Trying the alternatives to Snyder's Jalapeno Pretzel Pieces

It's been around eight months since Snyder's of Hanover's Jalapeno flavoured Pretzel Pieces disappeared from Tesco's shelves. It's four months since I had a pack (shout out to the heroes of R&G's Beer Vault).

However you look at it, it's a long time to go without one of life's most delightful snacks. You seem to have agreed too. My daft blog about where Snyder's Pretzel Pieces has received over 4,000 views from people all over the UK and Europe, so that's good innit. I've had quite a few comments, too, from people sharing my grief and recommending alternatives.

This is a thinly veiled excuse to eat jalapeno pretzel pieces and see how they stack up to Snyder's. Hopefully, it'll help me find a worthy replacement until Snyder's make their triumphant return to the shelves and hearts of the British Isles (and aisles).

Here's what I thought of the alternative to Snyder's Jalapeno Pretzel Pieces...

Director's Cut Jalapeno Pieces

I got these from Love Pub Snacks; however, they're only available in a card of 12 x 50g bags. The card itself was £10, so the pretzel pieces work out at about 80p a bag until you pay postage (£5.99 for next-day delivery). So I paid £16 for 12 bags of Director's Cut. I'm expecting big things.

Upon opening the bag, I'm greeted by a familiar smell (albeit a bit less potent than the divine odour you'd get from a classic Snyder's jalapeno). The Director's Cut are quite tanned in colour, think David Dickinson or Dale Winton.

How do Director's Cut Jalapeno Pieces compare to Snyder's Pretzel Pieces?

In terms of taste, I wasn't expecting a Snyder's re-make, but the Director's Cut effort doesn't even come close... I was shocked to find they tasted like actual pretzels and nothing really like Snyder's.

If you like salty snacks, you'll love these - they taste like the sea. The sheer saltiness of the Director's Cut overpowers the jalapeno spice, although they do warm the mouth. Essentially, they taste more like a Silk Cut than Director's Cut.

One big positive of the Director's Cut, however, is the crunch. Impeccable noise, if you're into that ASMR stuff then you could probably make a small fortune putting people to sleep while you make your way through these...

In terms of how they replicate the iconic Snyder's experience, they don't really get close. The Director's Cut are like their own thing, like that daft lad who pretended to be a dinosaur while everyone else in PE was playing football. The price doesn't CUT it either.

Ginco Americano Jalapeno Pretzel Pieces

I bought the Ginco Americano Jalapeno Pretzel Pieces from Amazon, and 10 x 100g packs cost £14.99. Not too bad.

In terms of price, these work out cheaper; however, if you're just looking to scratch that jalapeno pretzel-itch, you'll have to fork out £14.99 for 10 100g packs. Not as expensive as Director's Cut, but not as cheap or convenient as going to the big Tesco and getting a pack of Snyder's.

Much like Director's Cut, the Ginco are pretty tanned and do offer a scent reminiscent of those spicy Hanover days...

How do Ginco Americano's Jalapeno Pretzel Pieces compare to Snyder's Pretzel Pieces?

If you're looking to fill that Snyder's-shaped hole, Ginco Americano does a much better job than Director's Cut. For a start, they're less salty, which means the spice comes to prominence a little more.

Overall, they're not a match for Snyder's. Ginco's effort is comparable to a spare tyre it's going to get you towards destination Flavourtown, but only Snyder's (the Michelin of snacking) will get you the full way. I suppose the breakdown I seem to have had about Snyder's being discontinued is like a car breaking down too...

Overall, Snyder's is head and shoulders above the competition, but as they're unavailable, we'll have to make do with what we have for now. Personally, I preferred the Ginco Americano effort; however, I'm sure pretzel aficionados (weirdos) will appreciate the Director's Cut more.

Either way, I've got a bit of heartburn from having a pack of each of these, so I'm going to enjoy a delicious glass of malk (with vitamin R) in the hope it soothes me. I hope you appreciate the sacrifice I've made.

Discover what happened to Snyder's Pretzel Pieces here.