Who is this distinction important for?

Sourdough-focused snack shoppers

You specifically want a pretzel that lists sourdough as an ingredient. The fact that the same retailer sells sourdough bread isn’t proof that its pretzels contain sourdough.

Spontaneous morning snackers

You want to eat a pretzel during your break without having to thaw and bake a dough piece first.

Shoppers checking salt and allergens

You want to compare salt levels across portion sizes, or need to check which allergens are listed for the specific pretzel before buying.

What should you look for when buying?

First, decide whether sourdough is essential for you. Then consider how much time you have to prepare it and check the information for the specific pretzel.

What to check What to look for when buying Who it matters most to
Sourdough as an ingredient Check the ingredients list or product information for that specific pretzel for sourdough or a named sourdough ingredient. If I want a sourdough pretzel, sourdough needs to be listed for that specific product; around 42% of consumers put this confirmation first when choosing.
Ready to eat Check whether it’s a ready-to-eat pretzel or one that needs baking, and read the preparation instructions for bake-at-home products. During a short break, I want to eat my pretzel straight away rather than prepare it first; around 33% of consumers prioritise being able to eat it immediately.
Salt and allergens Compare salt per 100 g alongside the weight of each pretzel, and read the allergen information for the specific product. If you need to keep an eye on salt or avoid certain allergens, you need information about the specific pretzel; around 25% of consumers prioritise these checks.

Common misconceptions

  • A range that includes sourdough bread doesn’t mean it includes sourdough pretzels

    The sourdough products described by REWE and Lidl are breads. Sourdough isn’t listed in the ingredients for the Ditsch and EDEKA pretzels covered here.

    If sourdough is a key buying criterion for you, check the ingredients or ask about the specific pretzel.

  • Bake-at-home pretzels aren’t ready to eat straight away

    The Ditsch and EDEKA frozen options described here need time to thaw and bake. That may make them unsuitable for an impromptu morning break.

    Allow time to prepare them, or choose a ready-to-eat pretzel if you’re short on time.

  • Visible salt isn’t a substitute for checking the nutrition information

    Ditsch lists 2,05 g of salt per 100 g for its shop-bought pretzel; the EDEKA bake-at-home pretzel described here contains 3,3 g per 100 g. To work out the salt in a whole pretzel, you also need to know its weight.

    Compare like for like and take the portion size into account, rather than judging by the salt sprinkled on top.

  • A pretzel’s shape doesn’t tell you about all its allergens

    The pretzels described here list wheat as an allergen, and the EDEKA option also lists other allergens or possible traces. According to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity, allergen information is also required for loose, unpackaged food in Germany.

    Check the label on packaged pretzels, and ask for allergen information when buying loose ones.

Brands and ranges to help you choose

Ditsch

Ditsch sells ready-to-eat pretzels as well as proofed dough pieces for baking at home.

  • The product information distinguishes between preparation methods and pretzel sizes, among other details.
  • Sourdough isn’t listed in the ingredients for the options described here.

EDEKA / GUT&GÜNSTIG

The GUT&GÜNSTIG option covered here is a frozen pretzel that needs baking.

  • EDEKA specifies that this option comes in a pack of ten, and provides ingredient and preparation information.
  • Sourdough isn’t listed in the ingredients described here, and availability may vary by store.

Lidl / Unser Brot

Lidl describes its bakery range’s bread specialities as containing natural sourdough.

  • The sourdough information relates to the bread specialities described.
  • You can’t use this information to determine the ingredients of a pretzel.

REWE

REWE has a sourdough bread with its own product information.

  • The product name makes it clear that the sourdough information applies to bread.
  • For a pretzel, you’ll need to check the ingredients information for that specific product separately.

Products at Joybuy

Products to suit you are coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if a pretzel is made with sourdough?

Check whether sourdough or a specifically named sourdough ingredient appears in the product information for that pretzel. Sourdough bread in the same retailer’s range tells you nothing about the ingredients in its pretzels.

Is a frozen pretzel suitable for a short morning break?

Only if you have time to prepare it. For the bake-at-home option described here, EDEKA recommends thawing it for around ten minutes, then baking it in the oven for 15 to 16 minutes. For an air fryer, the instructions give a cooking time of 9 to 12 minutes at 180 °C. Always follow the instructions on the pack you buy.

Is allergen information available for loose pretzels in Germany?

Yes. Allergen information is also required for unpackaged food, as explained by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity. If you need this information to decide whether to buy, ask staff for the details about the specific pretzel.