8 Pickle Brands You Should Avoid At All Costs

Not all pickles are created equal. Some are limp, overly sweet, or loaded with questionable ingredients that would make any pickle lover wince. If you’re picky about your pickles (and you should be), here are 8 brands that might leave a bad taste—literally.

1. Great Value (Walmart)

Imagine eagerly biting into a pickle, expecting a zesty crunch, but instead, you’re met with a sweet, soggy disappointment. Great Value pickles often mask their vinegary bite with an overpowering sweetness that can overshadow your sandwich. The texture lacks the crispness a true pickle lover dreams of.

While the price tag is appealing, the quality reflects it. These pickles are more about saving pennies than delivering quality.

If you’re looking for a classic pickle experience, these might not be your best choice. They’re for those who prefer sweet over tangy, but not for pickle purists.

2. Vlasic Sweet Gherkins

Ever bitten into a pickle that feels more like a dessert? Vlasic Sweet Gherkins might just surprise you with how sugar-laden they are. These pickles, while small and seemingly innocent, pack a sugary punch that rivals candy.

For those keeping an eye on sugar intake, these gherkins could derail dietary goals.

While they have their fans, those who crave a sharp, tangy flavor will be left wanting. In a world where pickles should provide a crisp, briny bite, these sweet impostors might not satisfy the traditional pickle enthusiast.

3. Mt. Olive Bread & Butter Chips

Bread and butter pickles often walk a fine line between sweet and savory, but Mt. Olive’s version leans heavily toward the sweet side. With high fructose corn syrup as a key ingredient, these chips taste more like a sugary snack than a pickle.

Fans of a savory, tangy pickle might find themselves puzzled by this flavor profile.

While popular in some circles, these pickles can be a letdown for those seeking a more balanced taste. If you’re after a savory bite, Mt. Olive Bread & Butter Chips might not hit the mark.

4. Best Maid Dill Pickles

Pickle lovers cherish that satisfying crunch, but Best Maid Dill Pickles might just leave you wanting more. Often criticized for their soggy texture, these pickles lack the crisp snap that defines a quality dill pickle.

The flavor can veer toward bitterness instead of the anticipated sharp, briny taste.

For those who value texture in their pickles, Best Maid’s offering might disappoint. While some appreciate the unique flavor, others find it lacks the boldness a true dill pickle should deliver. Approach with caution if crunch is your top priority.

5. B&G Kosher Dills

Salt lovers might think they’ve hit the jackpot with B&G Kosher Dills, but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. These pickles often come with an overwhelming salty punch that can overshadow other flavors.

Unfortunately, an unexpected chemical aftertaste might leave you questioning your choice.

For those seeking the bold dill flavor synonymous with kosher pickles, these might fall short. While they have their fans, those craving a more balanced pickle might want to look elsewhere. Salt is essential, but balance is key to a great pickle experience.

6. Pickle Crisp (Shelf-Stable Jars)

Shelf-stable pickles promise convenience, but Pickle Crisp jars often sacrifice freshness for longevity. These pickles can linger on shelves, resulting in a lackluster texture. The snap is often missing, replaced by a more preserved taste.

For pickle aficionados, that fresh crunch is essential, and it might not be found here.

While convenient for long storage, the trade-off in quality is apparent. If you crave that fresh, bright pickle flavor, these might not deliver. The convenience might be tempting, but fresher options could offer a more satisfying experience.

7. Market Pantry Dill Pickle Spears (Target)

Imagine rolling the dice every time you open a pickle jar. Market Pantry Dill Pickle Spears offer a gamble with each purchase. Some jars reveal mushy pickles, while others surprise you with excessive brine.

This inconsistency can frustrate those who seek a reliable pickle experience.

While some might hit the mark, others fall short, making it difficult to anticipate satisfaction. For pickle enthusiasts craving consistency and flavor, this brand might not be the ideal choice. If unpredictability isn’t your style, consider exploring more dependable options.

8. Claussen Hot & Spicy Pickles

Spice lovers may be intrigued by Claussen Hot & Spicy Pickles, but the experience can be overwhelming. These pickles aim for heat but often miss out on the depth of flavor.

While Claussen’s original pickles are beloved, this spicy variation might overshadow its own potential.

For those seeking a well-rounded, flavorful pickle, the artificial heat might prove disappointing. Fans of the original might find this version lacking, with spice overshadowing the classic crunch. If you’re after a spicy pickle with layers of flavor, this might not be your best bet.