master-cooks | Store Bought Pickles, Ranked From Worst To Best

When evaluating store-bought pickles, several factors come into play, including taste, texture, and overall quality. At the lower end of the spectrum, you often find pickles that suffer from excessive vinegariness or a lack of crispness. These pickles might also have an unbalanced flavor profile, where the dill, garlic, or other spices overpower each other rather than complementing the cucumbers. As you move up the rankings, pickles start to demonstrate a more harmonious blend of flavors. The best pickles have a satisfying crunch and a well-rounded taste, where the acidity and spice levels are perfectly balanced. Mid-range options may still offer a decent crunch but might lack the depth of flavor found in premium brands. At the top of the list, you find artisanal or small-batch pickles that are often hand-packed and use high-quality ingredients. These top-tier pickles are celebrated for their fresh taste, vibrant color, and delicate balance of flavors that enhance the natural taste of the cucumber without overwhelming it. The best store-bought pickles not only satisfy a craving for something tangy and crunchy but also elevate any dish they accompany, from sandwiches to charcuterie boards.

12. Bubbies Kosher Dill Pickles

At $8.99 per jar, Bubbies Kosher Dill Pickles topped our list in terms of price, but they also came in one of the largest jars at 33 ounces. You can find Bubbies in the refrigerated section of the store. Don’t be alarmed by the white, cloudy brine; although it initially raised my concerns, the label clarified that the brine is "naturally cloudy" due to the "natural fermentation process" and suggested shaking the jar before opening. As a natural brand, Bubbies uses no artificial preservatives or sugar in its ingredients.

When I opened the jar, the aroma was pleasant, and I was eager to take my first bite of Bubbies. Unfortunately, the pickle did not meet my expectations. For starters, it was too soft—there was no satisfying crunch. Additionally, the flavor was off. Perhaps it was the fermentation process, but these pickles didn’t have the classic taste I anticipated. They were overly salty and lacked depth. I noticed a strong peppery flavor, possibly from the mustard seed listed in the ingredients, but the dill was virtually absent. With a lack of fresh crunch and dill flavor, this pickle was disappointing.

11. McClure's Whole Garlic & Dill Pickles

According to the website, McClure's Whole Garlic & Dill Pickles are crafted from fresh, locally sourced produce and natural ingredients, all hand-packed. With roots in an old family recipe and a manufacturing facility in Michigan—known for being the leading cucumber producer—I had high expectations for these pickles. Additionally, the packaging is attractive and artisanal, creating the impression that you're about to enjoy a jar of truly gourmet pickles.

Regrettably, McClure's ended up being the second-largest disappointment of the day. The pickles were soft and lacked any crunch. The flavor was unremarkable, dominated by an overpowering aftertaste of excessive garlic. Priced at $5.00 for a small 16-ounce jar at my local grocery store, I find it hard to justify spending that much on a mushy, soggy pickle. Unfortunately, this brand is one to steer clear of.

10. Suckerpunch Deli-Style Kosher Dill Wholes

I had high hopes for Suckerpunch Deli-Style Kosher Dill Wholes. The quirky label reminded me of something you'd find at Trader Joe's, and the description on the jar promised a "gourmet" pickle featuring a unique blend of 11 spices. The spices were visible in the glass jar, which raised my expectations for the flavor. According to the official company website, their pickles are made with fresh, organic ingredients and smaller cucumbers with fewer seeds. Unfortunately, this pickle fell short of my expectations.

While the branding deserves a perfect score, the actual tasting experience didn't quite deliver. The texture was decent, offering a satisfying crunch, but there was an off-putting flavor that I can't quite identify, despite the label listing garlic, spices, and dill seed. Overall, while it wasn't terrible, this isn't a pickle brand I would choose again.

9. Vlasic Kosher Dill Pickle Spears

Vlasic is a well-established American brand that has been in existence for over a century. The jar of Vlasic Kosher Dill Spears proudly displays the slogan, "That's one crunchy pickle!" However, when I took a bite, I was disappointed to find it lacked the promised crunch and instead had a soft, mushy texture. The flavor was not unpleasant, featuring a strong vinegar and salty taste with a subtle hint of dill. Ultimately, it was the texture that detracted from the overall pickle experience.

In terms of appearance, Vlasic pickles have a peculiar yellowish hue, which I appreciate is derived from turmeric rather than artificial coloring. However, I was disheartened to discover the inclusion of Polysorbate 80, an emulsifier that the Center for Science in the Public Interest suggests requires further research regarding its long-term safety. Overall, my tasting of the Vlasic pickle was lackluster, falling short on both crunchiness and flavor. The vinegar dominated the other seasonings, such as dill and garlic. Despite Vlasic's reputation as a popular pickle brand, I cannot justify ranking it any higher on my list.

8. Wickles Original Wickedly Delicious Pickle

Wickles has been crafting pickles using a cherished family recipe for almost a century. In addition to pickles, the company produces relish, pickled garlic, and spicy pickled okra. With a logo featuring a dancing pickle and chili pepper, I anticipated Wickles Original Pickles to pack a spicy punch. While there was a slight kick, it didn't compare to the heat found in some other spicy pickles on our list. The flavor was enjoyable, though a bit too sweet for my taste, and the pickle slices lacked any crunch.

These slices were quite sweet, which is understandable since sugar is the second ingredient listed on the label. I could detect hints of garlic and dill, but the sweetness dominated the overall flavor. Given their soft texture, these pickles would pair best with food, such as a topping for a burger or chicken sandwich, where the softness would be less noticeable. While not a bad option if you prefer sweet pickles with a hint of heat, the texture ultimately let them down. These pickles might work well in a sweet and spicy pickle relish, which could be a better choice from the Wickles brand.

7. Mt. Olive Kosher Dill Spears Made with Sea Salt

Mt. Olive Kosher Dill Spears, crafted with sea salt, offer a satisfying crunch and maintain their firmness without being soggy. However, they lack the crisp snap that some of the fresher pickles on our list provide. If you enjoy a salty and sour taste, you might find these pickles appealing, but they don't deliver the classic cucumber flavor enhanced with dill and other pickling spices. The ingredient list simply states "natural flavoring," making it difficult to identify the specific flavors included. In addition to the briny taste, I also detected hints of garlic. Overall, while these pickles are enjoyable, those seeking a traditional pickle experience may want to look elsewhere.

Regarding the ingredients, these pickles contain Polysorbate 80, a somewhat controversial additive sometimes found in pickles. This substance is commonly used in cleaners and personal care products, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits it in limited quantities as a food additive. If you prefer products with more natural ingredients, there are numerous alternatives available in the grocery store. In summary, Mt. Olive offers a decent pickle with a pleasing crunch and salty flavor.

6. Milwaukee's Dill Pickles

When I purchased a jar of Milwaukee's Dill Pickles, I assumed they were produced by a small local company in Milwaukee. After all, the branding on the jar claims to be "Wisconsin's Hometown Favorite." However, upon examining the fine print at the bottom of the label, I learned that Milwaukee's Dill Pickles are actually owned by Conagra Brands, which has a vast portfolio of products, including Vlasic Pickles. To my surprise, it seems that Milwaukee's Pickles are not made in or near Milwaukee, as Conagra is based in Chicago. My further investigation did not clarify where Milwaukee's pickles are currently produced.

Despite my initial confusion regarding the labeling, I found Milwaukee's Dill Pickles to have a satisfying crunch. The whole pickle was a perfect size for snacking, with a tangy vinegar flavor. I could also detect the pickling spices, dill, and a subtle hint of onion. Overall, these pickles are a great option and would pair nicely with a sandwich and chips.

5. Sechler's Sweet Heat Mixed Pickles

Sechler's Sweet Heat Mixed Pickles are far from ordinary. This jar is packed not just with cucumbers, but also with cauliflower, banana peppers, pepperoncini, onions, and bell peppers. I even spotted whole garlic cloves floating around! Despite breaking my usual preference for crunchy pickles, Sechler's ranks at the top of my list, even with its softer texture. This jar feels less like a standard pickle and more like a delightful pickled vegetable medley. The flavor is so enticing that I found myself reaching for more.

While these pickles do have a bit of a kick, they aren't overwhelmingly spicy; the heat perfectly complements the sweetness. Unlike other spicy pickles I've tried, the heat doesn't linger after eating. They would make a fantastic topping for burgers or sandwiches, and they also serve well as a side dish alongside grilled meals. These sweet and spicy pickles are truly delicious and hard to resist!

4. OH Snap! Sassy Pickle Bites

A fresh approach to packaging pickles is in pouches. Pouch-packaged pickles eliminate messy brine, are easy to toss into a lunch bag, and make for an ideal mid-day snack. If you're a pickle enthusiast curious about the texture and flavor of pickles in pouches, you might want to give them a shot. I tried OH Snap! Sassy Bites, which the packaging describes as "sweet pickle bites with a little kick."

While I usually lean towards sour pickles over sweet ones, the heat in these bites perfectly balances the sweetness, creating a delightful flavor. The pickle slices offer a satisfying crunch, and since there's no brine spilling out when you open the pouch, they make for a convenient on-the-go snack. To top it off, I found the Sassy Bites on sale for just $1 at my local supermarket. It's true that this is pricier than buying a jar of pickles for the same amount, but you're paying for the convenience. Even though they aren't swimming in brine, the pickle slices are well-soaked. Overall, this was a delicious and convenient snack option.

3. Famous Dave's Spicy Dill Pickle Chips

Famous Dave's Spicy Dill Pickle Chips deliver a bold kick of heat. If you prefer your pickles with a bit of spice, these are the perfect choice. Famous Dave's is a well-known Midwestern barbecue restaurant celebrated nationwide for its barbecue sauces available in grocery stores. It's no surprise that a barbecue establishment from the Midwest excels at crafting a flavorful spicy pickle.

These pickles offer a satisfying crunch, unlike many other brands that can be soggy. The heat comes from dried arbol chili peppers, which provide a significant punch. Arbol chilis are comparable in heat to cayenne peppers, leaving a lingering spiciness on my palate long after I enjoyed the pickle slice. Yet, I found myself craving more. These crunchy pickle slices would pair wonderfully as a side with a hearty barbecue feast. Overall, these pickles boast a delightful sourness with hints of dill, making them an excellent option for those who can handle the heat.

2. Grillo's Pickles Classic Dill Spears

The container of Grillo's Pickles boasts "crisp, clean, fresh ingredients." The ingredient list is indeed brief and straightforward, featuring only cucumbers, brine, garlic, dill, and grape leaves. You can find Grillo's in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, and due to their freshness, they have a shorter shelf life compared to some other brands. The company was founded in 2008 in Boston by Travis Grillo, who began selling jars of pickles made from his family's century-old recipe from his car. Today, Grillo's Pickles are available in supermarkets nationwide.

To see if the century-old recipe and claims of fresh ingredients lived up to the hype, I opened a jar of Grillo's Pickles. Upon taking my first bite of the pickle spear, I was greeted with a satisfying crunch and a pronounced sour flavor. The pickle tasted fresh, almost homemade, with the essence of cucumber shining through the vinegar, garlic, and dill. These pickles certainly deliver on their marketing promise and are among the freshest tasting options available. However, if you prefer sweeter pickles, you might want to pass on Grillo's, as they pack a strong sour punch.

1. Claussen Kosher Dill Pickle Spears

While I relished trying pickles I had never encountered before today, in the end, the classic brand emerged as my favorite. Claussen Kosher Dill Pickle Spears are not only the pickles of my childhood but also my top choice today. Although homemade pickles are always the most delicious option, if I don’t have any on hand, Claussen is my go-to for a traditional pickle. These pickles, sold refrigerated, boast a fresh, vibrant flavor of dill and vinegar, accompanied by a delightful crunch.

Claussen outshined the other brands with its zesty flavor, delivering exactly what you’d expect from a classic pickle. There were no surprises here—just a straightforward, authentic dill pickle taste. Claussen doesn’t attempt to be extravagant; instead, it offers a timeless pickle with traditional notes of dill, vinegar, and garlic. A sandwich with chips simply isn’t complete without a Claussen pickle spear by its side.

How I selected and ranked store-bought pickles

The brands I evaluated were restricted to what I could find at my local grocery stores. I selected a diverse assortment of pickles, including some from the refrigerated section and others that are shelf-stable. During the tasting process, I assessed them based on four criteria: appearance, aroma, flavor, and crispness. An ideal pickle should offer a satisfying crunch, vibrant color (avoiding dull or gray hues), and an appealing scent when the jar is opened. Pickles that were soggy or limp were marked down for their texture. The flavor profile should be a balance of sourness, saltiness, and possibly a hint of sweetness or spiciness, depending on the type.

As I sampled each pickle, I considered their overall appeal in terms of crunch, flavor, and visual presentation. Those with a pleasing snap and a delightful mix of pickling spices rose to the top of my rankings, while the dull, floppy, and uninspiring pickles fell to the bottom.

Store-Bought Pickles, Ranked From Worst To Best