The Ultimate Dill Pickle Taste Test: Our Top Picks Revealed
When it comes to dill pickles, southerners have perfected the art. Not only do these tangy delights elevate a classic deli sandwich, but they’re also an indispensable ingredient in everything from deviled eggs to pasta salads. With so many options available, we decided to embark on a mission: to taste-test 11 popular dill pickle brands to identify the standout champs. Let’s dive in!
How We Tested
To ensure an unbiased evaluation, we followed a structured tasting method:
- Blind Taste Tests: We removed pickles from their jars, cut them into quarters, and placed them on numbered plates. This way, our panel of tasters had no idea which pickle they were sampling.
- Rating System: Each pickle was rated on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. After sampling all contenders, the tasters revealed their overall favorites, allowing us to crown the best of the best. We also identified the top non-refrigerated option, a significant consideration in the dill pickle universe!
The Contenders
Here’s the lineup of our dill pickle taste test:
- Grillo’s Pickles, Classic Dill Spears
- Clausen Kosher Dill Spears
- Vlasic Kosher Dill Spears
- Mt. Olive Kosher Dill Spears
- Market Pantry Kosher Dill Pickle Spears (Sam’s Club)
- Good & Gather Kosher Dill Pickle Spears (Target)
- Park Street Deli Kosher Dill Pickle Spears
- Great Gherkins Kosher Dill Spears
- Great Value Kosher Dill Pickle Spears (Walmart)
- Trader Joe’s Organic Kosher Dill Pickle Spears
- Publix Kosher Dill Spears
The Results
1. Grillo’s Classic Dill Spears
Grillo’s emerged as an absolute favorite, wowing our panel with its fresh cucumber flavor and delightful snap. Reviewers described this pickle as “sharp and garlicky,” with a perfect crunch. It’s a flavor-packed treat that truly stands out.
2. Clausen Kosher Dill Spears
Next up, Clausen won tasters over with its pleasantly salty profile and mild dill flavor. The impressive crunchiness kept tasters engaged, making it a worthy contender.
3. Vlasic Kosher Dill Spears
If you prefer a more tangy experience, Vlasic is the way to go. Its strong acidic flavor will have your taste buds rejoicing, described perfectly by one taster as possessing “pucker power.”
4. Mt. Olive Kosher Dill Spears
Tasters described Mt. Olive as balanced and classic. These spears delivered more of everything—a stronger dill taste and crunch that left everyone satisfied and smiling.
5. Market Pantry Kosher Dill Pickle Spears
With a vivid color and tantalizing vinegar notes, Market Pantry impressed some tasters while leaving others wanting. Its flavor varied throughout the jar, making it an intriguing option.
6. Good & Gather Kosher Dill Pickle Spears
Described as “very dilly,” Good & Gather earned points for its consistent crunch. It might not be an overwhelming favorite, but tasters agreed it paired excellently with sandwiches.
7. Park Street Deli Kosher Dill Pickle Spears
These pickles stole hearts with a herbal flavor and an irresistibly crisp finish. While considered milder, their enjoyment factor skyrocketed due to their crunch.
8. Great Gherkins Kosher Dill Spears
Great Gherkins surprised tasters with a sweetness that felt almost anise-like. Despite lacking a distinct crunch, their unique flavor profile set them apart.
9. Great Value Kosher Dill Pickle Spears
This option left tasters divided; some described it as fruity, while others saw it as predominantly sour. The texture leaned toward softness, distinguishing it from the more robust contenders.
10. Trader Joe’s Organic Kosher Dill Pickle Spears
A refrigerated delight, Trader Joe’s dazzled with garlic notes and a refreshing flavor that tasters reveled in. Editors hailed it as their “ideal pickle.”
11. Publix Kosher Dill Spears
While Publix provided a tangy flavor, it fell short in the texture department due to a softer skin. Still, their flavor remained consistent throughout each spear.
The Winners
Best Refrigerated: Grillo’s Classic Dill Spears
No surprise here! Grillo’s captured the title of Best Refrigerated Dill Pickle. Its delightful herbaceous flavor, coupled with a satisfyingly crunchy texture, made it the top choice among our panel. This pickle offers a punch that keeps tasters coming back for more.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Stylist: Mary Beth Wetzel
Best Shelf-Stable: Mt. Olive Kosher Dill Spears
While Grillo’s may have stolen the show overall, Mt. Olive proudly takes the crown as Best Shelf-Stable Dill Pickle. Its ability to maintain a crunchy texture while delivering bright, refreshing flavors without the need for refrigeration makes it a must-try, especially as a beloved Southern brand based in North Carolina.
With our definitive taste test results in hand, you’re now equipped to make an informed dill pickle decision. Whether you’re snacking, adding to recipes, or enjoying them solo, these top contenders ensure your cravings are covered. What’s your favorite dill pickle brand?
