Our story
The story of our company is really about 3 dogs, a dream and a purpose.
Our owner, Marilyn, started baking as a way to work through her grief after Yankee Doodle, her beloved Sheltie, passed away. One of her most successful creations was her Spicy Pretzel snack. The gift shop at Drake Medical Center asked to carry them and the business was born!
The following year, Marilyn brought a 6-year-old Sheltie into her life. Her name was Karma and she brought good luck to Marilyn and her business, which grew and added many new retailers.
After Karma passed, Marilyn went several years without a dog, until friends offered her a puppy. Zellie is a lively mix of poodle, Shih Zsu and Pomeranian. She is an excellent mascot for ZELS.
From the beginning, Marilyn designed the business as a way to give back to the community. In addition to donating a portion of our annual profits to cure Parkinson's disease, we use our hiring practices to make a real difference locally. We partner with the Life Learning Center and The Point Arc to hire second chance and non-traditional workers. We also partner with local organizations to raise money to support their work. That's why we say:
ZELS are pretzels with a purpose!
Frequently asked questions
pretzels in bulk?
Q. "My kids love the CinnaZELS and I'd rather pack ZELS instead of potato chips in their lunches. Do you have a large bag that I could divide into smaller servings that would be more economical?"
A. Yes, the 2# bulk bag would be perfect! There are no frills, just a large bag of pretzels that you can repackage easily. (We also have a 4# size, in case you want some for yourself!)
corporate gifts?
Q. "I'd like to give ZELS to my employees and clients. Do you have corporate gifts?"
A. You bet! We do KILLER gifts. Contact us to discuss what you'd like. We will work within your budget and get all your friends crunching up a storm!
pick up vs. shipping?
Q. "I live near Covington, KY. May I pick up my order instead of having it shipped?"
A. Yes! Our hours vary, so email us or call (859) 620-7406 to set up a convenient time for you to stop by.
nut allergies?
Q. "My son has an allergy to nuts. Do you manufacture with nuts?"
A. No. We use soybean oil. Our products are not made with nor do they come into contact with nuts or tree nuts.
gluten-free?
Q. "Do you offer gluten-free pretzels?"
A. Not at this time--sorry!
wholesale?
Q. "I own a shop and would like to sell ZELS to my customers. Do you sell wholesale?"
A. We sure do! We are in hundreds of stores and would love to be in yours, too! Just email us and we will send you wholesale pricing information. Thanks for asking!
In her own words
In these interviews, Marilyn tells the story of Yankee Doodle Deli and ZELS.
Nutritional information
Here is where you will find the nutritional information for all our ZELS products.
- Bourbon ZELS
- CinnaZELS
- Citrus ZELS
- Fiery ZELS
- Honey ZELS
- Spicy ZELS
- ZOLOS
Nutrition Facts Serv. Size: 1 oz. (28g), Servings: 8, Amount Per Serving:
Calories 170, Fat Cal. 35, Total Fat 4g (6% DV), Sat. Fat 0g (0% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 190mg (8% DV), Total Carb. 27g (9% DV), Fiber 1g (4% DV), Sugars 5g, Protein 2g, Vitamin A (0% DV), Vitamin C (0% DV), Calcium (0% DV), Iron (6% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
INGREDIENTS: WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR (CONTAINING NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), BOURBON, SOYBEAN AND/OR CANOLA OIL, HONEY, VANILLA EXTRACT, SUGAR, SPICE. CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: SALT, LEAVENING (YEAST, SODIUM BICARBONATE, AND/OR
AMMONIUM BICARBONATE), MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, L-CYSTEINE.
Nutrition Facts Serv. Size: 1 oz. (28g), Servings: 8, Amount Per Serving:
Calories 180, Fat Cal. 50, Total Fat 5g (8% DV), Sat. Fat 0.5g (3% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 320mg (13% DV), Total Carb. 28g (9% DV), Fiber 1g (4% DV), Sugars 4g, Protein 3g, Vitamin A (0% DV), Vitamin C (0% DV), Calcium (0% DV), Iron (6% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000
calorie diet.
INGREDIENTS: ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR(CONTAINING NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), SOYBEAN AND/OR CANOLA OIL, SUGAR, CINNAMON, SALT. CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: CORN SYRUP, BARLEY MALT EXTRACT, LEAVENING (YEAST, SODIUM BICARBONATE, AND/OR
AMMONIUM BICARBONATE).
Nutrition Facts Serv. Size: 1.0 oz. (28g), Servings: 8, Amount Per Serving: Calories 140, Fat Cal. 25, Total Fat 3g (5% DV), Sat. Fat 0g (0% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 320mg (13% DV), Total Carb. 24g (8% DV), Fiber 1g (4% DV), Sugars 0g, Protein 3g, Vitamin A (0% DV), Vitamin C (0% DV), Calcium (0% DV), Iron (8% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
INGREDIENTS: ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR(CONTAINING NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), SOYBEAN AND/OR CANOLA OIL, SALT, LIME JUICE, ORANGE EXTRACT. CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: DRIED ORANGE PEEL, CORN SYRUP, BARLEY MALT EXTRACT, LEAVENING (YEAST, SODIUM BICARBONATE, AND/OR AMMONIUM BICARBONATE).
Nutrition Facts Serv. Size: 1 oz. (28g), Servings: 8, Amount Per Serving:
Calories 170, Fat Cal. 60, Total Fat 7g (11% DV), Sat. Fat 1g (5% DV), Trans Fat0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 290mg (12% DV), Total Carb. 25g (8% DV), Fiber 0g (0% DV), Sugars 0g, Protein 3g, Vitamin A (4% DV), Vitamin C (0% DV), Calcium (0% DV), Iron (45% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000
calorie diet.
INGREDIENTS: ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), SALT, SOYBEAN AND/OR CANOLA OIL, SPICES, GARLIC. CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: CORN SYRUP, BARLEY MALT EXTRACT, LEAVENING (YEAST, SODIUM BICARBONATE, AND/OR
AMMONIUM BICARBONATE).
Nutrition Facts Serv. Size: 1 oz. (28g), Servings: 8, Amount Per Serving:
Calories 170, Fat Cal. 45, Total Fat 5g (8% DV), Sat. Fat 0.5g (3% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 200mg (8% DV), Total Carb. 29g (10% DV), Fiber 1g (4% DV), Sugars 6g, Protein 2g, Vitamin A (2% DV), Vitamin C (0% DV), Calcium (0% DV), Iron (6% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000
calorie diet.
INGREDIENTS: INGREDIENTS: WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR (CONTAINING NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), SUGAR, SOYBEAN AND/OR CANOLA OIL, HONEY, GARLIC, ONION, SPICES. CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: SALT, LEAVENING (YEAST, SODIUM BICARBONATE, AND/OR
AMMONIUM BICARBONATE), MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, L-CYSTEINE.
Nutrition Facts Serv. Size: 1 oz. (28g), Servings: 8, Amount Per Serving:
Calories 150, Fat Cal. 40, Total Fat 4.5g (7% DV), Sat. Fat 0.5g (3% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 330mg (14% DV), Total Carb. 26g (9% DV), Fiber 1g (4% DV), Sugars 0g, Protein 0g, Vitamin A (2% DV), Vitamin C (0% DV), Calcium (0% DV), Iron (8% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000
calorie diet.
INGREDIENTS: INGREDIENTS: ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), SALT, SOYBEAN AND/OR CANOLA OIL, GARLIC, ONION, SPICES. CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: CORN SYRUP, BARLEY MALT EXTRACT, LEAVENING (YEAST, SODIUM
BICARBONATE, AND/OR AMMONIUM BICARBONATE).