Which pretzel is right for you?

Hosts with time to use the oven

You shop before Sunday and want the pretzels ready to serve. Frozen dough pieces are a good option if thawing, preheating and baking fit into your plans.

A spontaneous coffee get-together

You want to pick up pretzels without having to bake them and serve them soon afterwards. For bakery-counter products, check when they were baked and, on a Sunday, whether the shop is open.

Anyone checking ingredients and allergens

If particular ingredients or possible traces matter to your choice, check the information for the specific pretzel. Details for one product or shop may not apply to other varieties or outlets.

What to look for when buying

For Sunday coffee, the first thing to consider is how you want to serve your pretzels: will you bake them at home, or do you want them ready to put straight on the table?

Frozen pretzels to bake at home

A good choice if: You’re shopping in advance and want to bake the pretzels shortly before serving.

Bear in mind: You’ll need an oven and time to prepare them according to the instructions on the pack.

Freshly baked pretzels from the bakery counter

A good choice if: You want to shop without having to bake and serve the pretzels soon afterwards.

Bear in mind: Baking times, product range and Sunday opening depend on the shop.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters most to
When you’ll serve them For frozen dough pieces, check the thawing time, baking time and oven setting; for bakery-counter products, check when they were baked. If I want to serve warm pretzels with coffee, the preparation needs to fit my schedule. This is the main consideration for around 33% of consumers.
Flavour and size Check the toppings or seasoning, and the weight of each pretzel, particularly for XXL versions. With cake, I want to decide whether a classic pretzel or a more savoury option is the better fit. Around 25% of consumers say this is their main consideration.
Ingredients and allergens Check the latest ingredients and allergen information on the pack, or the information provided for unpackaged products. If I need to avoid certain ingredients, the information for the specific product determines my choice. This is the main consideration for around 25% of consumers.
Planning your shop Check the shop’s opening hours and local range; if you’re shopping in advance, consider how you’ll prepare them at home. If I can only shop on Sunday, I need a shop that’s actually open and sells the baked goods I want. Around 17% of consumers put this question first.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming “premium” means a specific product quality

    The term alone tells you nothing about when a pretzel was baked, what ingredients it contains or how it should be prepared.

    First, decide whether you want to bake the pretzels at home or buy them from a bakery counter. Then compare the features of the specific products that matter for your coffee table.

  • Using the baking time for a different pretzel

    Thawing time, temperature and baking time can vary between products, and the type of oven can also affect the result.

    Follow the instructions on the pack you’ve bought and check on the pretzels towards the end of the stated baking time.

  • Guessing allergens from the type of pretzel

    Ingredients and possible traces vary depending on the recipe. A classic pretzel is not automatically free from other allergens.

    For packaged products, read the latest labelling. For unpackaged products, check the information provided or ask before you buy.

  • Planning a Sunday shop without checking the outlet

    A fresh pretzel from the bakery counter is only a practical choice if the shop is open and stocks the product you want.

    Check opening hours and the range before setting off. If you want to plan ahead, buy suitable frozen dough pieces in advance.

    A closed shop or an unavailable pretzel could mean an extra trip or having to buy something else.

Brands and ranges to help you choose

Ditsch

Ditsch sells classic pretzels as well as varieties topped with sunflower seeds or pepper.

  • For individual products, information is provided on ingredients, allergens and, where applicable, preparation.
  • Check the details for the variety you choose; toppings and possible traces can vary.

REWE Beste Wahl / REWE

REWE Beste Wahl pretzels are frozen dough pieces that you bake at home.

  • The product instructions specify the thawing time, baking time and when to add the salt separately.
  • Allow extra time to preheat the oven and follow the instructions on the pack you’ve bought.

EDEKA / EDEKA Herzstücke / GUT&GÜNSTIG

The range includes pretzels to bake at home and a 295 g Herzstücke XXL version.

  • Product information includes ingredients, preparation instructions and details of possible traces.
  • EDEKA notes that products can vary between stores and that the details may differ from those on the packaging. Always check the product you’ve bought.

ALDI SÜD MEINE BACKWELT

ALDI SÜD describes its pretzel, labelled as vegan, as a bakery-counter product freshly baked several times a day.

  • It’s an option if you want to serve a pretzel soon without having to bake it yourself.
  • ALDI SÜD notes that suppliers and nutritional information may vary. Check the details for the product in store.

LIDL Unser Brot

Lidl describes “Unser Brot” as a range of baked goods freshly baked several times a day.

  • The in-store bakery range may be worth considering if you want to buy something without preparing it yourself.
  • Check with your local store whether it sells a suitable pretzel and what ingredients it contains.

Suitable products at Joybuy

Suitable products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to bake frozen pretzels?

It depends on the specific product. REWE Beste Wahl instructions recommend thawing for about 10 minutes, followed by 15–16 minutes in the oven; you’ll also need to allow time for preheating. Follow the instructions on your pack and bear in mind that ovens can vary.

Do the pretzels mentioned contain wheat?

The product examples described here contain wheat or ingredients made with wheat. Information on other allergens and possible traces also varies. Check the latest labelling for the specific pretzel before buying.

How can I check the ingredients and additives in unpackaged bakery-counter products?

Check the information at the counter or ask a member of staff about the specific product before buying. The Verbraucherzentrale distinguishes between the labelling of packaged and unpackaged food, while the Lebensmittelverband Deutschland also notes that rules on additive labelling apply to unpackaged products.

Can I buy freshly baked pretzels anywhere on a Sunday?

No, you can’t assume the shop you want will be open. Section 12 of the Ladenschlussgesetz sets out rules for Sunday sales of certain goods, which may be restricted to particular Sundays and public holidays, seasons or types of outlet. Check local opening hours.

Does a pretzel labelled as vegan automatically contain no traces of allergens from animal products?

No, a vegan label doesn’t automatically tell you whether there may be traces. If this matters to your choice, also check the allergen information for the specific pretzel on the pack or at the bakery counter.