Heart shaped pretzels have become quite popular, especially around Valentine’s Day. Many major pretzel companies now offer heart shaped varieties of their classic salty snack. In this article, we’ll look at some of the history behind heart shaped pretzels, examine some of the major brands that sell them, and overview some fun ways to use them.
The History of Heart Shaped Pretzels
Pretzels themselves have a long history, dating back to medieval Europe. The classic knotted shape is thought to represent arms crossed in prayer. While the exact origin is unclear, most food historians agree pretzels were likely created by German monks sometime around the 7th century.
The first pretzels were soft and chewy, made from water, flour, and salt. Hard pretzel varieties emerged later on. Pretzels eventually became popular festival and street foods throughout central and eastern Europe. Immigrants later brought pretzel recipes and traditions to America.
In the 1860s, Julius Sturgis opened the first commercial pretzel bakery in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Other large scale pretzel baking operations soon popped up in Philadelphia and other parts of Pennsylvania, which became and remains the heart of pretzel production in the U.S. Pennsylvania produces over 80% of the nation’s pretzels today.
While the classic knot shape has always dominated pretzel making, some creative twisting has given rise to other shapes over the years. The heart shaped pretzel likely emerged in the early 20th century. Pretzel bakers realized heart shapes would sell well around Valentine’s Day, which was growing in popularity at the time.
Some sources report heart shaped pretzel sightings as early as the 1920s. They began showing up more regularly in the 1940s and 50s. Heart pretzels were initially most popular in the Philadelphia region, but gradually spread to other parts of the U.S. as major pretzel companies expanded.
Today, heart shaped pretzel varieties are a staple offering among most major pretzel brands. It has become tradition for many people to give heart pretzels as edible Valentine’s gifts or as treats at classroom parties. While still most popular at Valentine’s Day, heart pretzels are available year-round today.
Major Pretzel Brands Offering Heart Shaped Pretzels
Here are some of the major pretzel brands that now offer heart shaped pretzel varieties:
- Snyder’s of Hanover – Snyder’s is one of the largest pretzel makers in the U.S. Their heart shaped pretzels come in original, honey mustard, and chocolate flavors.
- Herr’s – Another leading pretzel brand, Herr’s sells honey and cinnamon heart pretzels for Valentine’s Day.
- Utz – Utz is a popular regional brand in the northeast U.S. Their heartzels come in original and chocolate coated versions.
- Rold Gold – Known for their tiny nibblers, Rold Gold offers heart shaped minis in original and chocolate flavors.
- Combos – This brand is known for filled pretzel snacks. They offer limited edition filled heartzels for Valentine’s Day.
- SuperPretzel – SuperPretzel sells soft bite-size heart pretzels in original, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate flavors.
- Auntie Anne’s – The popular pretzel shop chain sells classic original heart pretzels for Valentine’s Day.
- Kim’s Kakes – A specialty bakery offering gourmet chocolate dipped heart pretzels among other treats.
- Groff’s Gourmet Pretzels – A Pennsylvania bakery specializing in premium handmade heart shaped pretzels.
Nearly all major pretzel brands release heart shaped pretzels to stores in January in time for Valentine’s Day. It has become a big part of their seasonal product mix. Most brands make them available for a limited time through February. But some producers like SuperPretzel sell heart pretzels year-round thanks to popularity.
Fun Ways to Use Heart Shaped Pretzels
Heart pretzels aren’t just for Valentine’s Day. Here are some creative ways to use heart shaped pretzels beyond February 14:
- Wedding favors – Give heart pretzels as edible favors for guests.
- Birthday party treats – Use them to decorate trays of sweets at kids’ birthday parties.
- Ice cream toppings – Crush and sprinkle on ice cream for a salty-sweet accent.
- Salads – Toss crispy pretzel hearts on a salad for some crunch.
- Gifts baskets – Mix heart pretzels into gift baskets with other snacks.
- Holiday wreaths – Wire heart pretzels together into festive edible wreaths.
- Craft projects – Larger hearts can be strung into banners or used as ornaments.
- Garnishes – Adorn cakes, cupcakes, and cookies with heart accents.
- Snack mixes – Combine with nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, Chex cereal, etc.
- Party apps – Surround dips and spreads with heart pretzels instead of crackers or chips.
With so many sweet and salty flavors to choose from, there are endless possibilities for using heart shaped pretzels for holidays, special events, crafts, recipes, and everyday snacking.
Are Heart Pretzels Healthy?
Like regular pretzels, heart shaped pretzel nutrition will vary somewhat by brand. But most offer a relatively healthier snack compared to chips, cookies, candy, etc. Here is the nutrition profile for a typical heart pretzel:
| Serving Size | 1 heart pretzel (28g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 330mg |
| Carbs | 22g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 3g |
Pretzels are low in fat and higher in protein and fiber than many other snack items. However, they are quite high in sodium. Some brands offer low sodium versions, but most regular heart pretzels contain 300-400mg sodium per serving.
Overall, heart pretzels can be a better option than candy or greasy chips if consumed in moderation. But the high sodium content makes them an occasional treat food rather than a daily snack choice for most people. Those with high blood pressure or salt-sensitive conditions should be particularly mindful of portion sizes.
Where to Buy Heart Shaped Pretzels
Heart pretzels can be found at most grocery stores, big box stores, warehouse clubs, and mass retailers during January-February for Valentine’s Day. Some stores will carry them year-round.
Major chains where you can find heart pretzels include Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Kroger, Publix, Albertsons, and more. Many drugstores and discount stores will carry them among their seasonal candy selections.
Gourmet heart pretzels from specialty bakeries may be found at higher end grocery stores like Whole Foods or specialty food shops. You can also order artisan heart pretzels online from sites like Amazon.
For the biggest selection, check the pretzel aisle at stores during the Valentine’s season. Look for heart pretzel offerings among all the major brands. Some stores may have them in specialty holiday packaging.
Heart Pretzel Recipes to Make at Home
You can also make heart shaped pretzels at home with a few simple ingredients:
Basic Homemade Heart Pretzels
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp yeast
- Coarse salt
- Combine flour, brown sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Add water and knead until a dough forms.
- Allow dough to rest and rise slightly for 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 450 F.
- Divide dough into 8 pieces. Roll and shape each into a heart.
- Boil hearts 1 minute per side in salted water.
- Sprinkle with coarse salt and bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Chocolate Covered Heart Pretzels
- 12 soft heart pretzels
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- Sprinkles for decorating (optional)
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Dip each pretzel halfway into melted chocolate to coat.
- Top with sprinkles if desired. Place on wax paper.
- Refrigerate 30 minutes to harden chocolate before serving.
Making heart pretzels at home lets you control the ingredients and customize the flavors. They make a fun baking project with kids and a great edible gift from the kitchen.
Conclusion
Heart shaped pretzels have become a symbol of Valentine’s Day but can be enjoyed all year round. Many major pretzel brands now offer seasonal heart pretzels among their product lines, and they can be used creatively for crafts, recipes, and snacking. Though not the healthiest snack option, pretzel hearts provide a relatively lighter choice compared to other treats. They can be purchased in stores or fashioned at home for a fun project.