The pretzel originated in Europe in the 7th century when a monk formed excess bread dough into the form of a child praying. He distributed the treats called pretiola to children who correctly recited their prayers. The pretzel of today is a mass-produced, convenient and wheat-based snack formed into the classic shape, straight pretzel rods or rings. The chocolate-dipped pretzel combines sweet and salty flavors into a confectionery treat that provides nutritional benefits and caveats.
Fat
A serving of four chocolate-covered pretzels provides 7.4 g of total fat, or 11 percent of the 65 g U.S. Department of Agriculture daily value. It also contains 3.4 g of saturated fat, or 17 percent of the 20 g recommended limit. Monitoring the portion size of a chocolate pretzel snack is important for avoiding excess calorie-dense fat grams.
Protein
The protein content in four chocolate-covered pretzels is 3.3 g, or 7 percent of the 50 g daily value. Snacks that contain protein sustain energy for longer periods because the nutrient slows the digestion of carbohydrates. Protein-dense snacks are particularly important for restoring energy after exercise because it builds and repairs muscle.
Carbohydrates
The carbohydrate content in four chocolate-covered pretzels is 31 g, or 10 percent of the 300 g daily value. The complex carbohydrates the pretzels provide complex carbohydrates that digest slowly compared with simple sugars and prevent a sharp rise in blood glucose. The chocolate component provides simple sugars. Fortunately, the fat and protein content slows digestion and mitigates glycemic imbalances.
Calories
A serving of four chocolate-covered pretzels that weighs 1.5 oz. provides 200 calories, or 10 percent of a standard 2,000-calorie diet. The energy density of the chocolate pretzel significantly limits the consumption quantity, and the rich flavor discourages excess amounts. Chocolate pretzels accompanied by a handful of peanuts provides a nutritionally comprehensive snack.
References
- MayoClinic.com; What Does Percent Daily Value Mean on Food Labels?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; May 6, 2010
- USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory; Snacks, Pretzels, Hard, Confectioner's Coating, Chocolate-Flavor
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Snacking Increased Among U.S. Adults Between 1977 and 2006; Carmen Piernas, et al; February 2010
- Encyclopedia.com: How Products are Made: Pretzel
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