Pretzel (Soft)

Soft pretzels may be served in moderation after a child’s first birthday, although a taste here and there before then is fine. Make sure to serve pretzels in an age-appropriate way; hard pretzels in particular are named as a common choking hazard for babies and toddlers.^[1] Learn about hard pretzels.

Soft pretzels have roots in European baking traditions, particularly in German-speaking regions, where they are known as Breze. They later became a staple street food in parts of the United States, especially in Pennsylvania and the Midwest. Traditionally made from wheat dough that is briefly boiled before baking, soft pretzels are valued for their chewy crust and tender interior and are often enjoyed plain or with dips.

• Choose fresh pretzels, as stale soft pretzels can become more challenging to chew.

• Serve with a dip or spread to help with texture and moisture.

• Store leftover soft pretzels in an airtight container and reheat gently to restore softness.

Yes. Soft pretzels can be dense, challenging to chew, and can get gummy in the mouth, which are qualities that pose an increased risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve soft pretzels in an age-appropriate way as described in How to Serve. As always, make sure to create a safe eating environment and stay within reach of baby during meals. 

Learn the signs of choking and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

Yes. Pretzels are typically made with wheat or similar grains, and may contain other common allergens such as dairy, sesame, soy, egg, and others. Read the label carefully before serving.  Prior to sharing pretzels with baby, it is important to introduce common food allergens on their own and rule them out as allergens before serving them together in a prepared food. This way, you’ll be able to identify which allergen is responsible if baby has a reaction. Then, when you are ready to offer pretzels, you will be confident that they have already safely eaten any common food allergens in the food.

They can be in moderation, and as part of a varied diet. Pretzels offer some carbohydrates, some B vitamins, folate, and a dash of iron, depending on the ingredients, and whole grain pretzels may offer more fiber to support digestive health. That said, most varieties of pretzel contain moderate to high levels of sodium and some varieties can be high in sugar. Delaying the introduction of highly salty or sugary foods can help establish a foundation for a varied diet and establish healthy eating habits.^{[2] [3] [4]}

Yes. The large salt crystals on the outside of some pretzels are not harmful or a choking hazard for babies. However, they do provide a concentrated source of sodium in excess of baby’s needs, so consider brushing the salt off if you’re offering baby a taste.