Don’t get it twisted, the best way to celebrate National Pretzel Day is to enjoy lots of salty savings at many popular shops around the country.
Whether you’re a fan of Auntie Anne or go weak over Wetzel’s Pretzels, you can enjoy the popular snack without spending lots of dough on April 26.
With so many flavors, sizes and types, pretzels are definitely one of the most popular snacks of all-time. Even more enjoyable, when you can bite into one for FREE or at a discount on National Pretzel Day.
Here are some fun facts about pretzels to whet your appetite:
The origins of the name “pretzel” are lost in history, but monks were likely involved. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, pretzel comes from the German brezel, which came from the Latin bracellus or brachiatellus, meaning “little arms” because the twist of the pretzel is reminiscent of arms folded in prayer. Other scholars say the first pretzels were called pretiolas (little rewards) and given by the monks to students who did a good job reciting prayers.
The earliest pretzels were all soft. The hard, crunchy kind were likely invented in the 19th century in Pennsylvania.
How much do Americans love pretzels? Consumers munch on approximately 1.5 pounds of pretzels each annually.
What part of the country enjoys the salty snacks the most is up for debate. However, Philadelphia is the center of American pretzel production — both in hard and soft varieties.
Now that you’re well versed in pretzel lore, take a look at the National Pretzel Day deals available on April 26.
National Pretzel Day Deals 2022
The offers are valid at participating locations, while supplies last. Limit one per customer.

Photo: Pierre Gui on Unsplash
Auntie Anne’s: Spend time with your favorite “aunt” on National Pretzel Day! Pretzel lovers can enjoy a FREE Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel at Auntie Anne’s on April 26. All you “knead” to do is sign up for Pretzel Perks on the shop’s app before or on April 26. (Online and app orders are subject to service fees.)
Every single pretzel at the shop is freshly baked and made from five simple, fresh ingredients.
Located within shopping malls, the chain has nearly 1,200 locations in 49 states.
Ben’s Soft Pretzels: Enjoy a good pretzel and support a good cause on National Pretzel Day. On April 26, Ben’s Soft Pretzels is celebrating the “twisted” day by giving a FREE pretzel to anyone who donates at least $1 to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The salty offer is available from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The shop is home to Amish-inspired soft pretzels, hand-rolled and made fresh daily.
The chain has more than 100 locations, largely in Indiana and Michigan.
Milwaukee Pretzel Company: Get pretzels delivered right to your front door! Get 25% off an online order at the Milwaukee Pretzel Company on National Pretzel Day, April 26. Use promo code PRETZELDAY22 at checkout.
The online shop’s Bavarian soft pretzels are handmade and freshly baked — perfect for traditional pretzel fanatics.
Philly Pretzel Factory: Save lots of dough on National Pretzel Day! Pretzel fans can chew on a FREE pretzel at all Philly Pretzel Factory shops, including locations within Walmart, on April 26. (The giveaway excludes transportation and entertainment venues.)
In its 15th year of celebrating the salty day, the shop plans to give away more than 150,000 pretzels on National Pretzel Day.
All of the chain’s pretzels are hand-twisted and baked fresh using proprietary equipment with an ingredients list that’s short and sweet: Flour, water, yeast and a pinch of salt.
The shop has more than 170 locations.
Pretzelmaker: Pretzelmaker is making National Pretzel Day special for pretzel lovers. Every customer gets a FREE surprise in-store on April 26. (While the surprise has not officially been confirmed, many are assuming it’s going to be salty and good.)
Located within shopping malls, the chain has hundreds of shops in 36 states.
Wetzel’s Pretzels: Be “salty” on National Pretzel Day! Take a break with a FREE Original Pretzel at Wetzel’s Pretzels on April 26 — from 3 p.m. to closing.
The chain’s pretzels are hand-rolled, baked fresh and lightly buttered and salted. It’s also available without salt and/or butter.
The snack shop has more than 340 locations, mostly within shopping malls. (The offer excludes all theme parks, airports, arena, food trucks and delivery.)
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