Have you ever tasted “splits”? Relax; they’re not what you’re thinking. No, splits are a type of pretzel made by a company called Unique Pretzels out of Reading, PA. Their products are called pretzel splits because of their unique recipe and process that causes the dough to crack and creates fissures. This allows for extra caramelization, color and wonderful flavor. The pretzels are some of the finest I’ve ever tasted, especially the extra dark splits. They’re crunchy, salty, and have a dense crusty flavor that is never too dry. Yet as crunchy and dense as they are, they’re also surprisingly light.
Like most pretzels, the splits are a healthy snack option. Except for the mini varieties the splits pretzels are quite large so one serving is about 3 pretzels. They contain 120 calories, 2 grams of fat, no trans fat, 380 mg of sodium (16%of RDA), 1 gram of dietary fiber, and 3 grams of protein. The extra dark splits contain only flour, water, soybean oil, salt, soda and yeast. All of the pretzels are made with quality and natural ingredients and contain the same nutritional values, even the cheese and butter splits.
The Spannuth family has been making pretzels since the late 1800s. The “splits” were created accidentally in the 1950’s and they were so successful they focused on making only splits and developing new flavors. The pretzels they make today are the original recipe and quality and they ship their products all over the world. They have sixteen varieties and flavors of pretzels. They are: butter, wheat, cheese, extra dark, extra salt, fat free, jalapeno cheddar mini, mini, oat bran, unique, unsalted cheese, unsalted extra dark, unsalted oat, and unsalted splits.
I discovered splits in a nearby specialty grocery store called Boone Hall Farms in Charleston, SC. If you can’t find these awesome, crunchy and tasty pretzels in a store near you, you can order them online or over the phone. 4 1 lb. bags are $24.50, but 6 1 lb. bags are only $29.95. If you order them online you can also check out their chocolate covered pretzels and their decorative tins for creative birthday and holiday gifts. They also sell gift baskets filled with splits, chocolates, mustards, cheeses and other delectable delights. Their website is located at www.uniquesplits.com and their toll free phone numbers are 1-888-4-SPLITS or 1-888-4-775487. I highly recommend making the effort to order a few, and perhaps get some ideas for unique Christmas gifts.
