If you’ve ever stopped in for a pint at your favorite watering hole, you may have noticed that an array of tasty and salty snacks is readily available. Why is this? Sure, pretzels and beer are as much an iconic pairing as peanut butter and jelly, but why give them away for free? The answer to this question requires a short history lesson. That’s right, in an age where a wealth of knowledge is readily available, we’re going to offer some insight into one of America’s favorite beer time snacks. 

A Page of Pretzel History 

Believe it or not, the pretzel dates all the way back to the year 610 AD. (Now that’s some lineage!) The treat was crafted by an Italian monk whose name has been long lost to the annals of history. The creation was born out of the need to give positive reinforcement to children who learned their prayers. The treat, whose design is meant to mimic crossed arms is called “pretiola”, or “little rewards.” 

While it’s somewhat unclear regarding the continued evolution of the salty snack treat, it’s documented that Dutch immigrants brought their tradition with them when they set foot in the United States sometime in the 19th century. As the 20th century began, the snack became increasingly popular in Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia. Pennsylvania loves pretzels so much that they were given their own unique day of celebration in 2003 by governor Ed Rendall. 

Served with Beer

This leads us back to our original topic. Why ARE pretzels so good with beer? Well, there’s a two-tiered answer to this curiosity that we’ll do our best to answer in a thorough manner. 

• Flavor Intensifier Depending upon what type of beer you enjoy, the salt that adorns the average pretzel has a direct correlation on the flavor. If you’re a domestic beer drinker and enjoy brands such as Budweiser, PBR, and Coors, salt provides a unique flavor contrast because of the lack of hops typically found in these brands. For beer aficionados who enjoy craft beers and IPAs, the salt works in conjunction with the bitterness of the hops, accenting the flavor to a considerable degree.
• Brain Chemistry In simple terms, pretzels make beer go down easier. A more detailed explanation actually has to do with the chemical compound in salt, Sodium Chloride. This chemical has an effect on the flavor receptors in our brain that identify bitter tastes. Aside from this, salt dehydrates the body and our natural reaction is to put liquid back in to replenish ourselves. 

Boardwalk Food Co. 

If you’re a business owner and feel that carrying pretzels at your location can be a good idea, Boardwalk Food Company will gladly be of service. Our craft pretzels are top of the line, and can make any trip to your business a memorable one. For quotes, products, and information on setting up an account, visit us at wholesale-request.