Love them or hate them, dill pickles seem to be cropping up everywhere at the moment. They were one of the biggest food trends of 2018, according to Refinery 29, and they’re still going strong into 2019.
“Pickles are in their own category of mouth-puckering,” the publication wrote. It added, “just thinking about pickle juice (whether you’re a pickle lover or hater) is enough to induce that familiar saliva-producing mouthfeel.”
Are Pickles Good For You?
Eating pickles on their own can provide many health benefits; they can reduce inflammation and improve insulin resistance. According to Healthline, consuming pickles can also boost your intake of antioxidants, which can help to reduce the risk of serious diseases like cancer and heart disease.
If you’re a pickle fan, like many foods, it’s important to eat them in moderation, as they’re high in sodium. “Peter Piper, the one who picked a peck of pickled peppers, probably didn’t eat the whole peck,” says Healthline. “A peck is about two gallons, way too many pickles of any kind for one person.”
The Soaring Popularity of Pickles
According to Refinery 29, more than 239 million Americans consumed pickles in 2017. By 2020, it’s expected that this number will rise to more than 245 million. That’s an awful lot of pickle lovers. But why are they so popular? It’s not just because of the health benefits, but also the punchy flavor, apparently.
According to Kara Nielson — the vice president of trends and marketing CCD Innovation Inc — food brands opt for pickle-flavored products and menu items because they’re “eyebrow-raising” and they get the customer’s attention.
They also seem to be a marketing dream (helped along by American animated sci-fi comedy “Rick and Morty”).
Outside of food, brands have played on the popularity of the ingredient and created products — like mugs, socks, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats (you name it, you can probably buy it) — based around cute images of pickles. Perpetual Kid even sells a pickle-scented air freshener, which helps to attract “other like-minded pickle lovers,” according to the retailer.
If you’re into pickles in a big way — and you want to get your fix by eating something that isn’t an actual pickle, but it tastes like one — here are 11 of the top vegan dill pickle-flavored foods you can buy right now.
12 Vegan Dill Pickle Flavored Foods to Make You Pucker With Pleasure
1. Dill Pickle Kraut Krisps
Available from Thrive Market, these vegan Dill Pickle Kraut Krisps by Farmhouse Culture are gluten-free and certified organic. According to Thrive, unlike many potato chips out there, these Krisps are actually good for you, so you can snack away without feeling any guilt. It says, “each bag harvests the power of gut-friendly sauerkraut with 1 billion probiotic cultures in every serving plus a savory vinegar, dill, onion, and garlic flavor.”
The product has received five-star reviews from customers, most of whom seem to be self-confessed pickle lovers. One reviewer warned, “Think you probably have to really like both sauerkraut and dill pickles to like this product because you can definitely taste both.”
Buy the Dill Pickle Kraut Krisps here.
2. G.H. Cretor’s Organic Dill Pickle Popcorn
Forget salty or sweet, thanks to G.H. Cretor’s you can now enjoy your vegan popcorn pickle-flavored. Made with simple, natural, organic ingredients, the Organic Dill Pickle Popcorn is “a tart, bold, fresh tasting dill pickle popped corn,” notes the brand. It was “created by combining a big hit of dill pickle seasoning with a dash of real dill weed and sea salt.” If you’re planning a movie marathon anytime soon, you know what to do.
Buy it here.
3. Pickle Hard Candy
If you’re in the mood for something sweet but you still have a pickle craving to satisfy, these hard candies could be just what you need. The white and green lozenges come in a cute tin, too, making them the perfect gift for the pickle lover in your life.
Vat19 says, “the white and green lozenge harkens back to classic old-timey candy while the pickle taste in the form of a sweet lozenge gives a whole new perspective of what hard candy can be.” It continues, “With a dill-forward bouquet and a sweet finish, this pickle candy is one you’ll want to pick a peck of.”
Buy it here.
4. Pickle Sunflower Seeds
For a healthy snack, David Jumbo’s Dill Pickle Roasted Sunflower Seeds could be your new go to. According to the brand, they’re “flawlessly roasted,” light, and nutritious. If you’re planning a party (a pickle-themed party?) place these out in a bowel for your guests to munch on. Or if you’re not feeling generous, keep them all to yourself for the perfect on-the-go snack.
Buy it here.
5. Pickle Juice Soda
Not technically a food, but it was definitely worth including. This Pickle Juice Soda tastes just like pickled cucumbers, according to the product’s description. So you can wash down your pickle popcorn, pickle potato chips, and pickle candy with the perfect pickle drink.
Rocket Fizz says, “it turns out anything can be pickled – even soda! Pickle Soda Pop converts the flavor experience of sipping from a pickle jar into a sweet soda that’s easy to gulp down.”
It continues, “The carbonated condiment blends the deliciousness of a sour dill pickle with the sweetness of pure cane sugar to create a unique but mellow flavor. Both passionate picklers and intrigued taste adventurers will enjoy this one-of-a-kind beverage.”
Buy it here.
6. Pickle Cotton Candy
Treat yourself to a sugary treat with Pickle Cotton Candy. According to Vat19, this product allows you to enjoy the sensation of pickles dissolving on your tongue. It says, “Pickle Cotton Candy is the sweet and sour treat that’s light, fluffy, and definitely tastes of pickles. The unexpected pairing of pickle flavor with melts-in-your-mouth cotton candy texture makes this a unique and interesting briny treat.”
Buy it here.
7. Pickle Candy Canes
If you can’t wait until the festive season, there’s nothing to stop you stocking up on pickle candy canes straight away! Archie McPhee says, “peppermint is so last year. And the year before that, and before that… Trade in boring traditions for flavors that you love.”
It adds, “your breath might not smell fresh anymore, but at least your taste buds will be satisfied.”
Buy it here.
8. Lays Dill Pickle Potato Chips
Lays Dill Pickle Potato Chips are super, well, pickle-y, according to reviewers on Amazon. One buyer wrote, “Lays is the only brand whose chips that taste exactly like Dill Pickles. It isn’t tart and tangy… and has a smooth taste.” Another added, “very good! I love these chips and they’re so addictive.”
Buy it here.
9. Pickle Peanuts
If you’re into a savory snack every now and then, these pickle peanuts by The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg could be right up your street. Place them alongside your pickle sunflower seeds in a bowl at a gathering, pop them in your bag if you’re heading out on a trip, or simply snack on them in front of the TV. Whatever you decide, if you love pickles, you won’t be disappointed.
One customer wrote in a review on Amazon, “I had guests over when I opened up these peanuts and they rapidly disappeared. If you love the taste of dill and high-quality peanuts at a reasonable price this is the right product.” Another added, “These are delicious: the peanuts are large and the dill seasoning is great.”
Buy it here.
10. Twangerz Pickle Salt
Twangerz Pickle Salt allows you to add a little flavor of pickle to anything you like – literally, anything. If you’re kicking back on a summer afternoon with a beer, add a little pickle salt. If you’re curing a hangover with a vegan bloody mary, add a little pickle salt. If you’re snacking on pretty much any snack in the universe, from french fries to potato chips, to corn on the cob, add a little pickle salt. Go on, don’t be shy. Let your pickle addiction run free.
Buy it here.
11. Gourmet Pickle Popcorn
You can never have too many options for pickle popcorn; thanks to vegan brand Hollee Pop, now you have another. Made with non-GMO organic ingredients, Stiff Pickle popcorn by Hollee Pop contains “perfectly balanced” flavors of dill pickle, vinegar, and garlic, according to the brand’s website. It notes, “like biting into a fresh, crisp dill pickle but as a popcorn flavor!”
Buy it here.
12. Sandwich Maker Pickles
Grillo’s Pickles now offers Sandwich Makers Dill Slices. In case you were wondering what a Sandwich Maker pickle is, Bustle describes it as “a pickle so powerful, so beautifully designed, so ergonomically perfect that you can use them to make your own mini pickle sandwiches.” Essentially, they are thick cut long vertical slices, made with cucumbers, salt, dill, garlic, grape leaves, and vinegar. Perfect for any pickle fanatic.
Find out more here.
