Golden Touch Pretzels

Introduction / Overview

For generations of New Jersey residents, particularly those in the southern counties, a trip to the Berlin Farmers Market has never been complete without a stop at Golden Touch Pretzels. More than just a simple bakery, this institution is a cornerstone of South Jersey's local food scene and a true taste of nostalgia. Nestled inside the bustling indoor market, Golden Touch Pretzels carries on a tradition that dates back over 65 years, offering a perfectly chewy, freshly baked soft pretzel that many locals consider the benchmark for the region.

What sets Golden Touch Pretzels apart is its unwavering commitment to authenticity and quality. They proudly use the Original German Pretzel Recipe and even utilize the original machinery developed by Norm Ressler back in the 1940s to mass-produce their hand-twisted treats. This dedication ensures that the pretzels you buy today taste exactly like the ones South Jersey locals remember from their childhoods in the 1980s and 90s, a sentiment frequently shared by loyal customers. The atmosphere is part of the experience, offering patrons a fascinating view of the pretzel-making process through a special window—a delight for both kids and curious adults.

The focus here is simple: delivering a fantastic, fresh, all-natural pretzel. Their products contain no preservatives or oils, highlighting the quality of the traditional recipe. They are often described as being perfectly soft and chewy, with just the right amount of salt and a desirable crispiness on the exterior, making them irresistible. Paired with classic dipping favorites like mustard or a cup of cheese, or famously, a blue raspberry Icee, this spot is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic slice of New Jersey culture and comfort food. It’s the kind of place that people who have moved out of state schedule their trips around, just to bring home a bag of these beloved pretzels.

Golden Touch Pretzels perfectly embodies the vibrant, no-frills, high-quality atmosphere of the Berlin Farmers Market, making it an essential destination for a quick, delicious snack while exploring the countless unique vendors around. It’s a fast, affordable, and incredibly satisfying treat that continues to create lasting memories for families throughout New Jersey.

Location and Accessibility

Golden Touch Pretzels enjoys a prime location within one of South Jersey’s most iconic and longest-running retail centers, the Berlin Farmers Market.

Address: Farmers Market, 41 Clementon Rd Store 303, Berlin, NJ 08009, USA

The bakery is situated inside the Indoor Shopping Center area of the market, ensuring a comfortable experience regardless of the weather. As a key food vendor within the complex, its accessibility is highly accommodating for all visitors:

• The market complex features a Wheelchair accessible entrance at various points. Customers note the convenience of doors that can open with the touch of a foot, aiding those with mobility concerns.
• There is a dedicated Wheelchair accessible parking lot on-site, with plenty of general parking available for the high volume of visitors to the market.
• The shop is designed for a quick visit, which is necessary given the lines that often form, demonstrating its popularity.

As Golden Touch Pretzels operates in conjunction with the Berlin Farmers Market, its hours align with the indoor market schedule. The Indoor Shopping Center is open Thursday through Sunday, which are the best days to visit for a fresh pretzel:

• Thursday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Please note that these are the general market hours, and it is always advisable to confirm with the vendor directly or check the market's directory for precise bakery operating hours within the building.

Services Offered

Golden Touch Pretzels offers a focused and highly effective service model, tailored for the high-traffic, quick-visit nature of the Farmers Market:

• In-Store Shopping: Customers can line up to purchase freshly baked products directly from the counter inside the market (Store 303).
• Takeout: All items are prepared and packaged for immediate takeout, making it perfect for an on-the-go snack or a large order to bring home.
• Fresh Baking Demonstration: A unique service where customers can watch the pretzels being hand-twisted and baked through a dedicated window, adding an entertaining and educational element to the quick visit.
• Affordable Bundling: The pricing structure is ideal for families and bulk purchases, with significant savings when buying multiple pretzels (e.g., 6 pieces or a dozen).
• Cash Only Policy: Customers should note that this business traditionally operates on a cash-only basis, so planning ahead is recommended to ensure a smooth transaction and minimize wait times in line.

Features / Highlights

The reputation of Golden Touch Pretzels is built on several key features that make it a beloved local staple:

• Over 65 Years of Tradition: The business has deep roots in the Berlin Farmers Market, continuing a tradition that began with Norm Ressler's original machinery and German recipe in the 1940s.
• Hand-Twisted Quality: Unlike mass-produced alternatives, these pretzels are famously hand-twisted, ensuring a unique texture—soft, chewy, and perfectly crispy—that defines a true South Jersey soft pretzel.
• All-Natural Ingredients: The bakery prides itself on using only natural ingredients, guaranteeing No Preservatives or Oils, resulting in a clean, authentic flavor.
• The Classic Combo: The most iconic feature is the pairing of a warm, salty pretzel with a classic Blue Raspberry Icee—a nostalgic treat that many locals remember and still enjoy today, tasting "exactly the same" as it did decades ago.
• Unique Condiment Dispenser: The bakery is known for its unique, often-commented-upon mustard dispenser (sometimes affectionately referred to as the "mustard udder") which adds a fun, memorable element to the dipping process.
• Affordability: Pretzels are consistently affordable, allowing customers to easily buy multiples or a dozen to take home and share.
• Menu Variety Beyond the Soft Pretzel: While the classic pretzel is the star, the menu also includes quick, satisfying alternatives like Pretzel Rods, Pretzel Dogs, and Churros for dessert.

Contact Information

For any inquiries about hours, large orders, or simply to get in touch before your visit to the Berlin Farmers Market:

Address: Farmers Market, 41 Clementon Rd Store 303, Berlin, NJ 08009, USA

Phone: (856) 768-0133

Note on Location: Golden Touch Pretzels is located inside the Indoor Shopping Center of the Berlin Farmers Market. The market's indoor area is open Thursday through Sunday.

What is Worth Choosing

If you are visiting Golden Touch Pretzels in Berlin, NJ, you are there for an essential South Jersey experience. While the menu is compact, the following options are considered absolute must-haves for any local or visitor:

• The Classic Soft Pretzel: This is the undisputed main attraction. Order at least a single piece for immediate consumption and a half-dozen or dozen (which are priced affordably at $10.50 for 12 pieces) to take home. They are best enjoyed warm, right off the line, but many locals happily take them home to reheat later, or freeze them to extend the joy.
• The Nostalgic Combination: Pretzel and Icee: For the full, authentic Berlin Mart experience, pair your warm, salty pretzel with a cold, sugary Blue Raspberry Icee or the Cherry Icee. This combination of sweet and savory is deeply ingrained in the local food memory and is a tradition that spans decades.
• Mustard Dip (or Cheese for the adventurous): While some customers find the cheese cup optional, the traditional accompaniment is the Mustard Cup ($0.25). Be sure to check out the unique dispenser that makes getting your condiment part of the fun.
• Pretzel Dogs: For a heartier snack or quick lunch, the Pretzel Dogs ($2.25) offer a great savory option, wrapping a hot dog in that delicious, freshly baked pretzel dough.

Whether you're making a quick stop for a single pretzel or bringing home a dozen to share the South Jersey tradition with friends, Golden Touch Pretzels offers high-quality, memorable baked goods that truly connect patrons to the history and community of the Berlin Farmers Market.

Golden Touch Pretzels

Farmers Market, 41 Clementon Rd Store 303, Berlin, NJ 08009, USA