The Best Utz Pretzel Flavor Is Also The Most Divisive Amongst Shoppers

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Utz pretzels come in a variety of flavors and shapes, including some very unique products that help them stand out from the competition. As it turns out, one of Utz's most unusual offerings happens to be our favorite pretzel flavor. Ranking number one out of the 12 Utz pretzel flavors sampled, the pumpernickel sticks were by far the best in our ranking criteria of taste and texture.

Pumpernickel is a rich and earthy flavor, and these pretzels brought the spicy, savory rye notes to the forefront. The pumpernickel was complimented by other aromatic seasonings like onions, adding to their complexity. We also loved the perfectly distributed flakes of salt which emphasized the pumpernickel taste. The texture was equally appealing, with a breadiness and crunch characteristic of a classic pretzel. But while many customers agreed with our assessment of this complex and crunchy snack, others were very disappointed. And you can see the controversy between naysayers and fans in reviews across various grocery and online shopping platforms. 

Negative feedback from Kroger and Amazon noted a lack of flavor at best and a bad, burnt flavor at worst. One Kroger customer thought the pretzels "seem overcooked (burnt)" while another said they "didn't taste as much of the rye." Someone else said, "It tastes more like cardboard, and way too dry for me." 

Despite the negative reviews, Utz's pumpernickel pretzel sticks still received over 4.5 stars for both Kroger and Amazon. Kroger customers gave many rave reviews for Utz's pumpernickel sticks, and like us, they recognized that pumpernickel is a flavor most other brands don't offer. One Kroger commenter compared them to a cross between a pretzel and a bread stick for their heartier nature. "The flavor is so unique and the crunch is second to none," they said. Buyers thought the complexity of the pumpernickel tasted like everything bagel seasoning.

We were blown away with how much this pretzel captured both the aspects of pumpernickel bread and the crunchy and savory flavors of a traditional pretzel. But an Amazon review was disappointed and underwhelmed, stating, "they really don't have that deep, rich pumpernickel flavor I expected." Naysayers aside, pumpernickel pretzel sticks are a unique and delicious product in the Utz lineup that fans love to match with different dips and spreads. The spiced rye flavor pairs particularly well with cheese spreads, like this spiced pimento cheese dip or some spinach artichoke dip. They'd also bring a unique flavor to pair with any type of hummus.