Pretzel bread

Pretzel bread is a type of bread made from a yeast dough that is briefly dipped in an alkaline solution (like baking soda or lye) before baking, giving it a characteristic dark brown, shiny crust and a chewy interior. Its typical ingredients include flour, water, yeast, salt, and sugar, with the alkaline bath being the key step that distinguishes it from other breads. It is a traditional German and Central European food, often associated with Bavaria and the Oktoberfest celebration.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Pretzel bread is generally high in carbohydrates, with a moderate amount of protein and low fat, making it a good source of energy. A typical serving (about one medium-sized pretzel roll or 100g) can provide roughly 250-300 calories, along with some iron and B vitamins from the flour.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	230 kcal
Protein	8 g
Carbs	46 g
Fat	1.5 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	480 mg
Potassium	100 mg
Iron	3.5 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.4 mg
Niacin (B3)	4.5 mg
Folate	100 mcg
Magnesium	25 mg
Phosphorus	90 mg
Selenium	14 mcg

Per 1 roll (85 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The unique alkaline bath process not only creates the pretzel's signature crust but also enhances the Maillard reaction, leading to a deeper flavor and a more digestible texture. Nutritionally, the alkaline treatment can slightly increase the availability of certain minerals like iron and zinc in the bread.