Posted by: 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 or go weak over Wetzel’s Pretzels, you can enjoy the popular snack without spending lots of dough on April 26, 2026.
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:
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 annually.
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.
Photo: Pierre Gui on Unsplash
Auntie Anne’s
Spend time with your favorite “aunt” on National Pretzel Day!
On April 26, 2026, Auntie Anne’s is giving away a FREE Original Pretzel or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel, all day — exclusively for Auntie Anne’s Rewards members via the shop’s app.
BONUS: Auntie Anne’s is also offering a $50 Golden Pretzel Pass for a FREE Original Pretzel or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel for 52 consecutive weeks. The pass is available for purchase from April 19 to 26, 2026.
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.
Milwaukee Pretzel Company
Get pretzels delivered right to your front door!
Celebrate National Pretzel Day with 20% off all orders — use promo code NPD20 at checkout.
Sign-up for the Milwaukee Pretzel Company‘s e-mail list, so you can “untwist” a special promotion on April 26.
The online shop’s Bavarian soft pretzels are handmade and freshly baked — perfect for traditional pretzel fanatics.
Philly Pretzel Factory
Save lots of dough on National Pretzel Day!
Pretzel fans can chew on a FREE pretzel at all Philly Pretzel Factory shops on April 26, 2026. (The giveaway excludes transportation and entertainment venues.)
In its 19th 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.
SUPERPRETZEL
Look up National Pretzel Day! It’s SUPERPRETZEL!
On April 26, 2026, enjoy a SUPERPRETZEL soft pretzel for just $1 at more than 1,300 participating Subway shops located within Walmart nationwide. Choose from original, salted or cinnamon sugar.
It’s the brand’s largest promotion in more than 50 years!
The offer is only available at those Walmart locations with a Subway shop in-store.
Wetzel’s Pretzels
Be “salty” on National Pretzel Day!
Take a break with a FREE Original Pretzel at Wetzel’s Pretzels on April 26, 2026 — from 3 p.m. to closing.
The giveaway is open to all customers, while supplies last.
The chain’s pretzels are hand-rolled, baked fresh and lightly buttered and salted. 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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