For a quick, ready-to-eat break
If you only have a short break, you need a single, ready-to-eat pretzel close at hand. ALDI SÜD describes its MEINE BACKWELT pretzels as freshly baked several times a day.
Which pretzel is right for you?
For those who like to plan ahead
A multipack could be a good choice if you’re preparing pretzels for several breaks and can use a suitable oven at home or at work in good time.
For anyone checking allergens or salt
If you need to check ingredients, possible allergen traces or salt content, the labelling on the specific pretzel matters. The information varies between the Ditsch, EDEKA and ALDI SÜD products described here.
What to look for when choosing
First, decide whether your pretzel needs to be ready to eat as soon as your break starts. Then you can choose the right portion size and check which ingredient information you need.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Ready to eat | Is the pretzel already baked, or does it need to thaw and go in the oven first? | If your break is short, you’ll want to eat without waiting. This is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Right portion size | Compare the weight of each pretzel and the pack size with the number of breaks you’re planning for. | If you only need one portion, you won’t want to have to plan for several pretzels to eat later. Getting the right number of portions comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and salt | Check the allergen and possible trace information, as well as the salt content per 100 g, on the product itself. | If you need to avoid certain ingredients or keep track of your salt intake throughout the day, you’ll need clear information about your pretzel. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Common misconceptions
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Planning on baking-from-frozen pretzels for a spontaneous break
EDEKA’s GUT&GÜNSTIG pretzels for baking need to thaw for around 10 minutes, then bake for a further 15 to 16 minutes, depending on your oven. Without allowing for this, they’re not a ready-to-eat option for your break.
If you want to eat straight away, choose a ready-to-eat pretzel. Only plan on baking-from-frozen pretzels if you’ve got the time and access to an oven.
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Assuming ‘vegan’ means ‘allergen-free’
The description of ALDI SÜD’s pretzel as vegan tells you whether it contains ingredients of animal origin — not whether it’s suitable for someone with an allergy. The Ditsch and EDEKA varieties described here contain wheat; EDEKA’s also contains soya.
If you have an allergy, check the information for the specific product. For loose pretzels from the canteen, ask to see the documented allergen information.
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Assuming a single pretzel and a multipack are the same
A single ready-to-eat pretzel and a pack of pretzels for baking differ in both quantity and preparation. Adding toppings will also change the ingredients in your lunch.
Check how many pretzels you’ll actually use, the stated weight of each one and whether you’re planning to add a topping.
Brands and own-label ranges to consider
Ditsch
Ditsch describes both a pretzel for immediate sale and a ready-baked 100-g version for retail.
- For its pretzel sold in shops, Ditsch lists wheat and 2,05 g of salt per 100 g.
- The ready-baked retail version contains wheat and barley, and may contain traces of milk and sesame. Its information shouldn’t be assumed to apply to other Ditsch pretzels.
GUT&GÜNSTIG / EDEKA
These frozen pretzels are an option if you’re preparing several portions and have access to an oven.
- EDEKA states that the pack described contains ten pretzels for baking, weighing 868 g in total.
- The product contains wheat and soya; it may also contain traces of egg, milk, nuts and sesame. Check the information on the pack you buy.
MEINE BACKWELT / ALDI SÜD
ALDI SÜD describes the pretzel in this bakery-counter range as vegan and freshly baked several times a day.
- For the product described, ALDI SÜD lists 1,6 g of salt equivalent per 100 g.
- According to ALDI SÜD, nutritional information may vary depending on the supplier. Check the information for the specific product at the counter.
LIDL – Unser Brot
Lidl describes ‘Unser Brot’ as a bakery range with products freshly baked several times a day.
- Check in store whether a particular pretzel is available for your break and what ingredients it contains.
Products at Joybuy
Suitable products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is a vegan pretzel automatically suitable for people with allergies?
No. The vegan label doesn’t replace checking the allergen information. The Ditsch and EDEKA pretzels described here contain wheat; the EDEKA version also contains soya. The information for the specific product is what matters.
How far in advance should I prepare pretzels for baking for my lunch break?
The GUT&GÜNSTIG pretzels from EDEKA described here need around 10 minutes to thaw, followed by 15 to 16 minutes in the oven, depending on the oven. Allow for this preparation time, or choose a ready-baked pretzel if you want to eat straight away.
How do I check allergens in a loose pretzel from the canteen?
Ask for the documented allergen information for the exact pretzel on offer. If you have an allergy, don’t rely on the word ‘pretzel’ alone: ingredients and possible traces vary between products.
How can I compare the salt content of different pretzels?
Start by comparing the salt content per 100 g, then take the weight of each pretzel and any salty toppings into account. For the products described, ALDI SÜD lists 1,6 g of salt equivalent per 100 g, while EDEKA lists 3,3 g of salt per 100 g for its pretzels for baking. The German Nutrition Society recommends a maximum of 6 g of table salt per day as a guideline.
Are nutritional information and availability the same everywhere?
Not necessarily. ALDI SÜD notes that the nutritional information for its pretzel may vary between suppliers, while EDEKA points out that its pretzels for baking may not be available in every store. Check the information on the product and what’s available locally.