When Dot’s Pretzels are BOGO at Publix, I use the trip to round out the snack lineup for movie nights, parties, and everyday munching. These five picks are worth adding to the cart while the deal is running.
Prices were checked at a Publix in Atlanta on November 14; they vary by store and change with each week’s ad.
1. Boulder Canyon Potato Chips Classic Sea Salt, Avocado Oil, Kettle Style – $4.99
For a simple counterpoint to heavily seasoned pretzels, these sea-salt kettle chips bring a cleaner flavor to party bowls and game-day spreads. They’re $4.99, with a buy-two-get-one-free offer through 11/17 that can change by week and store.
Taste: The sea salt is straightforward, while the avocado oil lends a smooth, slightly buttery quality. Each thick chip delivers a firm, crisp kettle crunch.
Make It Better: Put these beside a strongly flavored dip and let the mild seasoning do its job. I also open one bag at a time so the extras stay crisp.
Parting Thoughts: Choose these when you want substantial crunch without adding another aggressively seasoned snack.
2. Cabot Cheddar Cheese Seriously Sharp Popcorn – $4.99
Cheddar popcorn earns its spot when a snack spread needs something lighter than pretzels but still boldly savory. The $4.99 bags are buy one, get one free through 11/17 at the checked store, though weekly offers can vary.
Taste: Naturally aged cheddar gives the popcorn a pronounced, tangy cheese flavor rather than a faint dusting. The popped kernels feel airy and crisp next to denser pretzels and chips.
Make It Better: Mix it with a handful of Dot’s just before serving for alternating bites of sharp cheddar and seasoned pretzel. Keep the rest sealed until guests arrive.
Parting Thoughts: Sharp-cheddar devotees should find this more satisfying than mild cheese popcorn.
3. Bugles Original Flavor Crispy Corn Snacks – $3.49
Movie nights feel more fun with these cone-shaped corn snacks in the bowl, especially when kids and adults are sharing the spread. At $3.49, they were buy one, get one free through 11/17 at the store checked; that offer may differ by week or location.
Taste: Bugles have a familiar salty corn flavor that stays fairly simple beside Dot’s stronger seasoning. Their hollow cones are light, crisp, and distinctly different from a hard pretzel crunch.
Make It Better: Use the cone shape to scoop up a favorite dip rather than serving them plain. They also add playful texture to a mixed snack bowl.
Parting Thoughts: For a nostalgic, uncomplicated crunch, Bugles remain an easy crowd-pleaser.
4. Publix Peanut Butter Pretzels – $3.99
My sweet-salty pick is this resealable 16-ounce bag of pretzels filled with real peanut butter. It’s $3.99, marked down from $5.99 with a $2.00 savings offer through 11/17, making it a richer alternative to Dot’s twists.
Taste: The salty shell gives way to smooth, rich peanut butter, creating a balanced savory-sweet bite. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and creamy center makes these feel more substantial than plain pretzels.
Make It Better: Pour a small portion into a bowl instead of eating from the bag; the filled bites are satisfying enough that a little goes a long way.
Parting Thoughts: Worth grabbing for peanut butter lovers, though anyone avoiding another pretzel format can skip it.
5. Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Cheddar Baked Snack Crackers
Kids at the gathering get their own dependable option with these cheddar baked snack crackers. They work well in lunchboxes, on outings, or in a family snack bowl beside the more assertively seasoned Dot’s.
Taste: The cheddar flavor is mild and familiar rather than sharp or intense. Each fish-shaped cracker has a dry, baked crunch that is gentler than a thick kettle chip or hard pretzel.
Make It Better: Divide them into small containers before an outing for an easy grab-and-go snack. At home, serve them in a separate bowl so their mild flavor does not get lost among seasoned pretzels.
Parting Thoughts: Families needing a kid-friendly choice will get more mileage from these than adventurous snackers will.
