Types of Soft Pretzels

Last updated on Jul 30, 2025

A long-time staple snack at movie theaters, concession stands, and boardwalks, soft pretzels have become a recognizable, classic snack food throughout the world and remains one of the most popular and profitable concession foods. In addition to its unique shape, sweet and savory flavor, and soft, chewy texture, the soft pretzel's portability and ability to customize pretzel types continue to keep soft pretzels an on-trend snack item in both grab-and-go establishments and sit down eateries.

Selling Soft Pretzels: What Are Your Options?

When it comes to selling soft pretzels, you can either choose to make them yourself or buy them pre-made. Both are excellent options, and the choice has to do with what option better suits your pretzel business's needs and capabilities.
Restaurant Equipment

Pre-Made Soft Pretzels

If you don't have the space, time, or equipment to make your own pretzels, pre-made pretzels may be the best option for you.

Advantages of pre-made soft pretzels:

  • Requires minimal prep time
  • Ensures consistency of quality and taste
  • Controls portion sizes and minimize waste
  • Comes in both shelf-stable and frozen options
Restaurant Equipment

House-Made Soft Pretzels

If you do have the space, time, and specialty pretzel equipment to make your own pretzels, house-made pretzels are an easy way to offer gourmet-quality products and can be a foundation for unique, innovative menu options.

Advantages of freshly-made soft pretzels:

  • Allows you to have greater control and flexibility over ingredients and quality
  • Can have a higher perceived value
  • Are more customizable for different pretzel types
Restaurant Equipment

Soft Pretzel Mixes

If you have the time and equipment, but may not be able to budget in ingredient and labor costs, soft pretzel mixes are an ideal way to take the guesswork out of crafting delicious soft pretzels from scratch!

Advantages of soft pretzel mixes:

  • Cuts down on preparation time without sacrificing freshness
  • Ensures consistenty in taste
  • Can help save on ingredient costs

Pretzel Shapes

While all are equally delicious, each shape serves a 'best' purpose on your menu!
Restaurant Equipment

Use for merchandising in your countertop warmer

Restaurant Equipment

Use for merchandising in portable cups in heated display cases

Restaurant Equipment

Use for topping with or dunking in your signature dips

Calculating Your Profits

Still unsure if soft pretzels are right for your business? Take a look at this profit calculator. Plug in your estimates in each field and see how much money you can make over the course of a year. You might be surprised!

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