It is said that pretzels were invented by an Italian monk as a reward to children who learn their prayers. He called the strips of baked dough, “pretiola” which means “little reward” in Latin. The pretzels are folded in such a way that it represents the arms crossing the chest, how cute of a story! Since there are many categories of pretzels nowadays, here is our list of the best pretzels around the world.
Major Categories of Pretzels
These include hard pretzels, which are often eaten plain, and soft pretzels, which are often served with dips or sauces. They both have their own unique textures, shapes and so on. Let’s take a closer look:
Soft Pretzel
Soft pretzels are often made in classic twisted shapes. However, they occasionally sport a different shape, and often served with various toppings. There are many different flavors of soft pretzels like sweet or meaty. These pretzels are at their most delicious peak when served hot and fresh from the oven and dipped with many categories of seasoning such as:
- cheese
- cinnamon
- apples
- mustard
- berries
- chocolate
- raisins
Hard Pretzel
Old legends say that hard pretzels happened by accident. They became famous for their crunch and also because they stayed fresher much longer. Hard pretzels come in many shapes or forms like the classic twist shape that everybody knows and loves, but sometimes they are also shaped as a stick, a waffle or a ring. The size of a hard pretzel can vary from enormous to tiny. Hard pretzels were often eaten with butter, mustard, jalapeno, soy, bbq sauce and sesame. However, nowadays hard pretzels are usually dipped in chocolate, yogurt, and other desert style dips.
Famous Categories of Pretzels
With so many pretzel brands on the market, it can be a difficult task to choose just one. Don’t worry, we got you covered! Here are 6 categories of famous pretzels and recommended brands you can buy in your nearby grocery store:
1. Basic twists
The basic twist is the original standard shape and the most basic category. This category of pretzels is amazing to be dipped into peanut butter, hummus, or Nutella. Here are 4 recommended brand names of basic pretzels you can buy for eating with your family or friends at anyplace and anytime:
Rold Gold tiny twists pretzels
Rold Gold is a classic choice and a staple of the industry. Coming from an American company, these should be in every household. Eating them while you are watching TV is unstoppable.
Newman’s Own Organics Pretzels
Newman’s Own is a guaranteed organic brand made with no artificial colors or preserving agents, while it is filled with fiber and proteins. It is also a private nonprofit foundation that supports many educational and charitable organizations.
Flipz milk chocolate pretzels
The salty taste mixed with rich milk chocolate of these crunchy pretzels will make you want to buy from this brand, again and again.
Utz Sourdough Specials Pretzels Fishbowl Barrel
It is more commonly known as Utz. Most pretzel lovers love to admire this brand as the pretzels are perfectly salty and crunchy.
2. Pretzel sticks
Pretzel sticks are normally salty and t:in. They are fragile, crunchy and easy to eat. Here are 2 brand names of the best pretzel sticks.
Quinn Snacks Non-GMO and Gluten-Free Pretzels
Quinn Snacks pretzels remain as a grand classic, they also removed the unnecessary chemicals and artificial ingredients for our health safety, kudos to them. They are mostly made from whole grain sorghum. It becomes a whole new experience if you dip them into chocolate or peanut butter.
Snyder’s of Hanover Gluten Free Pretzel Sticks
People who have celiac disease or following a Gluten-Free lifestyle will love these wheat-free and heat-based pretzel sticks because of their light and crispy crunch.
3. Nuggets
Pretzel nuggets are the saltiest and the crunchiest. They shape like nuggets as they are named. Let’s see what brand names of this type of pretzels we should try.
Kirkland Signature Peanut Butter Pretzel
Kirkland Signature Peanut Butter Pretzel is thick, crunchy, very salty with a peanut butter filling. It is what you will love if you enjoy peanut butter. The salty pretzel will go perfectly with the softly sweet and smooth peanut butter once in your mouth.
On Tap Kitchen Original Salted Pretzels
This brand won the Original Salted Pretzels in the Good Food Award 2020. It is handmade with local sunflower oil and organic flour. It is a delight once you dip it with queso and spinach-artichoke.
4. Big soft pretzels
Big soft pretzels are favored by many people and can be found almost everywhere. You can also cook them at home by yourself. Here are 2 recommended brand names of them you can choose to buy.
Tonya’s Gluten-Free Original Soft Pretzel w/ Salt
Tonya’s Gluten-Free Original Soft Pretzel is all Natural, Gluten-Free, wheat-free which is a good healthy living choice. It will be your only hand twisted, buttery, melt in your mouth soft pretzel.
BND Gourmet Bakery Authentic Bavarian Lightly Salted Soft Pretzel
It is a homemade, super soft, and lightly salted pretzel in a vacuum pack. It is one of the best choices for the big soft pretzels lovers.
5. Pretzel crisps
Pretzel crisps are made in a practical shape to be dippable with any yummy sauces that your heart may desire. Here is a brand name that will make you adore this type of pretzels:
Snack Factory Original Pretzel Crisps
This brand took the risk to mix crispy chips and pretzels together. The result is absolutely delicious, with a very thin shape and a crunchy like crackers texture that will go well with any of your favorite dips.
6. German pretzels
The German pretzel is a fresh bread ring with a surface filled with baking soda and seasoned with soft grains. It is sort of a different take from the classic American pretzel because the middle part of it is thicker, but the ends thinned out. Here are 2 brand names of German pretzels that will make you hungry:
J and J Snack Foods Brauhaus Bavarian Pretzel
It is an authentic hand-twisted Bavarian soft pretzel made with no artificial colors or flavors. It offers a fluffy and chewy interior with a crispy brown exterior.
Milwaukee Pretzel Company Authentic Bavarian Soft Pretzel
This hand-rolled Bavarian pretzel is all-natural. It has the size of your hand with your fingers outstretched. Huge, delicious, it is a favourite among pretzel lovers.
