4 Places to Get Free or Cheap Pretzels on Friday

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Woman with pretzel
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Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on Living on the Cheap.

Don’t get it twisted; the best way to celebrate National Pretzel Day is to enjoy lots of salty savings at many popular shops around the country.

Whether you’re a fan of Auntie Anne pretzels or go weak over Wetzel’s Pretzels, you can enjoy the popular snack without spending lots of dough on April 26, 2024.

With so many flavors, sizes and types, pretzels are definitely one of the most popular snacks of all-time. Even more enjoyable, when you can bite into one for FREE or at a discount on National Pretzel Day.

Fun facts about pretzels to whet your appetite

Man holding pretzel
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The origins of the name “pretzel” are lost in history, but monks were likely involved. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, pretzel comes from the German brezel, which came from the Latin bracellus or brachiatellus, meaning “little arms” because the twist of the pretzel is reminiscent of arms folded in prayer.

Other scholars say the first pretzels were called pretiolas (little rewards) and given by the monks to students who did a good job reciting prayers.

The earliest pretzels were all soft. The hard, crunchy kind were likely invented in the 19th century in Pennsylvania.

How much do Americans love pretzels? Consumers munch on approximately 1.5 pounds of pretzels each year.

What part of the country enjoys the salty snacks the most is up for debate. However, Philadelphia is the center of American pretzel production — both in hard and soft varieties.

Now that you’re well versed in pretzel lore, take a look at the National Pretzel Day deals available on April 26.

1. Auntie Anne’s

Auntie Anne's
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Spend time with your favorite “aunt” on National Pretzel Day!

Auntie Anne’s is giving Auntie Anne’s Rewards members a FREE Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel on April 26, 2024. Join Auntie Anne’s Rewards here.

Every single pretzel at the shop is freshly baked and made from five simple, fresh ingredients.

Located within shopping malls, the chain has nearly 1,200 locations in 49 states.

2. Milwaukee Pretzel Co.

pretzel
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Get pretzels delivered right to your front door! For a limited time, get 30% off all pretzels at the Milwaukee Pretzel Co. — in honor of National Pretzel Day.

Use promo code PRETZELDAY30 at checkout.

The online shop’s Bavarian soft pretzels are handmade and freshly baked — perfect for traditional pretzel fanatics.

3. Philly Pretzel Factory

Philly Pretzel Factory
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Save lots of dough on National Pretzel Day!

Pretzel fans can chew on a FREE pretzel or twist at all Philly Pretzel Factory shops on April 26, 2024. (The giveaway excludes transportation and entertainment venues.)

In its 17th year of celebrating the salty day, the shop plans to give away more than 150,000 pretzels on National Pretzel Day.

All of the chain’s pretzels are hand-twisted and baked fresh using proprietary equipment with an ingredients list that’s short and sweet: Flour, water, yeast and a pinch of salt.

The shop has more than 170 locations.

4. Wetzel’s Pretzels

Wetzel's Pretzel store
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Be “salty” on National Pretzel Day!

Take a break with a FREE Original Pretzel at Wetzel’s Pretzels on April 26, 2024 — from 3 p.m. to closing. No purchase necessary.

The chain’s pretzels are hand-rolled, baked fresh and lightly buttered and salted. It’s also available without salt and/or butter.

The snack shop has more than 340 locations, mostly within shopping malls. (The offer excludes all theme parks, airports, arena, food trucks and delivery.)

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