Whether you like it warm or cold, soft or hard, maybe dipped in mustard or beer cheese, when you enjoy a pretzel, you’re taking a bite of history.
This popular snack has its own holiday: National Pretzel Day, which is Sunday, April 26th. Many pretzel purveyors also have giveaways and specials to celebrate.
These days, pretzels can be found not only in supermarkets and convenience stores, but also at baseball stadiums, breweries, shopping malls, and movie theaters. However, according to History.com, pretzels date back 1,500 years, appearing as a food source in 7th century Europe with soft twisted bread served as a Lenten food for Catholics.
German immigrants brought pretzels to colonial Pennsylvania in the early 1700s, and the region remains a hotbed of pretzel production. “National Pretzel Day” began in 2003 when Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell proclaimed April 26 as a special day to recognize the historical significance of the pretzel, the National Day Calendar site states.
Pretzels are considered a healthier snack than other options such as potato chips, and consumer spending on pretzels is estimated to increase from $1.8 billion in 2025 to $2.4 billion by 2033, according to Research and Markets.
Craving a pretzel? Here are some National Pretzel Day specials to consider.
Auntie Anne’s National Pretzel Day Free Pretzel Deals
The pretzel chain will offer a free Original Pretzel or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel to new and existing Auntie Anne’s Rewards loyalty program members on Sunday, April 26th. Rewards members can redeem free pretzel deals in-store or online (at participating locations) in the Auntie Anne’s Rewards app.
If you’re a pretzel lover, Auntie Anne’s also has a new limited-edition Golden Pretzel Pass, which costs $50 and gets you one pretzel a week for a year (available at participating locations while supplies last).
Other National Pretzel Day sales
- Green sea turtle: On National Pretzel Day, Sunday, April 26, get half off the price of your Bavarian Pretzel Stick order when you purchase a meal or carry-out item (dine-in only).
- National Pretzel Company: Get $10 off every box and claim a free dip in your online shopping cart. The York County, Pennsylvania, company ships to the lower 48 states.
- Pretzel maker: Members of the Pretzelmaker Rewards loyalty program can order free Small Pretzel Bites (salted or unsalted) at participating locations on April 26th. Also, when you claim your freebie, you’ll receive a $5 bounceback deal on orders of $20 or more. Valid for 14 days in-store or online. Members can also get a free limited-edition sticker on National Pretzel Day by presenting the app or providing their phone number in-store to verify their account.
- Snack Factory: Buy 2 bags of Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps – Original (7.2 oz.), Gluten-Free Original (5 oz.), or 1 bag of each at participating retailers, including Kroger, Publix, and Giant, and get a 1 bag refund. To get your offer, sign up online on Sunday, April 26th and purchase snacks with one receipt. Text a photo of your receipt by May 2nd to receive a rebate (up to $5.29) via Venmo or PayPal. (Limited to one per person while supplies last.)
- Super pretzel: This Sunday, April 26th, for National Pretzel Day, participating Subway locations inside Walmart stores will be selling soft pretzels (original, salted or cinnamon sugar) for $1.
- Tom Sturges Pretzels: This online store, which is offering 10% off cans of pretzels through the end of April, is part of Pennsylvania Pretzel history. Opened by the Sturgis family in 1946, the factory is an expansion of the original Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery in Lititz, Pennsylvania, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and open for tours.
- Uncle Jerry’s Pretzels: To celebrate National Pretzel Day, the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania-based maker of handmade pretzels is offering 10% off all online orders on Sunday, April 26th and Monday, April 27th (use code NPD26).
- Wetzel pretzels: The bakery chain, which has more than 400 stores, will be giving away one free original pretzel to each person from 3pm on Sunday, April 26th until the store closes (no purchase necessary).
Mike Snyder is a national trends news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, and X, and email him at: mike snyder & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.
