The Bavarian pretzel has joined champagne, Parma ham and Cornish pasties on the EU’s protected origins list, which means only pretzels produced in the southern German state can be sold as Bayerische breze, or Bavarian pretzel.

In a statement on Friday, the EU commission said these are “characterised by a doughy taste, combined with a short, crisp crack and a soft, fluffy texture”. It said the protected geographical indication status applied to the “typical Bavarian lye pastry whose shape symbolises arms folded in prayer”, be it “topped with coarse salt, cheese or poppy, sesame, pumpkin or sunflower seeds”.

Products made and sold outside the EU, such as Bavarian pretzels in the US, are not affected by the decision.