Pickles might look like a simple sidekick, but let’s be honest they have serious power to transform a meal. Imagine biting into a juicy burger without that sharp, tangy crunch on the side. Doesn’t feel the same, right? Or picture a creamy potato salad missing that little zing of brine it just falls flat. Even something as ordinary as a late night snack can feel elevated when you grab a pickle straight from the jar. It’s no wonder people are obsessed. From pickle chips to pickle hot sauce and even pickle flavored ice cream, we’re clearly living in what many are calling the golden age or better yet, the Era of the Pickle.
But this obsession isn’t some new food fad. Pickles have a history that stretches back thousands of years, all the way to 2400 B.C. They’ve popped up in cultures across the world, carrying both practical and even mythical importance. Cleopatra reportedly swore by pickles as one of her beauty secrets, while Napoleon went so far as to supply his troops with them, knowing that a sour crunch could keep soldiers energized during long marches. Over centuries, that simple combination cucumbers, garlic, salt, dill, and time has managed to stay relevant, loved, and comforting. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest foods really are timeless.
Of course, ask any true pickle lover and they’ll tell you: not all pickles are created equal. Some have the perfect snap and tang, while others turn out soft, overly salty, or lacking that dill punch. And with grocery aisles stacked high with endless brands and varieties, the search for “the one” can feel overwhelming. Do you go classic dill or try spicy spears? Kosher style or bread and butter? Refrigerated for crunch or shelf stable for convenience? It’s a mini adventure every time you shop.
That’s why we’ve done the taste testing for you. After sorting through jars, crunching through spears, and sipping brine (yes, pickle people really do that), we’ve pulled together a list of brands that never disappoint. These are the ones that consistently nail the balance of crunch, tang, and freshness along with a few that, sadly, don’t quite make the cut. So whether you’re a casual fan or a full on pickle enthusiast, here are five brands that deserve a permanent spot in your fridge.
5 Pickle Brands to Snag
Grillo’s Classic Dill Spears
Grillo’s is a game changer for refrigerated pickles. Their spears have a crisp, satisfying crunch and a fresh, homemade vibe that’s hard to beat. Crafted with straightforward ingredients such as fresh garlic and grape leaves, they remain bright and crunchy. Their “garden to jar” approach is all about no long shelf life preservatives and only pure, fresh taste. Grillo’s finished atop a Today blind taste test and was deemed best overall by Sporked, placing No. 2 on refrigerated brands in 2019. Their Pickle de Gallo, imbued with habanero and jalapeño heat, is a spicy kick for the adventurous.
Boar’s Head Kosher Dill Pickles
Boar’s Head offers a classic, homemade flavor with its kosher dills. A touch of sweetness harmonizes perfectly with dill and garlic, a taste that is reminiscent of a warm memory. Hand packed and cold cured, they have a firm snap, and a hidden note of pickled carrots provides additional zing. “Best Whole Pickles” by Cook’s Country and a 2020 America’s Test Kitchen winner, these will be the go to for anyone who enjoys a traditional garlicky kosher pickle.
Claussen Kosher Dill Spears
Claussen’s chilled spears are a favourite, with dill, vinegar, and crunch all perfectly balanced to meet high standards. The brine is the right amount of tangy but not too salty, and they remain fresh even when the jar has been open. Avoiding pasteurization and employing refrigeration, Claussen maintains their pickles crisp with crunchy skin. Way back in 1991, they were named America’s No. 1 refrigerated pickle, and their dedicated fans still insist they’re the best mass market variety available.
Famous Dave’s Spicy Pickle Spears
Famous for barbecue, the chain surprises with spicy pickle spears that are the real showstopper. Sweet bread and butter pickles with a peppery kick and hints of onion are great for piling high on a brisket sandwich or burger. The sweetness is up front, followed by creeping spice, making them bold without being overpowering. Now available in stores, they make an excellent choice for those seeking a departure from plain dill with a well balanced, hot twist.
Dietz & Watson Dill Pickles
Dietz & Watson gets the traditional dill pickle right with snappy flavor and consistent crunch. They’re firm but not hard, providing that great crunch with every bite. A reviewer on Amazon even described them as superior to Claussen’s talk about high praise! With an emphasis on quality, these pickles offer the real flavor traditionalists love, so they’re a trustworthy standby for anyone who loves pickles.
5 Pickle Brands to Share
McClure’s Whole Garlic & Dill Pickles
McClure’s fails, particularly at its premium price tag. The texture is mushy and soft, lacking the crunch pickle enthusiasts crave. The brine is excessively salty, dominating the cucumber and garlic, producing a stale, “old water” flavor. A so called “pickle foodie” called them among the worst for crunch. With all their artisanal claims and non GMO label, McClure’s doesn’t merit the price tag, rendering them an easy pass.
Vlasic Dill Pickles
Vlasic’s “crunchy pickle” guarantee fails. Their Kosher Dill Spears are mushy in the center with only a slight snap on the exterior. Taste is too acidic or salty, and their “Purely Pickles” varieties are unimpressive. Turmeric extract makes them look weirdly neon green, and chemical preservatives don’t improve matters. Though ubiquitous, Vlasic’s subpar texture and flavor make them a pass.
Mt. Olive Kosher Dill Pickles
Mt. Olive, in business since 1926, fails with chewy, difficult to chew skin that’s received a “floss required” dig from Serious Eats. The overpowering garlic flavor overwhelms the dill, and “natural flavors” in the ingredients suggest artificial additives. Preservatives decrease their desirability for consumers seeking cleaner alternatives. While originally commended for garlic aficionados, their off balance flavor and stringy texture aren’t worth it.
Kroger Simple Truth Organic Kosher Dill Pickle Spears
Kroger’s organic brand is promising sounding, but these spears disappoint. They’re pale and unappetizing, with a mushy texture and almost no crunch. The flavor is off, with overwhelming vinegar and an odd sweet salty combination that overpowers any garlic. Organic or not, these pickles are lacking freshness and balance and are a bad option for anyone wanting a good bite.
Whole Foods 365 Dill Pickle Spears
Whole Foods’ 365 brand provides a good crunch for a non refrigerated pickle, but the taste is disappointing. A strange, perfumy aftertaste almost like wearing a scent is used in place of the usual dill and garlic. It’s strange, not rewarding. Although the texture is still good, the strange flavor makes these a no for anyone seeking a real, authentic pickle experience.
Picking the Perfect Pickle
The world of pickles is vast, but not all jars are created equal. Grillo’s, Boar’s Head, Claussen, Famous Dave’s, and Dietz & Watson stand out with crunch, balanced flavor, and quality. McClure’s, Vlasic, Mt. Olive, Kroger Simple Truth, and Whole Foods 365 fall short with mushy texture, off flavors, or bizarre aftertastes. With this guide, you can walk the pickle aisle with confidence, picking up jars promising a tangy, crunchy treat and avoiding those that simply don’t deliver. Here’s to your ideal pickle!
