Who are these pretzels for?

People who prioritise wholemeal

You want to choose a pretzel for your dinner together that is clearly labelled as wholemeal, rather than relying on a dark colour or visible seeds.

Couples short on prep time

You want to serve the pretzels warm and know in advance whether defrosting, preheating and baking will fit into your evening.

People checking ingredients and salt

You’re buying for two and want to check the allergen information for both parts of the meal, as well as the pretzels’ salt content, before serving.

What matters when buying?

First, check whether a pretzel meets your wholemeal criteria. Then compare the preparation instructions and information on the specific pack with your schedule and the ingredients in the rest of the meal.

Criterion What to check when buying Who it matters to
Verified wholemeal content Check for an explicit wholemeal claim and read the ingredients list; if percentages are given, check what they refer to. If I want wholemeal, a dark or seeded pretzel isn’t enough to prove it. For around 42% of consumers, this is the top priority.
Serving warm Check whether the pretzel is ready-baked or a dough piece, and allow time for defrosting, baking and cooking through. I want to serve the pretzels warm with dinner without an unexpected baking time delaying the meal. For around 33% of consumers, serving them warm on time comes first.
Salt and allergens Compare the salt content per 100 g, ingredients and may-contain information for the pretzel and its toppings. If we need to avoid certain ingredients or watch our salt intake, I want to know the details before we eat together. Around 25% of consumers prioritise checking salt and allergens.

What should you watch out for?

  • Assuming a dark colour or seeds mean wholemeal

    Looks alone can’t tell you whether a pretzel meets your wholemeal criteria. The term ‘multigrain’ isn’t a substitute either.

    Look for a clear wholemeal claim and read the ingredients list. The German Nutrition Society specifically advises against judging whether something is wholemeal by its colour.

  • Underestimating the time needed for frozen dough pieces

    Defrosting, preheating and baking can delay dinner. Dough pieces must be cooked through completely, following the instructions for the specific product.

    Check the preparation instructions before you buy. If you’re short on time, consider a ready-baked pretzel instead and check the serving or reheating instructions.

  • Focusing only on the visible pretzel salt

    The pretzel itself also contributes to the meal’s salt content. Ditsch states that its 100 g pretzel contains 2.02 g of salt per 100 g.

    Compare the salt content per 100 g. If the product comes with a separate salt sachet, decide how much you want to use, and factor salty toppings and side dishes into your choice.

  • Checking allergens in the pretzel alone

    Ingredients and may-contain information can vary between products. Fillings and toppings add further ingredients to the meal you share.

    Read the current packaging for every product you use, including information about possible traces. If you have an allergy, general information about a brand is no substitute for the labelling on the product you actually buy.

Brands and retailers to consider

Ditsch

If you’re short on prep time, Ditsch’s 100 g ready-baked pretzel is one classic option.

  • Ditsch says this product takes around 60 minutes to defrost, or 3 to 4 minutes to warm in a fan oven at 180 °C.
  • The product information lists wheat flour first among the ingredients and does not describe the pretzel as wholemeal. It contains 5.4 g of fibre and 2.02 g of salt per 100 g.

EDEKA

The frozen pretzels described here are worth considering if you want to bake them at home and have time to plan for it.

  • EDEKA provides preparation instructions for the products described; one variety comes with the salt packed separately.
  • The pretzels described are made with wheat flour and aren’t labelled as wholemeal. Check the allergen information and availability of the specific product before buying.

REWE

At REWE, you can look at specific options such as the Ditsch herb butter pretzel and check its ingredient information.

  • This variety lists wheat flour, 9% butter and 3.7 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • It is not confirmed as a wholemeal pretzel; it also contains 1.95 g of salt per 100 g. Check the information on the product you actually buy.

Lidl

For this decision, it’s the labelling on the specific pretzel that matters, not information about other baked goods.

  • Lidl’s information about wholemeal and multigrain breads can’t be applied to a pretzel. Check any pretzel on offer by reading its own product description and ingredients.

ALDI SÜD

If you’re shopping at ALDI SÜD, check what’s available at your local store and look at the labelling on the pretzel itself.

  • ALDI SÜD notes that special-buy items may only be available for a limited time. General range information doesn’t confirm current availability or prove that a product is wholemeal.

Products at Joybuy

Suitable products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a dark pretzel with seeds automatically wholemeal?

No. Neither the colour nor visible seeds prove that it’s wholemeal. The German Nutrition Society advises shoppers not to be misled by colour; look for an explicit wholemeal claim and check the ingredients list.

How long do frozen pretzels take to prepare for dinner?

It depends on the specific product and appliance. For the pretzels described, EDEKA recommends defrosting for around 10 minutes, followed by approximately 9 to 18 minutes of baking, depending on the appliance. Follow the pack instructions and only eat dough pieces once they’re cooked through completely.

Can I leave off the pretzel salt that comes with the product?

For the frozen pretzels described that come with a separate salt sachet, you can use less salt or leave it off altogether. Still check the salt content of the pretzel itself and take other salty parts of the meal into account.

Which allergen information should I check for pretzels?

Check the ingredients and may-contain information on the current packaging for the pretzel and all its toppings. The products described include wheat; depending on the variety, soy and possible traces of egg, milk, sesame and nuts may also be relevant.