Have you ever eked into a bar and wondered why so many salty snacks were laid out for the patrons? Pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, one or all three might be available at any bar at any time. Perhaps it’s a gesture of goodwill, the establishment’s way of saying “thank you” for dropping in for a tasty beverage or two. Perhaps. However, there’s another reason why so many salty snacks are abundant. And, if you’re a bar owner, there are a few good reasons why you should keep them in good supply.
The chemical name for salt is sodium chloride. When we consume this chemical compound, the receptors in our brain that recognize tase are temporarily weakened. This is also why tequila drinkers usually have a pinch of salt before slamming down a shot or two. If someone’s drinking a beer that is heavy on hops, the salt can actually amplify the flavor, making it more enjoyable. Leaving some salty snacks out for your patrons means they’ll be buying more in no time.
It’s no secret that consumption of anything salty requires something to wash it down with. Now that we’ve touched base upon the advantage of having salty snacks available let’s break down the economic incentives for having them available to your patrons. Salty snacks, when purchased in bulk or wholesale, are relatively inexpensive. On average, let’s say they’re $5 a bag. If someone’s planning on buying up some IPAs at $7 a pop, you’re bound to recoup a sizable return on your salty purchase.
Science is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? While it’s true that salty snacks make beer go down easier, this union is very much a two-way street. Alcoholic beverages always go well with salty snacks, and as we consume more beers, we get a hankering for some peanuts, fries, or chips. There’s a reason for that. Alcohol makes those snacks much more enjoyable. So you see, salt and alcohol are very much the yin and yang of an enjoyable night at the bar.
With beer and salt being such an outstanding combination, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s finally a snack that seamlessly combines both. At Boardwalk Food Company, we specialize in craft beer-inspired pretzels that are perfect for any brewery, bar, or tavern. To find out where you can place an order, visit us at boardwalkfoodco.com.
