If you’re out and about during your lunch break and keeping an eye on fat, compare pretzels using the nutritional information per 100 g: REWE lists 1.2 g of fat for the Entrup pretzel, while EDEKA lists 1.0 g for a GUT&GÜNSTIG variety. A plain pretzel from the bakery counter may have different values. Salt, allergens and, for frozen pretzels, preparation time should also factor into your decision.
If you’re looking for a pretzel you can eat quickly while out and about, and you’re watching your fat intake, check the nutritional information per 100 g. You can’t tell how much fat an unfilled pretzel contains just by looking at it.
Even when choosing a lower-fat pretzel, salt is still a separate factor to compare. This is especially true of varieties that come with pretzel salt.
For packaged products, check the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack. For loose products from the bakery counter, ask for the details before you buy. The product name alone isn’t enough.
Start by comparing the fat content of the specific variety on offer. Then check the salt and allergen information, and decide whether you need a pretzel that’s ready to eat or one you can prepare at home.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content | Compare the fat per 100 g in the specific pretzel; consider buttered or other topped varieties separately. | During my lunch break, I want to choose a pretzel whose fat content I can compare directly with other varieties, rather than judging by its appearance. This is the main concern for around 50% of consumers. |
| Salt | Check the salt per 100 g and, for frozen pretzels, look out for any pretzel salt included. | Even when watching my fat intake, I want to know how much salt the pretzel adds to my meal. Around 30% of consumers would make this their main priority. |
| Allergens and product type | Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack or for the loose product; if buying frozen pretzels, allow time to prepare them. | I need to be able to check which allergens are relevant to me before buying, and whether I can prepare the pretzel in time. This is the most important selection criterion for around 20% of consumers. |
Plain pretzels can still vary: Ditsch lists 5.3 g of fat per 100 g for its classic variety, while ALDI SÜD lists 5.1 g for the MEINE BACKWELT variety checked.
Compare the fat content of the specific pretzel with other varieties, using the same serving basis.
The figures given by Ditsch relate to different products: 5.3 g of fat per 100 g for the classic pretzel and 14.1 g for the XL buttered pretzel with chives.
Check the nutritional information for a buttered or topped pretzel as a separate product, rather than relying on the figures for an unfilled variety.
Fat and salt figures can differ: REWE lists 1.2 g of fat and 1.6 g of salt per 100 g for the Entrup pretzel; EDEKA lists 1.0 g of fat and 3.1 g of salt per 100 g for a GUT&GÜNSTIG variety.
Check both figures in the nutritional information for the variety you’re planning to buy.
EDEKA notes that information for the GUT&GÜNSTIG pretzel may differ from what’s shown on the packaging. ALDI SÜD says that different suppliers may account for variations in nutritional values.
Check the fat, salt and allergen information on the specific pack or on the information provided at the bakery counter.
The Entrup pretzel listed by REWE is an individually selectable option for lunch on the go.
The frozen pretzels checked are an option for a lunch prepared at home; pretzel salt is included.
Ditsch offers a classic pretzel to eat straight away, as well as a distinct XL buttered pretzel with chives.
The MEINE BACKWELT pretzel is a bakery-counter option that’s ready to eat straight away.
Compare the fat content per 100 g for the specific varieties. One plain pretzel won’t necessarily have the same fat content as another; buttered and topped varieties need to be compared separately.
No. To compare fat content, check the nutritional information per 100 g. The Verbraucherzentrale explains that Nutri-Score is only useful for comparing products within the same category; it doesn’t replace the fat and salt figures.
Ask for allergen information about the specific pretzel before you buy it. For loose products, this information may be displayed in writing or provided by a member of staff. Check which ingredients and possible traces are relevant to you.
Yes, if you can prepare it before your lunch break. The GUT&GÜNSTIG variety from EDEKA that was checked needs to thaw and be baked in the oven. If you want something to eat straight away, a ready-to-eat pretzel from the bakery counter may be a better option.