Chips, Pretzels, Snack Town!

Hanover, Pennsylvania is unofficially referred to as the “snack food capital of the world”. Hanover takes great pride in this, but how did Hanover get that title? 

Since 1909, Hanover has been a hub of snack food production, starting with Harry Warehime who created Old Tyme Pretzels. Eventually the Warehime family created Snyder’s Bakery which made a wide range of snacks, including pretzels, of course. Over time, they became the modern-day Snyder’s of Hanover, which has been acquired by Campbell’s Soup Co.

Another brand originating in Hanover that you may be familiar with is Utz. The Utz story began in 1921 with Bill and Salie Utz producing Hanover Home Brand Potato Chips in their small kitchen. Currently, Utz produces over 3.3 million pounds of snacks per week and is a major reason Hanover is a top player in the snack food industry. 

While Hanover is home to these large snack and pretzel producers, our town is also serving up freshly made pretzels from local sellers! Revonah Pretzels, having opened in 1935, is a big part of Hanover’s pretzel history. The pretzels are made from their original sourdough recipe and each one is rolled and twisted by hand and then salted and baked in their stone oven.

Newer to the pretzel game, but just as tasty, is the Pretzel Lady. Located in the Hanover Market House, Pretzel Lady makes their pretzel dough from scratch and hand rolls it each business day, focusing on serving hot, fresh, and delicious pretzels.

Hanover, fondly known as the snack food capital of the world, has made its mark in snack food and pretzel history and continues to honor this title. Through events highlighting the “Snacktown” brand, to snack food inspired specials in our local restaurants, to pretzel decorations throughout the town, it is clear that Hanover has really embraced its snack food past, present, and future!