Pretzels — twisted knots of baked bread — come in endless flavors and unapologetically rule mall food courts. In the 1440s, the three holes in pretzels represented the Holy Trinity, good luck, and prosperity. Switzerland royals in the 1600s even recognized the tied knot of a pretzel as something that wished happiness on a newly-married couple. Some history also shows that an Italian monk would reward children with a pretzel for completing their prayers. The treat continued to rise in popularity and became the most popular snack to be enjoyed with beer by the 1960s in America.
Though not as sentimental but still as tasty, pretzels have evolved into treats that are sweet or savory, salty or covered in sugar, dipped in mustard or a delicious beer cheese. The holiday to celebrate the baked good, National Pretzel Day, falls on April 26, and aside from being a holiday beloved by The Office’s Stanley Hudson, it’s also the perfect time for pretzel lovers to snag them for a bargain. To help your search for some deals this week — helpful knowledge for your next trip to the mall — here’s a list of the best National Pretzel Day deals to help you celebrate.
Wetzel’s Pretzels
If you’re strolling around the mall, airport or seeing a baseball game on April 26, then you’re in luck. From 3 p.m. to close, and with no purchase necessary, customers can score a free original pretzel.
Auntie Anne’s
For Auntie Anne’s reward members, the chain is offering an in-app reward for your choice of a free Original or Cinnamon Sugar pretzel from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (no purchase requirement). So, download the app if you haven’t yet.
Ben’s Soft Pretzels
Ben’s is offering a free Original Jumbo pretzel with any donation made to the Tunnel To Towers Foundation.
Philly Pretzel Factory
With no app or purchase necessary, customers can walk into Philly Pretzel Factory and start their day off right with a free pretzel.
Pretzelmaker
For customers that come at any time on National Pretzel Day, you can get free small pretzel bites (a free snack they say in their Instagram caption customers, “100% deserve”).
Uncle Jerry’s Pretzels
To celebrate the holiday, Uncle Jerry’s Pretzels is offering customers 20% off their website with the code USATODAY in partnership with the newspaper and broadcasting company.
Stellar Snacks
If you’ve taken a flight recently with Southwest Airlines, then you probably saw Stellar Snacks being passed out by flight attendants. The family owned company is offering a 20% off deal on National Pretzel Day with code PRETZELDAY20.
Milwaukee Pretzel Company
When you sign up for Milwaukee Pretzel Company’s e-mail list, shoppers receive 15% off their first order from their shop’s array of Bavarian soft pretzels.