Snyder’s of Hanover has transitioned its main pretzel bakery in Hanover, Pennsylvania, to a peanut-free production facility to accommodate consumer demand for snacks free of the allergen. 

“Snyder’s of Hanover pretzels have always been a great snacking option for families with kids because they’re baked, wholesome and delicious,” said Rod Troni, Chief Marketing Officer for Snyder’s-Lance. “Now that our bakeries are peanut-free facilities, it makes pretzels an even better choice, especially for kids with peanut allergies. They provide families with a great snack alternative for school, home or anywhere with friends.”

According to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), approximately three million people report allergies to peanuts and tree nuts, and the number of children living with peanut allergies appears to have tripled between 1997 and 2008. The rise in nut allergies among America's children has led some schools to eliminate their use of peanut products altogether and discourage children without peanut allergies from bringing peanut products to school.

“It’s important to note that most of our Snyder’s of Hanover products already did not contain nuts,” said Troni. “But we took the extra step of turning our facility peanut-free to eliminate the chances of cross-contamination.”

Snyder’s of Hanover pretzels made in any of the company’s peanut-free facilities will have packaging clearly marked with a peanut-free icon and allergen information. Many of the products, including favorites such as Pretzel Minis, Pretzel Sticks, Pretzel Snaps and Pretzel Rods already display the new allergen information and are on shelves now. Remaining products with updated graphics will be on store shelves by the end of the year.

The brand’s nut-based pretzels such as the new Snyder’s of Hanove Peanut Butter Filled Pieces are manufactured in a separate facility in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.