You asked. 😏
Reasons for including corn syrup in pretzels:

Cost-effectiveness: Corn syrup, particularly high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), is often a cheaper alternative to traditional sugar (sucrose) in the US due to factors like government subsidies on corn and tariffs on imported sugar.

Enhanced Browning: Corn syrup solids can contribute to desired surface browning in pretzels.

Texture and Freshness: Corn syrup acts as a humectant, meaning it helps retain moisture, which can contribute to the texture and shelf life of the pretzel.

Sweetness and Flavor: Corn syrup provides sweetness to the pretzel. HFCS is processed to convert glucose into fructose, which is sweeter and more soluble.

Ease of Use: As a liquid, corn syrup can be easier to incorporate into manufacturing processes compared to granulated sugar.