National Soft Pretzel Month – Apr. 1, 2027

National Soft Pretzel Month
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Every April
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National Soft Pretzel Month celebrates the iconic twisted dough throughout April. This savory snack, often enjoyed at ballparks, malls, and street vendors, offers a comforting treat for all ages. Gather your friends and family to bake, dip, and savor soft pretzels all month long.

Want to sponsor National Soft Pretzel Month? Learn how

Expected National Soft Pretzel Month Deals

Throughout National Soft Pretzel Month, expect major chains and local bakeries to roll out special promotions. In past Aprils, brands like Auntie Anne’s have offered free pretzel giveaways, while Philly Pretzel Factory has featured discounted bulk orders for parties. Look for deals on pretzel-themed snacks from Snyder’s of Hanover and new dipping sauces from gourmet food retailers. Even convenience stores like Wawa and Sheetz often have deals on their hot pretzels. Keep an eye out for unique flavor collaborations from specialty bakeries. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April approaches.

Platform Guide for National Soft Pretzel Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #SoftPretzelMonth. Share your favorite pretzel creations, dipping sauces, or where you found the best soft pretzel.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #SoftPretzelMonth. Film a ‘pretzel tour’ of your city, a DIY pretzel recipe, or a creative pretzel-eating challenge.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SoftPretzelMonth. Share photos of your family enjoying pretzels or ask your community for their top pretzel spots.

Social Media Tips for National Soft Pretzel Month

Individuals

Visit your local pretzel shop, try baking your own soft pretzels at home, or experiment with new sweet and savory dipping sauces throughout the month.

Creators

Create a series of videos reviewing different soft pretzel brands or types, showcase unique pretzel recipes, or host a virtual pretzel-making workshop for your followers.

Brands

Offer special discounts on pretzels, launch a limited-edition pretzel flavor, or partner with local sports teams for game-day pretzel promotions and giveaways.

Top Brands for National Soft Pretzel Month

  1. Auntie Anne's

    Founded in 1988 by Anne F. Beiler, Auntie Anne's is a global pretzel franchise known for its freshly baked, hand-rolled soft pretzels. With over 1,800 locations worldwide, it's a staple in malls and airports, offering a variety of sweet and savory options.

  2. Philly Pretzel Factory

    Established in 1998 in Philadelphia, the Philly Pretzel Factory specializes in authentic, hand-twisted Philadelphia-style soft pretzels. It has grown to over 170 locations, maintaining its commitment to fresh, hot, and delicious pretzels daily.

  3. Wetzel's Pretzels

    Founded in 1994 by Bill Wetzel in Pasadena, California, Wetzel's Pretzels offers fresh-baked, buttery soft pretzels and lemonade. It has expanded to over 350 locations, primarily in shopping malls and entertainment venues across the U.S.

  4. Snyder's of Hanover

    Tracing its roots back to 1909 in Hanover, Pennsylvania, Snyder's of Hanover is a prominent manufacturer of pretzels and snack foods. While famous for its hard pretzels, the brand also produces soft pretzel bites and other pretzel-inspired snacks.

  5. Ben's Soft Pretzels

    Originating from an Amish recipe in 2008, Ben's Soft Pretzels offers a unique, oversized, and incredibly soft pretzel. The company has rapidly expanded from its humble beginnings in an Indiana mall to over 100 locations across the Midwest.

  6. Utz Brands

    Founded in 1921 in Hanover, Pennsylvania, Utz Brands is a major American manufacturer of snack foods. While known for potato chips, Utz also produces a variety of hard and soft pretzel products, including its popular 'Pretzel Wheels' and 'Brauhaus' soft pretzels.

  7. Samuel Adams

    Founded in 1984 by Jim Koch, Samuel Adams is a leading craft brewery known for its Boston Lager. Many of their beers, particularly their lagers and Oktoberfests, are traditionally paired with savory soft pretzels, making them a natural complement to the month's celebrations.

National Soft Pretzel Month Hero

The Pretzel Bakers of Pennsylvania

While no single individual is credited with inventing the modern soft pretzel, the snack has a rich history in Pennsylvania, particularly in the German immigrant communities. These skilled bakers, perfecting their craft over generations, established the state as the 'Pretzel Capital of the World.' Their dedication to traditional recipes and techniques ensured the soft pretzel's enduring popularity and cultural significance in America.

National Soft Pretzel Month timeline

1978
Pretzels entered the machine age — finally

Federal Pretzel Baking Company created the first machine-produced stamped-cut soft pretzel.

1800s
Soft pretzels came stateside

Southern German and Swiss German immigrants, who became known as the Pennsylvania Dutch, introduced soft-shaped pretzels with different shapes.

1500s
Pretzels are a Catholic dish

Catholics once considered pretzels the “official food of Lent," and by the 16th century, it became a tradition to eat pretzels on Good Friday.

610 AD
Pretzels are invented

According to legend, an Italian monk invented pretzels as a reward for children who learned their prayers.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Soft Pretzel Month

Local businesses can embrace National Soft Pretzel Month by offering unique pretzel-themed specials. Bakeries can introduce limited-time sweet or savory pretzel flavors, while restaurants might feature pretzel buns for sandwiches or pretzel-crusted appetizers. Bars and breweries can promote pretzel and beer pairings, or even host a ‘pretzel-making night’ for customers. Consider a ‘Pretzel Passport’ where patrons get a stamp for visiting different local spots offering pretzel deals throughout April.

National Soft Pretzel Month FAQs

When is National Soft Pretzel Month?

In 2027, National Soft Pretzel Month will again be celebrated for the entire month of April. This annual observance invites everyone to indulge in the savory goodness of soft pretzels from April 1 to April 30.

How many soft pretzels are consumed annually?

The pretzel industry is a substantial one, with annual consumption figures consistently high. Roughly 1.5 billion pounds of pretzels are enjoyed in the U.S. every year, highlighting the enduring popularity and widespread appeal of both hard and soft varieties.

What is the history of the soft pretzel?

The soft pretzel boasts a history spanning over a millennium, believed to have originated in Europe as a Christian symbol. Its journey to the United States, primarily through German immigrants in the 18th century, firmly established it as a beloved snack, especially in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Is Pennsylvania the 'Pretzel Capital of the World'?

Indeed, Pennsylvania is widely recognized as the global epicenter of pretzel production. The state’s deep historical connection to pretzel baking, combined with its numerous factories and artisanal shops, ensures its continued dominance in the pretzel market.

National Soft Pretzel Month Activities

  1. Dip away

    Nothing's off-limits when it comes to pretzel dip, so go ahead and experiment. Whether it’s caramel, cheese, mustard, sweet glaze, cream cheese, or your own personal invention, you can’t go wrong.

  2. Have a pretzel cook-off

    With a few simple ingredients, a few kitchen tools, and an oven, you can easily make your own soft pretzels. Invite a few friend over to see who can fashion the best tasting, most creative, and mouthwatering snacks to share.

  3. Go to a ballgame

    Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack? Sure! But save room for a pretzel during the late innings.

4 Twisted Facts About Pretzels

  1. Philly. Loves. Pretzels.

    Philadelphians consume approximately 12 times as many pretzels annually as the national average.

  2. Pretzel business is booming

    Worldwide, a billion dollars worth of pretzels are sold each year.

  3. Pretzels can change your life

    On New Years Day in ancient Germany, children would hang pretzels around their neck in order to bring good luck into the new year.

  4. Pennsylvania is the pretzel hub of the United States

    About 80% of pretzels in the U.S. today are made in Pennsylvania.

Why We Love National Soft Pretzel Month

  1. Pretzels have religious significance

    It's especially true among Catholics. The knot shape represents hands in prayer, and the three holes within the pretzel represent the three persons of the Holy Trinity

  2. Pretzels are everywhere

    Soft pretzels have become a staple at entertainment venues such as movie theaters, arenas, concert halls, and stadiums. Philadelphia's credited with introducing the first American soft pretzel.

  3. Pretzels have massive influence

    The pretzel has become an element in popular culture. More than just a popular food, the pretzel’s unique knotted design has inspired architectural and artistic ideas, perspectives, attitudes, and images.

National Soft Pretzel Month dates

Year Date Day
2027 April 1 Thursday
2028 April 1 Saturday
2029 April 1 Sunday
2030 April 1 Monday
2031 April 1 Tuesday