National Pretzel Day Deals Await

April 26 marks National Pretzel Day, honoring one of America’s cherished snacks. Whether you prefer the crispiness of a bag of salty pretzels or the warmth of a soft, cinnamon-coated one, both choices are equally delightful.

The origin of the pretzel is shrouded in a bit of historical mystery. While some credit an Italian monk in 610 AD for inventing pretzels as rewards for children who learned their prayers, others point to a monastery in southern France as its birthplace. Regardless, it’s widely acknowledged that pretzels have deep roots in Christian tradition.

Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants brought pretzels to North America in the 19th century, setting up handmade pretzel bakeries in central Pennsylvania. From there, the popularity of pretzels spread rapidly, especially soft pretzels in cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York.

Here are some more pretzel facts to munch on:

• The average Philadelphian consumes about 12 times more pretzels than the national average.
• Pennsylvania produces 80% of the nation’s pretzels, making it the pretzel capital of America.
• The annual U.S. pretzel industry is valued at over $550 million.
• On average, Americans consume about 1.5 pounds of pretzels per year.
• Philadelphia boasts a privately run “Pretzel Museum” that opened in 1993.
• Hard pretzels originated in the United States in 1850.

How to celebrate National Pretzel Day:

• Enjoy some pretzels, either homemade or store-bought.
• Get creative in the kitchen with a soft pretzel recipe.
• Show appreciation for your favorite pretzel maker.
• Share your pretzel love on social media using #NationalPretzelDay.
• Pair your pretzels with a delicious beer cheese dip for an extra treat.

Celebrate National Pretzel Day with a twist by diving into these savory deals from your favorite pretzel spots:

• Philly Pretzel Factory: Grab a free pretzel or twist with no purchase necessary and earn double points through the mobile app.
• Ben’s Soft Pretzels: Enjoy a free Original Jumbo Pretzel when you donate to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, supporting Gold Star and first responder families.
• Auntie Anne’s: Rewards members can savor a complimentary original or cinnamon sugar pretzel. Plus, check out their new online merchandise store for pretzel-themed goodies.
• Pretzelmaker: Swing by for a free order of small Original Pretzel Bites, salted or unsalted, at participating locations.
• Snyder’s of Hanover: Spice up your day with their latest creation, Hot Honey Flavored Pretzel Pieces, blending sweet honey with spicy chili heat.
• The Greene Turtle: Indulge in half-priced Bavarian Pretzel Sticks served with your choice of Fat Tire Beer Cheese or Bavarian Mustard.
• Eastern Standard Provisions: Score 30% off your order and grab the Signature Pretzel Lovers Pack at a whopping 50% discount with code NPD on their website.
• Wetzel’s Pretzels: Celebrating their 30th anniversary, Wetzel’s offers a free Original Pretzel at all locations from 3 p.m. until closing time. Enter their sweepstakes for a chance to win party catering or free pretzels for a year.
• Bar Louie: With a purchase of $15 or more, enjoy free bar bites daily until June 30, including Bavarian Pretzels, Chicken Nachos, and Calamari, via their upgraded Rewards App.