If sourdough is your deciding factor, choose a pretzel whose ingredients list explicitly includes sourdough: according to its product page, the sourdough pretzel from KEIT contains spelt sourdough starter, as well as wheat and butter. If you’re hosting several guests, you can bake frozen lye pretzels from REWE or EDEKA for Sunday coffee by following the pack instructions; their listed ingredients include yeast, but not sourdough. If you’re buying from a counter, check the ingredients and opening hours at the specific outlet in advance.
If sourdough is your main reason for buying, the ingredients matter more than the label ‘lye pretzel’. KEIT lists spelt sourdough starter, while the ingredients lists for the frozen lye pretzels described by REWE and EDEKA do not include sourdough.
If you want to serve several warm pretzels at a particular time, you can plan ahead with frozen dough pieces. The product instructions for REWE pretzels call for around ten minutes to defrost slightly, followed by 15 to 16 minutes in a preheated oven.
If particular ingredients or allergens matter to you, check the latest labelling on packaged pretzels and ask about the specific product when buying loose ones. The information may differ between the packs described by REWE and EDEKA and a pretzel bought from a counter.
A good choice if: you specifically want sourdough in your pretzel; the KEIT product page lists spelt sourdough starter.
Bear in mind: this particular product is available locally; the recipe also contains butter and wheat.
A good choice if: you want to bake several pretzels yourself in time for an agreed coffee date.
Bear in mind: the products described by REWE and EDEKA do not list sourdough, and you’ll need freezer space and time to prepare them.
A good choice if: you want to buy one or a few pretzels without baking them yourself.
Bear in mind: freshness doesn’t mean the pretzel contains sourdough; the ingredients, local range and Sunday opening hours all depend on the specific outlet.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough | Is sourdough listed as an ingredient? Ask specifically if you’re buying loose pretzels. | If I specifically want a sourdough pretzel, the label ‘lye pretzel’ isn’t enough. For around 31% of consumers, checking this is the top priority. |
| Quantity and baking | Check the number of pretzels, freezer space and baking instructions for the appliance you’ll use. | I want to be able to serve several warm pretzels at a set coffee time. Around 31% of consumers prioritise being able to plan ahead. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current packaging or ask about the specific pretzel if you’re buying loose ones. | If particular ingredients or allergens matter to me, I need clear information before I buy. For around 23% of consumers, this is their main concern. |
| Buying on the day and salt | Check the outlet’s opening hours, the salt information and whether extra salt is supplied separately. | For a quick Sunday visit, I want to pick up a pretzel without baking it and keep an eye on how much salt I use. For around 15% of consumers, the convenience of buying a single pretzel comes first. |
The KEIT product page lists spelt sourdough starter. By contrast, the ingredients lists described for the frozen lye pretzels from REWE and EDEKA include yeast, but no sourdough.
If sourdough matters to you, check the ingredients list or specifically ask whether the pretzel contains sourdough when buying from a counter.
For a pretzel from the counter, you need information about the specific product. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Home Affairs points out that information must also be provided about allergens that have to be declared in unpackaged food.
Before you buy, ask about any ingredients and allergens that matter to you. If the pretzels are packaged, check the current labelling.
The nutrition information REWE gives for its frozen pretzels does not include salt sprinkled on top. So the amount you actually use may differ from the figure for the pretzel without added salt.
Choose how much of the supplied salt to use, and check what the salt figures refer to when comparing them.
Whether pretzels are available on a Sunday depends on the specific outlet, its range and its opening hours.
Check the opening hours in advance, or buy frozen dough pieces ahead of time if you’re planning for guests.
A local Berlin product with a clearly labelled sourdough pretzel.
Frozen lye pretzels to bake at home, ideal for sharing.
Frozen lye pretzels with instructions for the oven and air fryer.
Freshly baked lye pretzels to buy from the counter.
Depending on the retailer and store, you may find counter-bought or frozen lye pretzels.
Check whether sourdough is specifically listed in the ingredients, or ask if you’re buying loose pretzels. The KEIT product page lists spelt sourdough starter, while the ingredients lists described for the frozen lye pretzels from REWE and EDEKA do not include sourdough. The shape, lye and freshness alone won’t tell you.
Follow the instructions on the relevant pack: the products described by REWE and EDEKA should be left to defrost slightly for around ten minutes before baking. Then follow the temperatures and timings given for the product and appliance.
Before buying, ask at the counter for information about the specific pretzel. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Home Affairs explains that information about allergens that have to be declared must also be available for unpackaged food.
No, you can’t count on that everywhere. Check directly with the specific bakery or store before your coffee date to find out whether it’s open on Sunday and sells pretzels.