Answer: Yes. There’s a wide range of options when it comes to vegan pretzels at Auntie Anne’s.
If you love pretzels, you can’t go wrong with Auntie Anne’s. They make some of the best pretzels, which are very popular. But are Auntie Anne’s Pretzels vegan? That is the question that is on every vegan’s mind.
So to set things straight, however, some controversies lead others to believe they may have some non-vegan elements. So it isn’t easy to conclude whether pretzels are vegan or non-vegan.
Table of Contents
How Are Pretzels Made?
Pretzels are generally made from flour, oil, salt, and sugar recipes. They are pounded into a dough and then shaped into the traditional pretzel before they are baked. It is a simple recipe.
In factories, it is processed in a machine that churns and mixes all the ingredients. And when it comes out of the device, each chunk is fed to a guillotine that chops them into different sizes. These chunks are then twisted in a traditional pretzel by a machine.
However, sometimes bakers use butter or eggs as some of the ingredients. So this is where it becomes a problem for vegans. But generally, they are not used.
Why Are Auntie Anne’s Pretzels Vegan?
On a technical level, pretzels qualify as vegan. The process of making them and the primary ingredients used do not have animal-related products. And because it is a simple recipe, there is no need to use artificial colors and sweeteners. Therefore, all these factors point to the fact that pretzels are vegan-friendly.
Why Some of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels Are Considered Non-vegan?
Even though pretzels qualify as vegan snacks, some concerns and issues make some non-vegan. And although the factors may seem subtle, strict vegans take things seriously. Some companies often use different types of fats to add to the taste of the pretzel. Additionally, animal ingredients are gently brushed on the dough to intensify the greasy and shiny brown texture when baking. And animal ingredients are not a welcome sign for vegans.
Three ingredients make some vegans believe that pretzels are not vegan. The first one is the use of an egg. Many pretzel bakers use eggs to wash the outer dough before putting them in the oven, which helps achieve that peculiar sheen on a pretzel. But an egg is a non-vegan product.
The second issue with vegans regarding non-vegan pretzels is the use of butter. You know butter is not a vegan product because it is a dairy product. And bakers use it in the same way as using eggs before baking a pretzel. But dairy product in any form is a big no for vegans.
And finally, the third non-vegan element is the use of another dairy product in the form of milk. Many bakers use milk as an ingredient in soft pretzels, which is why vegans consider them non-vegan.
However, one of the best things about Auntie Anne’s is that they allow you to choose pretzels with and without dairy products as an ingredient. So it eliminates the possibility of you accidentally picking a non-vegan pretzel.
Vegan Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
Auntie Anne’s have a wide range of options when it comes to vegan pretzels. And you can take a quick bite anywhere if you know which ones are vegan. So to help you out, here are some of the vegan pretzels.
Original Pretzels
The Original Pretzels by Auntie Anne’s are vegan-friendly snacks. It stays true to its taste and aesthetics and clearly mentions whether any butter, oil, or animal products are part of the product. But you don’t need to worry because the Original Pretzels do not have such ingredients.
Sweet Almond Pretzel
This one is a delight for almond lovers. Almond is a nutritious food; most vegans consume it as a staple. And you can’t go wrong with Auntie Anne’s Sweet Almond Pretzel. They taste sweet and salty, and the freshly baked pretzels are sprinkled with almond topping.
The sweet almond pretzels are a delight. When you bite into it, the almond crust gives it a crunchy texture and combines well with a caramel dip. And rest assured, it is a pure vegan product with no additional non-vegan elements.
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel
The Cinnamon Sugar pretzel by Auntie Anne’s is another vegan-friendly pretzel for you. These pretzels are sprinkled with cinnamon and sweet sugar to give them a flavor you cannot resist. And all the ingredients used are plant-based products so you can consume them safely. You can try them with a sweet glaze dip to spice things up.
Jalapeno Pretzel
The Jalapeno Pretzels by Auntie Anne’s offer a different flavor than the traditional pretzels, and they come with a top filled with jalapeno slices and look exotic. You can enjoy them with some fresh lemon juice.
Raisin Pretzel
If you love dry fruits, the Raisin Pretzel by Auntie Anne’s is the one to try. The raisin and dough combination gives you a sweet organic flavor. All the ingredients used are vegan-friendly, so the raisin pretzel is another option.
How to Order Vegan Pretzels at Auntie Anne’s?
Auntie Anne’s often uses butter or cheese as one of the ingredients on their pretzels. Nonetheless, vegan options are still available. So the next time you visit the store, order these five types of pretzels:
- Original Pretzel
- Sweet Almond Pretzel
- Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel
- Jalapeno Pretzel
- Raisin Pretzel
Are Pretzels Healthy?
Pretzels are considered healthy snacks, but they also have a downside regarding health issues. But generally, they are nutritious because they contain essential nutrients like carbs, fiber, sodium, vitamin B, protein, fat, and calories.
The amount of nutritional value also depends on the type of pretzel. For example, a wheat-based dough pretzel will have more essential nutrient values, etc. So every time you grab a pretzel for a snack, it supplements you with these health benefits. Nutrients like fiber help improve the digestive system, and carbs are excellent energy sources.
Nonetheless, pretzels also have a downside because of the ingredients used. And more specifically, salt is an essential component of pretzels and is generously used. High salt consumption is not a healthy diet because it causes blood pressure problems.
The best way to ensure that pretzels are healthy is not to exceed consumption limits. That way, you can keep a check on the adverse health effects.
Vegan Alternatives for Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
Auntie Anne’s pretzels are a delightful treat, but you can also try other alternatives. If you want vegan options for your pretzels, here are some of them for you:
Rold Gold Pretzels
The original pretzel by Rold Gold is a great alternative. It is a purely vegan-based product, and they also do not use any dairy products. The product comes in a pack of tiny shaped pretzels without compromising the original taste. These pretzels are a favorite amongst vegans because they can carry them safely anywhere and enjoy them with their favorite dip and drink.
Snack Factory Pretzels
The original pretzel by Snack Factory is another excellent alternative for vegans. They also come in a packet and are salted, crispy little pretzels. And it contains only the primary ingredients like salt, flour, and sugar, so there are no non-vegan elements.
The original pretzel by Snack Factory is a fun-filled pack of pretzels you can enjoy at a party or any casual activity.
Super Pretzel
The soft pretzel by Super Pretzel is another vegan-friendly pretzel. They are pre-baked pretzels on a packet and made from wholesome vegan ingredients. The ingredients are wheat flour, barley flour, and the traditional primary ingredients. So they are all vegan-based products and safe to consume.
Homemade Pretzels
If you still want to take precautions as a vegan, the best option is to make your pretzels at home. You can use only vegan products and avoid any dairy or animal-based ingredients.
The best thing about making your pretzels is that you can choose the type of flour you want to use. And different flours have different nutritional values, so depending on how nutritious your pretzel is, you can select anything from white flour to barley or wheat flour.
It also allows you to experiment with your favorite flavors or dry fruits and nuts. And depending on how you like your pretzels, you can bake them soft or hard and crispy.
Conclusion
It is easy to get lost in the debate about whether Auntie Anne’s pretzels are vegan or non-vegan. And compared to other cases, the controversies surrounding pretzels as a non-vegan product are subtle. That is why most people assume that pretzels are vegan, bearing a few types that use egg and dairy products in minute amounts.
