# Utz Pretzels, Special Extra Dark > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Utz - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Snacks, Chips & Dips - **Size:** 16 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/utz-pretzels-special-extra-dark-16-oz - **Slug:** `utz-pretzels-special-extra-dark-16-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains refined wheat flour, industrial vegetable oil blends, added malt syrup and acidulants, and is an industrially formulated baked snack — characteristics typical of ultra-processed foods. ## Review Utz Pretzels Special Extra Dark is a familiar American snack staple: a 16-ounce bag of extra-toasted, deeply colored pretzels that you would spot in the supermarket snack aisle alongside potato chips, other pretzel varieties, popcorn, and party mixes. You might also see it near seasonal displays for tailgates or next to beer and soda in endcap promotions. This product suits casual occasions like game-day gatherings, movie nights, and road trips, or as a pantry standby for sandwich-making crunch and lunchboxes. The Utz brand carries a regional, heritage image — an everyman, family-friendly snacking brand that leans on nostalgia and dependable value rather than premium health claims. Packaging typically features the bold Utz logo and imagery highlighting the extra-dark, toasted color; there is no organic certification and the label does not present strong health-halo claims. In plain terms, these are industrially baked snack pretzels made from refined wheat flour and added vegetable oils with small amounts of malt syrup and acidic additives for flavor and shelf stability. Sensory notes: the pretzels are crisp and hard with a pronounced roasted, slightly bitter toasty flavor and a dense crunch that holds up to dips; the surface is a rich mahogany rather than pale golden. The bag is a standard plastic snack pouch designed for pantry storage; people typically pour them into a bowl for communal snacking, pair them with mustard, cheese dip, or beer, or eat them straight from the bag as a quick, crunchy convenience snack. Overall, it fits squarely into the American snack-cupboard tradition of bold, crunchy convenience foods. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1.0 oz - **Servings per container:** 16 - **Calories:** 110 - **Total fat:** 1g (1% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 470mg (20% DV) - **Total carbs:** 21g (8% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Protein:** 3g ## Ingredients Wheat Flour, Salt, Vegetable Oil (Contains One or More of the Following: Corn Oil, Sunflower Oil, Canola Oil and/or Palm Oil), Malt Syrup (Adds a Trivial Amount of Total and Added Sugars) (Derived from Corn and Malted Barley), Yeast, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Baking Soda. ## Flagged ingredients - **corn oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **sunflower oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **canola oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **palm oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, movie-night, road-trip - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, comforting ## FAQ ### Is the Special Extra Dark pretzel healthy? Well, 'healthy' can be a bit subjective, right? These pretzels are relatively low in calories and sugar, which is great if you're looking for a snack that won't break the calorie bank. However, they do contain some sodium and aren't high in fiber or protein, so they might not be the most filling option if you're aiming for a nutrient-packed snack. ### Are Special Extra Dark pretzels vegan? Nope, these pretzels aren't vegan. They contain wheat flour, which is plant-based, but they also use yeast in the recipe, and some strict vegans might avoid products with yeast due to fermentation concerns. For most, though, they should fit right into a vegan diet! ### Are Special Extra Dark pretzels gluten-free? Sadly, these pretzels are not gluten-free. They contain wheat flour, which is a no-go for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If you’re on a gluten-free diet, you might want to check out other snack options that cater to that need. ### Do Special Extra Dark pretzels contain seed oils? Yes, they do! These pretzels use a mix of vegetable oils, which can include corn, sunflower, canola, and/or palm oil. While seed oils can be a hot topic in health circles, they’re common in many processed foods and typically provide a neutral flavor and texture without being detrimental in moderation. ### Are there artificial sweeteners in Special Extra Dark pretzels? Nope, you won't find any artificial sweeteners here! The only sweet element is a tiny bit of malt syrup, which adds a hint of sweetness without the added sugar worries. So, you can snack without the guilt of hidden sweeteners. ### Are Special Extra Dark pretzels high in sugar? Not at all! They contain only 1 gram of total sugars per serving, which is pretty low. If you're looking for a crunchy snack without the sugar rush, these pretzels fit the bill perfectly. ### What are some healthier alternatives to Special Extra Dark pretzels? If you’re looking for a healthier crunch, consider air-popped popcorn or baked chickpeas for a fiber boost. You might also try whole grain crackers or rice cakes topped with some nut butter for a satisfying snack that packs more nutrients. ### Can kids eat Special Extra Dark pretzels? Absolutely! These pretzels can be a fun snack for kids, especially if they're looking for something crunchy. Just keep an eye on the sodium content, as it’s a bit higher than some other snack options, but a few pretzels here and there can be perfectly fine. ### Are Special Extra Dark pretzels good for weight loss? They can be part of a weight loss plan since they're low in calories, but keep in mind that they don't offer much in terms of fullness or nutrition. Pairing them with a protein source, like hummus or cheese, could help you feel more satisfied while enjoying the crunch. ### Are Special Extra Dark pretzels ultra-processed? While they are processed, I'd say they fall more into the 'moderately processed' category than ultra-processed. They contain recognizable ingredients like wheat flour and yeast, but they do have added oils and acids to enhance flavor and shelf life. So, it's all about balance — enjoy them as an occasional treat! ## Related products - [Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate, a Touch of Sea Salt](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/lindt-excellence-dark-chocolate-a-touch-of-sea-salt-350-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/lindt-excellence-dark-chocolate-a-touch-of-sea-salt-350-oz - [Milk Duds Box](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/milk-duds-box-5-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/milk-duds-box-5-oz - [Junior Mints Creamy Mints In Pure Chocolate](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/junior-mints-creamy-mints-in-pure-chocolate-350-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/junior-mints-creamy-mints-in-pure-chocolate-350-oz - [Keebler Fudge Stripes](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/keebler-fudge-stripes-1150-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/keebler-fudge-stripes-1150-oz - [Utz Regular Chips](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/utz-regular-chips-8-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/utz-regular-chips-8-oz - [M&M's Peanut Share Size](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/mms-peanut-share-size-327-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/mms-peanut-share-size-327-oz - [Frito Lay Baked Cheddar & Sour Cream Ruffles](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ruffles-frito-lay-baked-cheddar-sour-cream-625-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ruffles-frito-lay-baked-cheddar-sour-cream-625-oz - [Wise Popcorn, Original Butter](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/wise-popcorn-original-butter-6-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/wise-popcorn-original-butter-6-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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