Pretzel

A modern factory produced pretzel.

A Pretzel is a baked snack made of dough that usually has a knot-like shape. Pretzels are sold in many different varieties such as the soft dough pretzel, and smaller hard versions of the knot-like soft dough pretzels. While pretzels have been eaten all over the world, Americans also consume pretzels as a snack food.

Pretzels originated as a Lenten food, and the crossed portions of the pretzel represent praying hands^{[Citation Needed]}

On rare occasions, a pretzel can place pressure on the carotid artery, resulting in vasovagal syncope, commonly known as 'choking on a pretzel'.