If you think pretzels peaked with the plastic-wrapped twists at your last ballgame, buckle up. There’s a crunchy secret sweeping through Allentown lunchrooms, Easton brewpubs, and Bethlehem board meetings—and it might be the best thing to happen to the Lehigh Valley snack scene since the invention of pierogi parties.
The sensation?
Handmade sourdough pretzels from Uncle Jerry’s Pretzels
The 40-year-old Pennsylvania brand that has quietly gone from farmers-market favorite to cult status nibble for food connoisseurs from Las Vegas to Beverly Hills.
Now, as Lehigh Valley residents look for healthier indulgences without sacrificing flavor, this old-school snack with zero gimmicks is turning into the region’s latest edible obsession.
“We’ve always been healthy—not trendy, just consistent,”
Misty Skolnick
co-owner of Uncle Jerry’s—and the daughter of the Jerry in question.
“WATER, YEAST, SOURDOUGH STARTER, FLOUR, SALT. THAT’S IT,”
MISTY PROUDLY SHARES
“No oil. No sugar. Just real ingredients.”
A Crunchy Legacy Finds New Life in the Lehigh Valley
Back in the mid-1980s, Uncle Jerry sold pretzels door-to-door across Philadelphia with little more than a smile and a trunk full of golden twists. Years later, thanks to nationwide shipping and a little social-media magic, those same small-batch pretzels are landing on snack tables from Aspen to Miami—and, crucially, in break rooms along Route 22.
Find our full, un-edited interview with Misty Skolnick on our YouTube channel.
Why “Real Food” Never Tasted So Good
In the age of ultra-processed chips and novelty snacks dusted with neon powders, Uncle Jerry’s stands out for what it doesn’t add. Every twist is hand-rolled, naturally fermented, and baked until the exterior shatters into a million savory shards while the inside maintains a sourdough-like chew.
The core lineup is tight but mighty:
| Flavor | Personality | Health Angle |
|---|---|---|
| The Special | Tangy, golden-brown, classic crunch | Low fat, clean label |
| Extra Dark | Bold, smoky, borderline addictive | Naturally vegan, high fiber |
| Whole Wheat & Oat Bran | Nutty, lighter snap | Added whole grains, gut-friendly |
Each recipe comes in regular and low-salt versions. Misty’s pick? “I personally prefer the low salt,”
Perfect Timing: Health Trends Meet Hometown Pride
With GLP-1 medications reshaping American appetites and wellness culture marching straight into luxury circles, Uncle Jerry’s checks boxes Lehigh Valley consumers care about:
- Clean ingredients you can pronounce
- Naturally vegan—no dairy, no eggs
- Minimal processing—every knot crafted by human hands
- Fiber-rich crunch without the greasy fingerprints
Misty likes to joke:
“WE’RE NOT TRYING TO FOLLOW THE MARKET—WE’VE BEEN DOING THIS FOR DECADES. NOW THE MARKET IS FINALLY CATCHING UP TO US.”
Turns out she’s right. Trends shows steady climbs in searches for handmade sourdough pretzels.
Limited-Edition Chocolate? Only If Mother Nature Allows
From October through April—when temperatures won’t sabotage perfection—Uncle Jerry’s debuts a small run of chocolate-dipped masterpieces:
- Milk chocolate & caramel
- Dark chocolate with peanut butter
- Seasonal twists on the iconic Special
Expect zero artificial coatings; these are genuine chocolate shells that melt on your tongue, not in the mail.
“We only use real chocolate, and only when the weather lets us. No melting in transit,” Misty reiterates.
What’s Next? A Protein-Powered Pretzel and West-Coast Goals
The family is tinkering with a high-protein line aimed at gym-goers who want post-workout crunch without resorting to yet another chalky bar. They’re also scouting retail partners out west—but Misty promises the soul of Uncle Jerry’s will stay intact. “It’ll still be handmade, still all natural. Just with a twist—pun intended.”
How to Get Your Hands (and Teeth) on Them
- Order direct: UncleJerrysPretzels.com (ships to all 50 states)
- Local stockists: Check foodie mainstays like Easton Public Market or healthy-living co-ops in Allentown and Bethlehem.
- Social: Follow @UncleJerrysPretzels on Instagram for drop alerts.
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect pairing to your Saucony Creek Lager or simply need a guilt-less desk snack that won’t leave orange dust on your keyboard, these handmade sourdough pretzels online are poised to become the Lehigh Valley’s crunchiest claim to fame.
Snack better. Snack bolder. Snack real.
