Chocolate-covered pretzels are one of those rare, perfect treats that check every box: salty, sweet, crunchy, smooth, nostalgic, and completely irresistible. They’re the kind of snack people swear they’ll “just have one” of… until they reach the bottom of the box, wondering what happened. And in Philadelphia, a city packed with legendary food traditions and family-run makers, chocolate covered pretzels might be the essential gift for any occasion.
But here’s the thing: not all pretzels are created equal.
Some are dipped in mass-produced chocolate that tastes waxy, overly sweet, or strangely artificial. Some lose their crunch in shipping because the chocolate wasn’t tempered correctly. And some just look… well, sad.
Some are dipped in mass-produced chocolate that tastes waxy, overly sweet, or strangely artificial. Some lose their crunch in shipping because the chocolate wasn’t tempered correctly. And some just look… well, sad.
So if you’re craving handcrafted chocolate-covered pretzels—or you need to ship a gift across the country—you need pretzels that arrive fresh, beautiful, and addictive enough that the recipient immediately texts you: OMG, where did you get these?
That’s exactly why this guide exists. Below, you’ll find the best place to buy chocolate-covered pretzels in Philadelphia that ship nationwide, the insider details on what makes a premium pretzel actually premium, and how to choose the right gift for every type of pretzel-lover in your life.
Let’s start with the obvious question…
Why Chocolate-Covered Pretzels Are a Philadelphia Staple
Philadelphia loves a good contrast: soft pretzels with mustard, tomato pie that’s somehow both simple and legendary, sweet-and-salty snacks that keep you coming back for another bite. Chocolate-covered pretzels fit right in—they’re the perfect combination of crunchy Pennsylvania pretzels and silky-smooth chocolate.
For decades, Philly chocolate shops have been dipping pretzels by hand, cooling them on racks, and boxing them up for gifts, parties, office treats, and everyday cravings. And if you grew up in or around the city, you probably have vivid memories of twisting open a box and seeing those glossy chocolate-covered knots, carefully lined up like little soldiers.
But among all the places in the city making them, only one has earned a cult following far beyond Philadelphia:
The Best Place to Buy Chocolate-Covered Pretzels in Philadelphia (That Ship Nationwide): Mueller Chocolate Co.
If you’ve ever walked through Reading Terminal Market, you already know exactly where Mueller Chocolate Co. is. People don’t stroll past their stall—they stop dead in their tracks. The shine of freshly dipped pretzels, the display of buttery caramels, the truffles, the smell of real chocolate… It’s impossible not to look.
Mueller’s has been handcrafting chocolate in Philadelphia since 1980. Every pretzel goes through a meticulous process that keeps it crunchy, glossy, and perfectly balanced. And unlike big commercial brands, they temper real chocolate, dip each pretzel individually, and pack each box by hand.
When you order chocolate-covered pretzels online from Mueller’s, you’re not getting something mass-produced or machine-made. You’re getting the exact same pretzels customers line up for in the market—shipped anywhere in the country.
Milk Chocolate Covered Pretzels — Customer Favorite
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Perfect for gifting, snacking, sharing, or hiding from your family. Crunchy, buttery pretzels dipped in smooth milk chocolate that melts beautifully with every bite.
Perfect for gifting, snacking, sharing, or hiding from your family. Crunchy, buttery pretzels dipped in smooth milk chocolate that melts beautifully with every bite.
What Makes Mueller’s Pretzels Different?
Most people assume chocolate covered pretzels are all the same. But once you try a truly premium pretzel, you immediately understand the difference. Here’s what sets Mueller Chocolate Co. apart:
1. Real tempered chocolate—never compound coating
Tempering gives the chocolate a glossy shine, a clean snap, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Many companies skip this step because it's time-consuming. Mueller’s never does.
2. Perfect pretzel-to-chocolate ratio
A pretzel shouldn’t be smothered in chocolate, dipped so lightly, and should never be covered with candy toppings that you can tell you're eating a chocolate covered pretzel. Mueller’s has the ratio dialed in: enough chocolate for richness, enough pretzel for crunch.
3. They stay crunchy in shipping
One of the biggest issues with shipped pretzels is moisture. Cheap chocolate + poor cooling = soggy pretzels. Mueller’s cooling and packing process prevents this, ensuring your pretzels arrive crisp.
4. Small-batch dipping
Every pretzel is enrobed by a human, one at a time. And when the chocolate covered pretzels are cooled down to their proper temperature, a human packages them into your box and sends it straight to you, no middleman, no reseller. From our chocolate kitchen to your door, or even more importantly, to your loved one's door.
5. Philly-made, family-run
There’s something special about supporting a local business that’s been part of Philadelphia for decades. People who know Philadelphia chocolate know Mueller’s.
Best-Selling Pretzel Styles (and Who They’re Perfect For)
Chocolate-covered pretzels aren’t one-size-fits-all. Mueller’s has multiple varieties—each one handcrafted, each one with a different personality. Here’s how to choose the right one.
Milk Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Flavor: smooth, creamy, sweet-salty balance
Perfect for: kids, coworkers, teachers, casual gifting, parties
Perfect for: kids, coworkers, teachers, casual gifting, parties
Milk chocolate pretzels are the universal crowd-pleaser. They’re the kind you open and immediately need to hide before they disappear in ten minutes.
Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Flavor: rich, deeper chocolate profile, slightly less sweet
Perfect for: adults with refined taste, coffee lovers, anyone who prefers darker chocolate
Perfect for: adults with refined taste, coffee lovers, anyone who prefers darker chocolate
These feel a little more sophisticated. Dark chocolate gives the pretzels a more intense flavor that pairs perfectly with espresso or red wine.
White Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Flavor: creamy, buttery, sweet
Perfect for: dessert lovers, kids, white chocolate fans, holiday gifting
Perfect for: dessert lovers, kids, white chocolate fans, holiday gifting
A classic choice for festive gifts—especially our white chocolate–covered mini pretzels, which are made with a premium vanilla confectionery coating that’s smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced with the crunch of the pretzel.
Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Flavor: crunchy mini pretzels dolloped with caramel, covered in milk chocolate, and finished with sea salt
Perfect for: caramel addicts, foodies, gourmet gifting
Perfect for: caramel addicts, foodies, gourmet gifting
Fair Warning: This is one of Mueller’s most addictive combinations—rich chocolate, buttery caramel, and that perfect pinch of sea salt.
Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels — For Grown-Up Tastes
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A rich, balanced dark chocolate that complements the pretzel crunch beautifully. Ideal for gifting or pairing with wine, coffee, or just a treat.
A rich, balanced dark chocolate that complements the pretzel crunch beautifully. Ideal for gifting or pairing with wine, coffee, or just a treat.
Nationwide Shipping: How Fast and How Fresh?
Mueller’s ships nationwide all year long. Most orders leave the kitchen in 1–2 business days, and shipping options include:
- UPS Ground (great for East Coast orders)
- UPS 2-Day Air
- UPS Next Day Air
During warmer months, they use cool-pack insulation to prevent the chocolate from melting in transit. During the holidays, they scale up production so orders ship quickly—but pretzels are still dipped fresh.
Do the pretzels arrive intact?
Yes—Mueller’s uses snug, protective packaging that keeps every pretzel secure. Boxes arrive looking as gift-ready as they do in the shop.
Do they taste fresh?
Absolutely. Pretzels are dipped in small batches daily, so the ones shipped out have only been available for a short time. They’re crisp, glossy, and ready to eat the moment the box arrives.
Best Occasions for Sending Chocolate Covered Pretzels Nationwide
Chocolate covered pretzels work for almost any gifting situation because they’re:
- universally loved
- easy to share
- budget-friendly
- visually impressive
- appropriate for both casual and formal gifts
Here are the top moments people ship them:
Corporate gifts
Perfect for thanking clients, impressing partners, or treating employees. Pretzels offer a polished look without being overly expensive.
Birthdays
Everyone loves getting a box of handcrafted chocolate delivered to their front door.
College care packages
Students will eat these in one sitting—guaranteed.
New baby gifts
Parents are exhausted. Pretzels make them instantly happy.
Thank-you gifts
When you need something thoughtful but not too personal.
Holiday gifts
Pretzels are one of Mueller’s top-selling holiday items because they’re so easy to ship and everyone loves them.
Housewarming + hostess gifts
Way better than showing up with flowers, they have to find a vase for.
Just because
Most people don’t buy pretzels for themselves, so sending them feels like a special treat.
Milk & Dark Chocolate Pretzel Combo Box
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Can’t decide? Send both. A bestseller for gifting because it gives everyone in the room something to love.
Can’t decide? Send both. A bestseller for gifting because it gives everyone in the room something to love.
How Mueller’s Pretzels Compare to Other Philadelphia Shops
If you’re shopping around, here’s what you’ll notice:
1. Many shops use compound coating instead of real chocolate.
It’s cheaper, easier to work with, and far more stable in shipping — but the flavor doesn’t compare to real chocolate. That’s why our milk and dark chocolate pretzels are made with fully tempered, real chocolate for the glossy snap and melt-in-your-mouth texture people expect from Mueller’s.
For our white chocolate pretzels, we use a premium vanilla confectionery coating — not a low-end compound. It gives the pretzels a smooth, creamy finish without the overly sweet, artificial taste you find in mass-market white pretzels. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re one of our most-loved varieties.
2. Some companies dip pretzels weeks in advance.
This leads to a duller chocolate, a softer pretzel, and a less fresh taste.
3. Packaging varies wildly.
Some places ship pretzels loosely in bags. Mueller’s ships in firm, gift-ready boxes.
4. Not every shop ships nationwide.
Mueller’s has a full-year-round shipping operation with the proper equipment and fulfillment workflow.
5. Mueller’s is known nationally.
People across the country search specifically for Mueller Chocolate Co. pretzels. They’re iconic, reliable, and consistently delicious.
Gift Boxes That Include Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
If you want something more elevated than a box of pretzels alone, Mueller’s also offers gift boxes and towers that feature pretzels alongside:
- Crowd Pleaser Gift Tower
- Classic Chocolate Gift Tower
- Chocolate Covered Pretzel Party Box
- Philadelphia Eagles Chocolate Covered Pretzel Box (Dallas fans love to receive this box)
These make incredible holiday gifts because they cover every flavor profile: sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy, nutty, and fruity.
Assorted Chocolate Covered Pretzel Gift Box
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Pretzels + assortments + holiday packaging. A premium gift for clients, families, or long-distance loved ones.
Pretzels + assortments + holiday packaging. A premium gift for clients, families, or long-distance loved ones.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Serving Tips
Chocolate covered pretzels stay fresh longest when stored properly. Here’s how to make the most of every box:
Shelf Life
- 1–2 weeks at room temperature, wrapped tightly, double-dip last longer
- Up to 3 months refrigerated (airtight container recommended)
Temperature
Keep pretzels in a cool, dry place.
Avoid heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
Avoid heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
Freezing?
Not recommended—pretzels can absorb moisture and lose their crunch.
Serving tip
Pretzels are best enjoyed at room temperature. We don't recommend refrigerating.
Why People Keep Coming Back to Mueller’s
It’s simple:
They’re consistent.
They’re delicious.
They’re beautifully packaged.
They arrive fresh.
They make every occasion sweeter.
They’re delicious.
They’re beautifully packaged.
They arrive fresh.
They make every occasion sweeter.
And once someone tries them, they almost always reorder—especially during holidays, birthdays, and celebrations.
If you're looking for the chocolate covered pretzels to send nationwide from Philadelphia, this is the place.
Best Seller: Milk Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re gifting across the country, restocking your snack drawer, surprising someone special, or sending treats to a client or team, finding the right chocolate-covered pretzel matters. The chocolate needs to shine. The pretzel needs to crunch. The box needs to look like a gift, not an afterthought.
Mueller Chocolate Co. delivers all of that—and ships it nationwide.
And if you’re ordering from Philadelphia, you’re not just sending a snack.
You’re sending a taste of home.
You’re sending a taste of home.
