Which option suits you?

Hosts with a set serving time

If you want to serve several pretzels warm at roughly the same time, you can plan to use frozen dough pieces. Just make sure you can fit freezer storage, thawing, preheating and baking into your schedule.

Last-minute snack shoppers

If you don’t have time to bake them, look for ready-to-eat pretzels at the bakery counter. With in-store bakery products, check the details for the specific item on offer, as suppliers and recipes can vary.

Hosts keeping an eye on ingredients

If you’re shopping for guests with allergies or specific ingredient preferences, check the labelling for each variety. The ingredients, allergens and possible traces listed are what matter; if the product comes with a salt sachet, you can also choose how much salt to add.

What to look for when shopping

First, decide whether you want to serve the pretzels without any preparation or bake them shortly before eating. Then check the labelling and choose the mix of classic and seeded varieties you’d like.

What matters to you What to check when shopping Who it matters to
Serving them warm and planning the timings For frozen products, check the number of pieces, storage, thawing time and baking instructions; for bakery-counter products, check when you can collect them. I want to serve several pretzels warm at a set time and can plan around using the oven. Around 42% of consumers put this kind of timing flexibility first.
Ingredients, allergens and salt Check the current ingredients and allergen information for each variety, as well as any possible traces and whether a separate salt sachet is included. If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in each pretzel before choosing. For around 33% of consumers, this is their top priority.
Flavour and variety Check whether classic pretzels and the varieties you want, such as those with sunflower or pumpkin seeds, are available; check the ingredients for each one separately. I’d like to offer a classic pretzel alongside one with a different flavour and texture. This variety is the most important consideration for around 25% of consumers.

Common planning mistakes

  • Assuming all pretzels have the same ingredients

    The products described have different ingredients and warnings about possible allergen traces. The fact that ALDI SÜD describes a particular MEINE-BACKWELT pretzel as vegan says nothing about other varieties.

    Check the current labelling for every pretzel you buy. If guests have allergies, keep the packaging handy or ask for details about the specific product if it’s sold loose.

  • Planning for frozen dough pieces as if they were ready-made pretzels

    Depending on the product, pretzels for baking need time to thaw and require a preheated oven. If you need several trays, serving time may have to change.

    Read the instructions before you shop, and check that the pack size and baking time work with your oven’s capacity.

    Also allow for space in your freezer and time to prepare them.

  • Comparing nutritional values without using the same basis

    Nutritional information may refer to different quantities or preparation stages. If a salt sachet is included, it’s also worth checking whether the stated values include the added salt.

    Compare figures per 100 g only with other figures per 100 g, and check whether they apply to baked or unbaked products.

  • Assuming every store stocks the range shown

    EDEKA notes on its product pages that availability may vary between stores. ALDI SÜD says that its bakery products may come from different suppliers.

    If you’re buying a large quantity, check with your chosen store in advance and read the labelling on the pretzels available there.

Brands to help you choose

Ditsch

A pretzel and savoury pastry supplier offering classic pretzels and seeded varieties.

  • Ditsch lists wheat as an allergen for its classic pretzel and publishes the product’s nutritional information.
  • The sunflower and pumpkin seed varieties described are separate products. Check the ingredients and allergen information for each one individually.

REWE Beste Wahl

A supermarket own-brand range with frozen pretzel dough pieces to bake at home.

  • REWE says the 770-g product contains eight dough pieces and a salt sachet.
  • You’ll need to prepare and bake the dough pieces according to the instructions before serving. Ingredient information applies to the specific product.

GUT&GÜNSTIG

EDEKA’s own-brand range includes classic pretzels and varieties to bake at home.

  • EDEKA provides information on the ingredients, allergens and preparation of each variety on its product pages.
  • The range may vary between stores. When shopping, always refer to the information on the specific product on offer.

MEINE BACKWELT

ALDI SÜD’s bakery range, which includes a Swabian-style pretzel.

  • ALDI SÜD describes this specific pretzel as vegan and says it’s freshly baked several times a day.
  • As different suppliers may be used, check the latest information about the pretzels in store.

LIDL – Unser Brot

Lidl’s bakery range of bread and pastries.

  • Lidl says its bakery products are freshly baked several times a day.
  • Check with your store to find out which pretzels are available, and read the information for the specific product.

Pretzels at Joybuy

This selection features pretzels in a pack of ten for a planned get-together. Check the instructions and labelling for the specific product to see whether the preparation method and ingredients suit your buffet.

Jeden Tag pretzels, pack of 10, 86.8 g each

Jeden Tag pretzels, 10 × 86.8 g

A good option for a planned get-together if a pack of ten suits your number of guests.

Pack size: 10 × 86.8 g. Before serving, check the preparation instructions and the ingredients and allergen information on the pack.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can I check pretzels for allergens when serving guests?

For packaged pretzels, check the latest ingredients list and highlighted allergens; if they’re sold loose, ask for information about the specific product. The varieties described include ingredients such as wheat or soya, and some may contain traces of other allergens. So don’t rely on the labelling for a different pretzel.

Are pretzels always vegan?

No. The name ‘pretzel’ alone doesn’t confirm that a product is vegan. ALDI SÜD labels its specific MEINE-BACKWELT pretzel as vegan; for any other variety, check the details for that product.

How do I plan for frozen pretzels if I have a set serving time?

Plan around the instructions on the pack you buy and the number of batches you’ll need to bake. For the REWE Beste Wahl pack of eight dough pieces, REWE recommends thawing for around ten minutes, followed by around 15 to 16 minutes of baking. Remember to allow time for the oven to preheat, too.

Do I have to use all the salt supplied with the pretzels?

If the product comes with a separate salt sachet, you can choose how much to sprinkle on before baking. When comparing nutritional values, check whether the figures for each product include the added salt.