Although large soft pretzels have graced the freezer case for years — J&J Snack Foods, Pennsauken, NJ, holds the No. 1 and 2 spots with its SuperPretzel and SuperPretzel Softstix for 69% of total market share, according to recent SymphonyIRI data — other formats are making an appearance as well.

Under its Sister Schubert’s brand, T. Marzetti Co., Columbus, OH, introduced Soft Pretzel Rolls late last year, the first available at retail, according to Karen Bailey, senior marking manager, Sister Schubert’s and Reames Noodles, T. Marzetti Co. “Pretzels have always been a timeless favorite for many,” she said. “The recent trend of alternative and unique snack or meal ideas incorporating pretzels has provided more ways for people to enjoy the great taste of pretzels. With the entrance of pretzel rolls, there are more opportunities for people to add pretzel bread as a side to their dinner meals or swap regular sandwich bread with a pretzel roll.”

Ready in 7 minutes, Sister Schubert’s Soft Pretzel Rolls contain no preservatives or artificial flavors, and 0 g trans fat.

Earlier this year, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Horsham, PA, made its own foray into the frozen pretzel market with Thomas’ Mini Pretz-a-bagels. As the name implies, the products are pretzelized mini bagels. Each bagel contains 120 Cal, 0.5 g fat with 0 g saturated fat, 3 g sugar and 4 g protein.