16 minutes to bake. If you work from home several days a week, you may want to plan individual pretzels in advance and be happy to allow time for baking. Around 40% of consumers prioritise keeping a supply in stock.
Ingredients and salt Read the latest allergen information and salt content. When comparing nutritional information, check the serving size and whether any salt supplied with the product is included. If I buy regularly, I want to know which ingredients and allergens the specific product contains and what its salt information refers to. For around 30% of consumers, these checks are the priority.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Stocking up on more pretzels than you need

    A pack of frozen pretzels only makes sense for your lunch break if you have enough freezer space and will actually use the portions.

    Work out how many you need and which days you’ll bake them before choosing how much to stock up on.

    Baking them also takes time and uses energy. If your plans change, pretzels could end up sitting unused in the freezer.

  • Comparing nutritional information based on different serving sizes or product states

    REWE gives the nutritional information for its Regional dough pieces based on the unbaked product, without added salt. Figures for a fully baked pretzel may therefore relate to a different product state.

    For each product, check the serving size, whether it’s baked and whether any salt supplied with it is included in the figures.

  • Assuming you know the allergens from the pretzel’s shape

    The products described here include wheat or other cereals containing gluten. Other ingredients and possible traces vary between products.

    If you have an allergy or intolerance, read the current label for the specific pretzel rather than relying on the brand or product image.

  • Planning a pretzel without considering the rest of your meal

    Whether a single pretzel suits your planned lunch break also depends on its portion size and what else you’re eating. Salt information should refer to a clearly stated amount.

    Check the portion and nutritional information for the specific product, and plan any other parts of your lunch as needed.

Brands to help you choose

Ditsch

Ditsch sells a ready-baked pretzel for retailers, weighing 100 g per piece.

  • According to Brezelbäckerei Ditsch, the pretzel described can be defrosted or briefly heated.
  • The ingredients list wheat, barley and wheat gluten; possible traces of milk and sesame are also indicated. Check the information for the version actually on sale.

REWE

REWE sells both individual pretzels and a pack of five frozen dough pieces under its REWE Regional range.

  • For its REWE Regional dough pieces, REWE recommends around ten minutes to defrost and 15–16 minutes to bake.
  • You’ll need to allow for this preparation time before a short break. Also follow the storage instructions on the pack.

EDEKA

EDEKA includes pretzels in its range, including a GUT&GÜNSTIG version.

  • For one GUT&GÜNSTIG pretzel, EDEKA lists a weight of 88 g per piece and 1.9 g of salt per 100 g.
  • Not every product is available in every store. The information on the specific item is what matters for ingredients, allergens and nutritional values.

Lidl

Lidl describes its Unser Brot bakery-counter range as featuring baked goods freshly baked several times a day.

  • The bakery counter is one place to look for a ready-to-eat pretzel for your lunch break.
  • Check in your local store to see whether a particular pretzel is available and which ingredients it contains.

ALDI SÜD

ALDI SÜD describes an individually sold pretzel in its MEINE BACKWELT bakery-counter range.

  • ALDI SÜD says that baked goods in this range are freshly baked several times a day, making an individual pretzel a good option for a break with no need to use your oven.
  • According to ALDI SÜD, suppliers and nutritional values may vary. Check the latest information about the pretzel in store.

Pretzels to bake at home from Joybuy

This selection is for stocking up for home-working breaks when you have access to a freezer and oven.

Jeden Tag pretzels, 10 pieces at 86.8 g each

Jeden Tag pretzels, 10 × 86.8 g

For planned lunch breaks when you have a freezer and oven. The dough pieces must be baked through completely before eating.

  • Pack of 10 pieces at 86.8 g each, according to the product name.
  • Follow the instructions on the pack for oven settings.
View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Bakery-counter pretzel or frozen pretzel: which is better for a short break?

For a short break with no preparation, a ready-to-eat bakery-counter pretzel is a good choice. Frozen dough pieces require an oven and time in advance: REWE says its Regional pretzels need around ten minutes to defrost and 15–16 minutes to bake.

What should I look out for when it comes to allergens in pretzels?

Always check the latest allergen information for the specific pretzel. The products described here list wheat or cereals containing gluten, among other ingredients; other ingredients and possible traces may vary. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Home Affairs explains the requirement to label the 14 most common causes of allergies and intolerances.

Do I have to use all the salt supplied with a pretzel?

Whether you use the salt supplied, and how much, depends on the product and how you want to prepare it. Check what the nutritional information is based on: REWE explicitly bases the figures for its Regional dough pieces on the unbaked product without added salt.

What does the best-before date mean on packaged pretzels?

The best-before date is the date up to which the manufacturer guarantees the stated qualities, provided the packaging is unopened and the product is stored correctly. As the consumer advice centre explains, it is not a use-by date. For frozen products, also follow the storage instructions on the pack.