Pretzels Basics

Securing the materials you need for the pretzel business
By Nate Waymire, Freelance Writer Whether you run a gourmet pretzel franchise, sell soft pretzels wholesale or create your own exotic pretzel twists, there are a few necessities you should stock up on. Pretzels are one of the most commonly eaten snacks because they taste good, offer a healthier alternative to many other goodies like chips or candy and provide some of the essential nutrients every person should have each day. Newly established pretzel makers will need to learn pretzels basics and then experiment with various ingredients to come up with their own signature flavors. Once their product line is established, they will have a better understanding of the different supplies they need to create the tasty treats.

Make sure you have all the supplies for pretzels you need on hand. Some of the items you must have include:

1. All of the ingredients required to produce basic soft pretzels;

2. Display cases that keep their products heated at public locations;

3. Specialty toppings for the pretzel snacks.

Prepare to produce your own pretzels

Every pretzel company must create their own mixtures that have a distinct taste in order to set them aside from other soft pretzel manufacturers. When you are getting started, it's a good idea to see what other pretzel makers have done so you can get the basics down and then expand upon the process to make it your own. Find out what the standard ingredients are (such as flour, yeast and gluten), and how each pretzel is shaped and formed into the finished product. Take your time while trying to develop your own batter and experiment to find out what works.
Try:  J.R.Leverentz shows you what ingredients are necessary and how pretzels are made. Learn how to create a pretzel with help from The Prepared Pantry.

Pick out toppings for your gourmet pretzels

Salt is the most common topping, but there are many different ways to spice up a pretzel. You may want to sell pretzels that have frosting on top, are dipped in sugar or caramel, covered in chocolate or drizzled with butter. Perhaps you would prefer to create another food such as a pretzel pizza or pretzel dog. The applications are limited only by your imagination. It may help to review the flavors that are currently available from pretzel wholesalers to get those ideas flowing and help you to create something new.
Try:  Investigate the types of specialty pretzels you can make by looking at websites like Pretzels Plus or BakeryWerks.

Find display cases to keep your pretzels warm

Once you have created your recipes and made the products you intend to sell at public locations, you will need a display case to store and show them off. These cases also produce heat to keep the snacks ready to eat at all times. This means that anywhere you set up shop must have at least one electrical outlet available, which is important to keep in mind when picking out a location. These pretzel racks usually operate at 100 degrees or more internally and take up just over one foot of counter space.
Try:  Obtain a heated display case from Kitchen Supply Direct or RestaurantSupplyExperts.

• Purchase ingredients in bulk from discount retailers if you need to provide wholesale pretzels to your customers.
• Don't forget the extra supplies for your pretzel stand such as napkins, snack carrying sleeves or mustard.