8/3/05 | Bavarian Pretzels
[ Currently Eating: Vietnamese "Mystery Meat" Sandwich ]
For the longest time, I was completely in the dark regarding a saying that I used to hear workmates repeat once in awhile: “These Pretzels are making me thirsty”. Now that I’m finally clued into where it came from (George Constanza Kramer), well Seinfeld is of course history. Late as ever…
But anyhow, it’s because of that episode that I bring to you a review of these Anderson Bavarian Dutch Style Pretzels that we purchased from the 99 cent store. I don’t know the exact procedure that goes into making these pretzel knots but it doesn’t seem like rocket science. It’s just a cracker shaped like a twist with a toasted coating and some coarse salt sprinkled on it right?
This box is actually quite large, almost a foot long, half a foot wide and 3 inches high. I guess they need to make it so big because if you’ve ever had these types of pretzels before you know that they take up a lot of room. And you can’t squash them in there or else they’ll break easily.
I’ve had many other types of pretzels before, ranging from Frito-Lay’s Rold Gold to Snyder’s of Hanover which a lot of people say are the Rolls Royce of pretzels. I was actually quite surprised that these cheapo Anderson pretzels were mostly whole and unbroken. I was just expecting a box of smashed bits. Maybe because they are so thick that they are difficult to break.
But how did it taste right? Surprisingly good actually. If you were in a pretzel eating contest and you weren’t paying attention and just shoveling them down the hatch (highly not recommended as the broken ends are sharp like the dickens) I would say that you would not notice the difference at all.
The crunch is about the same; these were surprisingly fresh. I was expecting a stale taste to them, but they tasted pretty much like normal pretzels do. I did notice that it had a more of a “saltine cracker” taste and less toasty goodness that you associate with the name brand pretzels. One thing is that these make a big mess. You don’t want to take a handful and eat them in bed while watching TV unless you like sandy bedsheets.
The salt on the pretzels was just about right for me actually. It actually had less salt sprinkled on than other brands like Rold Gold. I think maybe a lot of the salt had fallen off from rattling around in the box.
I think there are a lot of people out there who really like the Soft “real” pretzels that you get at amusement parks. I have had those before and they sure are good, nice and chewy with little bits of salt on them to make them exciting. The only thing is that can spoil this pretzel heaven is of course MUSTARD. No mustard on my pretzels please.
Although, I must confess that I’ve actually developed a fondness for Snyder’s Honey Mustard Pretzel Bits. I really don’t like normal mustard, so all I can say is they must have done something right to convince me to like them.
In any case, for the harder variety these Anderson Bavarian Pretzels will suffice for non-picky pretzel eaters. Definitely something to much on while you’re watching re-runs of Seinfeld…
Cheap Eats Score: 6/10
August 3rd, 2005 at 4:03 pm
Hey, thanks for that Taco Bell story. I know that all fast food is bad but I used to think Taco Bell was a bit healther… I wanna hear some more stories! (you can just drop by my blog and tell me) PS- Nice blog!
August 3rd, 2005 at 4:23 pm
lucy - good to see you hear, i’ve seen you on Marvo’s site more than once. Regarding Taco Bell - I think that is the best story I’ve got. Most of the other ones involve food poisoning… I know 4-5 people who have individually gotten sick from Taco Bell. I’ve avoided it so far, though I don’t eat at Taco Bell too much. Not that the 99 cents Jack in the Balpha tacos I eat are any more nutritious…
August 4th, 2005 at 9:04 am
I stopped eating at Taco Bell when I saw them put the “meat” in my taco via a squeeze tube. EWWWW! I also ended up spending more time in the bathroom after eating TB but that’s probably TMI. LOL
Anyway, I like the big pretzels like that. I can’t eat too many of them because they make my jaw sore from chewing but they are good with beer!
I have slowly started liking mustard more. I recently found a really yummy mustard made by Harry and David, it’s called Sweet and Spicy Beer mustard. I love it! Especially with kielbasa. 
August 4th, 2005 at 10:01 am
andie - oh yeah… kielbasa. very good. There is a German pub / restaurant I went to that served a crazy sausage platter with sauerkraut and mustard. I actually ate those sausage bites with the mustard b/c it was so good. Speaking of mustard, I saw on Food Network about this mustard called “Bertman” (?) that they serve at the Cleveland ballpark which is supposed to be very good.
I can’t believe I’m actually talking about mustard! I must be turning over a new leaf…
August 4th, 2005 at 5:29 pm
I have an odd hankering sometimes for either soft or hard pretzels in cheese dip … you know, plastic cheese that comes in a can.
I haven’t met a pretzel I didn’t like. Right now I’m eating some made from spelt from Newman’s Own (they were on sale at Whole Foods). Not bad, very crunchy but a little dry… they could use some cheese dip.
August 4th, 2005 at 6:50 pm
cybele - Don’t even begin on cheese dip… I have a darn weakness for the orange goopy stuff. A friend likes to dip Doritos in frito lay nacho cheese dip. I was like, “but that’s cheese on cheese!” and he’s like, “yeahhhh…” =)
March 24th, 2007 at 8:29 am
where can I buy the Anderson Baldy Pretzels? I can’t find them anywhere. Please help.
April 13th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
How can I purchase the Dutch Style Hard Pretzels I can’t find them in any of the dollar stores in Las Vegas anymore Please let me know I am dying for them Thanx
January 16th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Please let me know where I can purchase a case of Anderson pretzels. We use to be able to buy them at Duane Reade in New York City but now I am in New Jersey and can’t find them anywhere. Please help
May 26th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
where can I buy the bavarian salt and not salt >I am in new york now .no problem in florida my zip is 11968
June 14th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
where can I buy them anderson Bavarian I tried cvs by me no luck