What Is Pretzel Salt? - Uncle Henry's Pretzel Bakery (2024)

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Part of what makes pretzels so delicious is the salt that tops them. But as you may have noticed, the salt you find on pretzels is not the same type of salt you sprinkle on other types of food. Indeed, pretzel salt is distinct from iodized salt, sea salt, and kosher salt—the three main types of salt that we use. Read on to learn more:

Pretzel salt—explainedWhat Is Pretzel Salt? - Uncle Henry's Pretzel Bakery (1)

Pretzel salt is a type of coarse long-grained salt. It is typically uniform in size with a flat, rectangular shape. These characteristics are what make them so good for pretzels as well as other types of baked goods. While it is called pretzel salt, you will also find this type of salt on bagels, focaccia bread, rolls, and other types of bread.

Do you always use pretzel salt for pretzels?

Ideally, you would use pretzel salt when making pretzels. But this type of salt is not always easy to find in the store. That’s why many people turn to kosher salt instead. And indeed, these two types of salt have a lot in common. Both are coarse and granular and lack any additives. The biggest difference between the two is their shape—pretzel salt is flat while kosher salt can range from flat to pyramids.

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However, kosher salt is not the only type of salt you can substitute. You can also use sea salt, bagel salt, or another type of coarse salt. We don’t recommend table salt, as this is usually too fine for pretzels.

Do you have to use salt on pretzels?

Pretzels are best with some salt, but you can reduce the amount you use. For instance, our reduced sodium pretzels do no use salt in the dough and reduces the amount used on top. That way, you can still get the delicious pretzel flavor without taking in too much sodium.

In addition to reduced sodium pretzels, we at Uncle Henry’s Pretzel Bakery have many varieties of handmade pretzels available. Check out our online shop to see our selection!

What Is Pretzel Salt? - Uncle Henry's Pretzel Bakery (2024)

FAQs

What Is Pretzel Salt? - Uncle Henry's Pretzel Bakery? ›

Pretzel salt is a type of coarse long-grained salt. It is typically uniform in size with a flat, rectangular shape. These characteristics are what make them so good for pretzels as well as other types of baked goods.

What is pretzel salt? ›

An intensely white and clean salt that provides visual and textural appeal to soft pretzels, breadsticks and other topical applications as well as seasonings and rubs.

What is the secret ingredient which makes a pretzel taste like a pretzel? ›

The answer lies in a brief dip in an alkaline water bath before baking. This bath essentially gelatinizes the outside of the pretzel, preventing it from fully “springing” during baking (as bread does) and giving pretzels their signature chewy crust. It also gives them their unique and indelible “pretzel” flavor.

Why does pretzel salt look different? ›

According to Uncle Henry's Bakery, pretzel salt isn't just used because it gives the dough flavor and texture, but also because its shape allows for even distribution. Further, pretzel salt isn't merely larger than regular salt, it also features a flatter, rectangular shape.

What is the oldest pretzel bakery in the US? ›

About. The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, founded in 1861, is the first commercial pretzel bakery in America; and the Sturgis Family is the oldest pretzel baking family in America.

What is a substitute for pretzel salt? ›

That's why many people turn to kosher salt instead. And indeed, these two types of salt have a lot in common. Both are coarse and granular and lack any additives. The biggest difference between the two is their shape—pretzel salt is flat while kosher salt can range from flat to pyramids.

Is pretzel salt healthy? ›

Unfortunately, salted pretzels are quite high in sodium. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting your sodium intake to 2,300 mg daily, but Americans consume 3,400 mg daily on average. Especially for people with high blood pressure, limiting sodium is beneficial for health. Low in fiber.

Why doesn't pretzel salt melt? ›

Pretzel Salt is a coarse, large-grained salt that doesn't melt quickly. Because it's “sturdier” than typical coarse salt or even flaky sea salt, it's the perfect choice for finishing salt bagels, bread sticks, or pretzels. If it is not available in your grocery store, use the coarsest salt you can find.

What is the white stuff on pretzel? ›

Traditional Bavarian pretzels are dipped in a lye solution before they are baked. Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide, is essentially the same stuff that's used to make soap and clean drains.

What state eats the most pretzels? ›

Over time, the pretzel became a staple and an integral part of Pennsylvania's culture and economy. The state is now known as the pretzel capital of the world, with Pennsylvanians consuming a whopping 12 times more pretzels than the national average.

What country is famous for pretzels? ›

Its origin is often attributed to Germany, specifically to the region of Bavaria, although its precise beginnings are somewhat debated. The pretzel was invented by European monks in the early Middle Ages, possibly in the 6th or 7th century.

Does Auntie Anne's bake their pretzels? ›

Products sold at Auntie Anne's franchise locations are baked fresh in-store. In order to provide you with a great Auntie Anne's experience at home, we use the same proprietary blend of flour used in our stores.

Is pretzel salt and kosher salt the same thing? ›

As for salt on Pretzels … Pretzel Salts are specifically processed for this purpose… they are compact crystals that may look like Kosher Salt but they are not… the compact crystals dissolve quicker in your mouth than the larger single crystal Kosher Salt and therefore will have a different taste….

Do pretzels use iodized salt? ›

Iodized salt is used for all prepared foods. 2. Salty foods, such as chips, pretzels, salted nuts, soy sauce, BBQ or hot sauces, ketchup.

What is the difference between sea salt and kosher salt? ›

Size: Kosher salt is large, and because it's industrially processed, it's more uniform in size. Sea salt crystals can be fine, flaky, chunky or coarse. Appearance: Kosher salt crystals are coarse and pebble-shaped, whereas sea salt is more delicate and crystals can take on a flaky or pyramid-like shape.

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