These days, it’s easy to find soft pretzels in every shape and size—and even every flavor. The traditional soft pretzel has been transformed into rolls, flatbreads, bites, knots and dessert options.
And this popularity doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Mentions of soft pretzels on appetizer menus is up 2.8% over the past two years and up 45% as an add-on during the same time period. Casual dining appears to be leading the charge on the pretzel trend, but signs suggest we will continue to see soft-pretzel innovation moving into other segments. Consumers view bread choices as an indulgence, as well as a way to customize and revitalize their snacks and sandwiches. This view opens the door for more original recipes and opportunities using soft pretzels on menus.
Snacking has increased 47% between 2010 and 2014, according to Baum & Whiteman, and consumers continue to crave customization and smaller, snackable options. As a result, convenience retailers are challenged with providing quality products that can be personalized to meet each guest’s individual preferences.
One easy way to do this is to take a base, such as soft pretzels, and provide a variety of dips or toppings, which allow guests to customize their snacks. This is fairly easy to execute if you have space for a soft-pretzel warmer and warming wells for two dips and two toppings. The warmer will keep the soft pretzels hot and fresh, and the warming wells can be used to hold mustard, cheese, salt and cinnamon sugar. This takes very little time to prepare and maintain but will be welcomed by your customers who seek a completely customized, warm and delicious snack.
When consumers aren’t looking for the smaller, snackable options, they’re on the hunt for photogenic food. Unique menu options are deemed post-worthy on social-media channels, and consumers will immediately share photos of these finds, along with catchy hashtags and location details, with their friends.
If you’re looking to add some buzz-worthy menu offerings in your convenience store, the 24-ounce Soft Pretzel Sandwich might be for you. This monster of a sandwich starts with a pre-sliced, 3-pound (24-ounce) soft pretzel that becomes the bookends for layers of oven-roasted turkey, sharp provolone, spicy mustard, lettuce, tomato and onion. The size alone is eye-catching, but the Bavarian-style soft pretzels also provide authenticity and a story.
Both post-worthy and inspired by authentic Southern cuisine is the Hot Chicken Soft Pretzel Sandwich. Nashville-style hot chicken is changing the chicken sandwich game this year, with chicken that is marinated in a very spicy mixture before it’s breaded and fried. Hot chicken is often accompanied with a bread to soak up those spicy and mouth-watering juices—and this is where the soft pretzel comes in. Soft-pretzel rolls are dense and doughy and perfect for soaking up those juices.
No matter how you serve them—salted, with dips, as a sandwich or rolled in toppings—soft pretzels are a great way to provide customization on your menu. Available in a variety of options, you can choose the traditional and delicious twisted soft pretzel or go for a more authentic Bavarian-style dough. Either way, bend the rules of pretzels this year and add more soft pretzels to your menu.
Sources: Baum & Whiteman, Technomic MenuMonitor
This post is sponsored by J&J Snack Foods