For hosts catering for different tastes
Start with classic soft pretzels, so guests can enjoy them on their own or choose from accompaniments served separately. You can add seasoned options without making them the only choice.
Which options suit different hosts
For hosts with a free oven before serving
Frozen pretzels for baking at home are an option if you can allow time for thawing and baking, and have enough oven space.
For hosts who need to check ingredients for guests
Wheat is present in the Ditsch, REWE and EDEKA products described here; depending on the product, there may also be other declared allergens or ‘may contain’ warnings. Check the labelling for each variety you choose.
What to look for when shopping
If anyone needs to avoid certain ingredients, first check which specific products are suitable. Then decide whether the oven will be free before the meal, and choose classic pretzels and any other options from the products that meet your requirements.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Variety | Check which pretzels are classic or seasoned, and whether the salt is supplied separately. | If guests have different tastes, I don’t want to make the whole selection heavily seasoned. A classic option is the top priority for around 44% of consumers. |
| Preparation and oven space | For frozen products, check the thawing and baking times, as well as the oven space available. | If the pretzels are to be baked shortly before the meal, I need to coordinate oven use with the other dishes. This preparation is a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and labelling | Read the ingredients, allergen information and ‘may contain’ warnings on the current packaging. Compare salt information only on the same basis, such as per 100 g. | I need to know which ingredients and allergens a particular pretzel contains before serving it to my guests. Around 23% of consumers put these checks first. |
Common assumptions to avoid
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Assuming all soft pretzels are equally suitable
The products described here contain wheat; other declared allergens and possible ‘may contain’ warnings vary by product and variety.
Check the current ingredients list, highlighted allergens and ‘may contain’ warnings for each variety you choose. Don’t assume the information applies to another pretzel or a pack you bought previously.
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Leaving frozen pretzels until mealtime
The REWE Beste Wahl and EDEKA products need to thaw and bake before serving. You’ll also need to have the oven available.
Plan backwards from when you want to serve them. If the oven is in use for other dishes, consider ready-to-eat pretzels instead.
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Assuming online product information applies to every pack
EDEKA advises that the information on the packaging of the specific product is the one to rely on, and that the product may not be available in every store.
Check what’s available at your chosen store before planning quantities, then read the labelling on the actual pack when you receive it.
Brands to consider
Ditsch
Ditsch offers classic soft pretzels, as well as varieties with pepper or seeds.
- For its classic 100-g soft pretzel, Ditsch provides details including ingredients, nutritional values and ‘may contain’ warnings.
- The pepper and seeded varieties have their own ingredients, so the information for the classic pretzel doesn’t automatically apply to them.
REWE Beste Wahl / REWE
REWE Beste Wahl offers frozen soft pretzels to bake at home.
- The 770-g pack described contains eight frozen pretzels, with pretzel salt in a separate sachet. REWE also provides preparation instructions and product labelling information.
- Allow time for thawing and baking before serving.
EDEKA GUT&GÜNSTIG / EDEKA
EDEKA describes frozen soft pretzels that are ready to bake.
- The product information includes preparation instructions, pretzel salt supplied in the pack, and wheat and soya as allergens in this specific product.
- EDEKA notes that availability may vary between stores; always rely on the packaging for ingredient information.
Lidl Unser Brot
Lidl describes ‘Unser Brot’ as a range of baked goods made fresh in store several times a day.
- The in-store bakery could be an option if you want to serve pretzels without baking them yourself.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the specific soft pretzel being sold.
Joybuy products
Suitable products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are the soft pretzels mentioned suitable for guests who need to avoid wheat or gluten?
No. The Ditsch, REWE and EDEKA examples described here contain wheat. For other products, check the specific labelling, including any ‘may contain’ warnings, rather than assuming the ingredients from the term ‘soft pretzel’.
How long do frozen soft pretzels take to prepare before serving?
Allow time for preheating, thawing and baking. REWE Beste Wahl recommends thawing for about ten minutes and baking for about 15–16 minutes. EDEKA also recommends thawing for about ten minutes and baking for 15–16 minutes, although baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Should seasoned pretzels be the only option for a mixed group of guests?
A classic option alongside a few different varieties gives guests more choice than serving only seasoned pretzels. Ditsch, for example, offers pepper and seeded varieties; check their ingredients separately from those of the classic pretzel.