Celebrate National Pretzel Day with these Freebies and Deals!

Many of us have become familiar with the National celebration days, from those acknowledging our siblings or pets, as well as almost any kind of food you can imagine. And, luckily, pretzels are included on the calendar. April 26 is National Pretzel Day, a day that you can not only spend time appreciating pretzels and their history but also eating the doughy treats—and, depending on where you go, you may be able to score them for free or a reduced price.

But before you dip that pretzel into some spicy mustard, you might find the experience more enjoyable once you understand the history of this knot of dough. 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. They are also sometimes attributed (in legend, anyway) to German bakers who were held hostage by dignitaries.

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.

Pretzelmaker.  Pretzelmaker usually offers a FREE pretzel on National Pretzel Day.  You usually need to be a Pretzelmaker Rewards member by  downloading their new app to get their offer. The shop has yet to make any announcements about 2022. Look to social media for updates.

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.

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.

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.

The Pretzel Company. This is another online deal. Through the whole month of April, they have a buy one, get one 50% off deal. Use code BOGO50 at checkout.

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.

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Photo Credit:  Marie C Fields / Shutterstock.com