Gluten free pretzels have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people adopt gluten free diets. Pretzels are a beloved snack for many, but traditional pretzels contain wheat flour, making them off limits for those avoiding gluten. Thankfully, several companies have stepped up to produce tasty gluten free pretzel options so no one has to miss out on this treat.
The Growing Demand for Gluten Free Pretzels
Gluten free diets have seen tremendous growth over the past decade. An estimated 3.1 million Americans have celiac disease and must avoid gluten. However, many more people avoid gluten due to gluten sensitivity or other reasons. About 1 in 5 Americans actively try to include more gluten free foods in their diets.
Pretzels are a snack enjoyed by many. In fact, the average American consumes about 1.5 pounds of pretzels per year. But traditional pretzels are off limits for those avoiding gluten due to containing wheat flour. The growing number of people seeking out gluten free options has led to more diversity in the gluten free pretzel market.
Top Gluten Free Pretzel Brands
Several reputable brands now offer tasty gluten free pretzel options to meet this growing demand. Here are some of the top gluten free pretzel brands to look for:
Snyders of Hanover Gluten Free Pretzels
Snyders of Hanover, a century old pretzel company, launched their first gluten free pretzel variety in 2013. They now offer several gluten free pretzel flavors including mini sticks, braided twists, and rods. Snyders gluten free pretzels are made with corn flour instead of wheat.
Glutino Gluten Free Pretzels
Glutino is a trusted brand in gluten free foods, with over 25 years of experience in the industry. They offer gluten free pretzel sticks and gluten free pretzel chips in flavors like original and cinnamon sugar. Glutino pretzels are made with potatoes, corn, and rice flours.
Utz Gluten Free Specials Pretzels
Utz Quality Foods entered the gluten free market in 2012 with their Utz Gluten Free Specials line of snacks. Their gluten free pretzels come in sticks, minis, and braided twists. Utz gluten free pretzels substitute corn flour and potato starch for wheat flour.
Pretzel Pete Gluten Free Pretzels
Pretzel Pete started out selling soft pretzels at farmers markets in California. They have since expanded into gluten free pretzels, offering original and cinnamon sugar flavors. Their gluten free pretzels are manufactured in a dedicated gluten free facility and use sorghum flour as the base.
Katz Gluten Free Pretzel Sticks
Katz Gluten Free is a New York based company offering gluten free bakery products, including pretzel sticks and pretzel crisps. Their gluten free pretzels are made with potato starch, corn starch, and rice flour and are certified gluten free to less than 5 ppm.
What Makes a Good Gluten Free Pretzel?
Recreating the taste, texture, and appearance of a traditional wheat-based pretzel using only gluten free ingredients is no easy feat. Here are some important factors in producing quality gluten free pretzels:
Ingredients
Gluten free flours like rice, corn, potato starch, and sorghum are typically used in place of wheat flour. Finding the right blend is important to mimicking the texture and taste of real pretzels. Xanthan gum or guar gum is often added to help bind ingredients.
Manufacturing Process
Gluten free pretzel dough can be more delicate than traditional wheat dough. Extruding and shaping the dough properly without breaking takes some finesse. Care must also be taken to avoid cross-contamination for sensitive celiac customers.
Flavoring
Nailing the distinctive pretzel taste is important for consumer satisfaction. Ingredients like malt syrup or malt powder can replicate the malty, toasty flavor of wheat-based pretzels. Salt level also impacts overall flavor.
Appearance
Consumers want a pretzel that looks like a pretzel. Getting the proper brown exterior with the southwestern knot shape can be difficult with gluten free dough. The right baking time and technique helps achieve the expected appearance.
Texture
A gluten free pretzel should have a chewy interior similar to a soft pretzel. It shouldn’t be overly hard or brittle. Finding the balance between crunchy exterior and tender interior takes expertise.
Shelf life
Pretzels are a pantry stable snack that should retain their texture and flavor for months. Gluten free pretzel producers have to ensure their products achieve a proper shelf life through careful ingredient selection and water activity controls.
Are Gratify Gluten Free Pretzels Any Good?
Gratify Foods is a newer entrant into the gluten free pretzel market. Founded in 2017 in Haddonfield, New Jersey, Gratify offers three varieties of gluten free pretzels: Original, Everything, and Cinnamon Sugar.
Ingredients
Gratify uses a straightforward ingredient list for their gluten free pretzels. Their pretzels are made from a blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, and xanthan gum. Rice flour adds neutral flavor while the potato starch and tapioca provide texture. Xanthan gum helps bind the dough.
Manufacturing & Testing
Gratify pretzels are made in a dedicated gluten free facility to prevent cross-contamination. Each batch is lab tested to verify non-detectable levels of gluten (less than 5 ppm). Their allergen controls meet FALCPA standards.
Texture & Flavor
Reviews generally praise Gratify gluten free pretzels for achieving a crunchy outer shell with a chewy, dense interior, much like a soft pretzel. The pretzels are described as pleasantly salty without being overly salty. They toast up nicely under the broiler or in a toaster oven.
Appearance
Gratify nails the traditional knotted pretzel shape with their gluten free offerings. Their pretzels have a mottled brown exterior that consumers say closely mimics the look of regular pretzels. The Everything variety is coated in traditional pretzel toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion, and garlic.
Price
At around $5 per 7-ounce bag, Gratify gluten free pretzels cost a bit more than mass market gluten free pretzels but are competitively priced for a specialty brand. Many reviews say Gratify pretzels are worth the slightly higher cost for the quality.
Where to Buy Gratify Gluten Free Pretzels
So where can you find Gratify gluten free pretzels? Here are some of the best places to buy them:
Online Direct from Gratify
You can buy all three varieties of Gratify gluten free pretzels directly from their website GratifyFoods.com. They offer free shipping on orders over $40. Purchasing directly from the company ensures you’re getting a fresh product.
Amazon
All three Gratify pretzel varieties are available on Amazon with free Prime shipping. Amazon often offers subscribe and save discounts on Gratify pretzels making this an economical option if you plan to buy regularly.
Specialty Grocery Stores
You can find Gratify gluten free pretzels in the gluten free aisle of many well-stocked specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Earth Fare. Availability varies by location.
Walmart
A limited selection of Gratify gluten free pretzels is sometimes available on Walmart.com and in some retail locations. Check online for store availability in your area.
Convenience Stores
Some convenience store chains like Wawa, Kwik Trip, and Sheetz have started carrying Gratify gluten free pretzels due to customer requests. Contact your local convenience store to ask them to stock Gratify pretzels.
Gratify Gluten Free Pretzel Nutrition Facts
How do Gratify gluten free pretzels stack up nutritionally compared to regular pretzels? Here is a comparison of the nutrition facts for a 1 ounce (about 10 mini pretzels) serving of each:
| Nutrient | Gratify GF Pretzel | Regular Pretzel |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 110 | 108 |
| Fat | 0g | 1g |
| Sodium | 330mg | 482mg |
| Carbs | 23g | 22g |
| Fiber | 0g | 1g |
| Sugar | 0g | 1g |
| Protein | 2g | 3g |
The nutrition stats are quite similar between the two types of pretzels, with a few key differences:
- Gratify gluten free pretzels are lower in sodium
- Regular pretzels contain 1 gram of fiber and sugar per serving vs 0 grams in the gluten free version
- Regular pretzels also have 1 extra gram of protein
Overall the macros are comparable between the two types of pretzels. Those following a gluten free diet can enjoy Gratify pretzels as an occasional treat without major nutritional sacrifice.
The Verdict on Gratify Gluten Free Pretzels
Gratify Foods has succeeded in creating a tasty gluten free pretzel that rivals the texture, flavor, and appearance of traditional wheat-based pretzels. Using simple gluten free ingredients and holding to strict manufacturing standards allows them to produce a quality product.
While reviews of Gratify pretzels are overwhelmingly positive, some opportunities exist for improvement. A few people mention wishing the pretzels were bigger or had a heartier crunch. And those watching sodium intake may want further reduced sodium options. But overall, most gluten free consumers are thrilled to have access to such an affordable, widely available option.
The bottom line – if you are looking for a great tasting gluten free pretzel, Gratify is an excellent choice. Their pretzels satisfy the snack cravings of gluten free eaters without the hassle of special ordering or excessive cost. Gratify earns top marks for accessibility, taste, and texture.
