The Science of a Great Pickle: What to Look For When You Buy

Everyone knows a great pickle when they bite one: the snap, the tang, the flavor that makes you reach for another. But what is actually going on, and how do you find that pickle on a shelf or online? Here is the science of a great pickle from a buyer’s point of view, and how our jars stack up.

What makes a great pickle

1. The crunch

Crunch starts with the cucumber. Fresh, firm cucumbers make a crisp pickle, which is why we use Georgia-grown cucumbers and make our jars in small batches. More in small-batch vs mass-produced pickles.

2. The sour

The tang comes from vinegar. The best brands tell you how sour a jar is, so you can choose. Our sour scale runs from The Dill Chips (least) to The Vintage (medium) to The Power Sour (most). Wondering about fermented pickles? Read fermented vs vinegar-brined pickles.

3. The balance

A great pickle is balanced: salt, sour, spice and sometimes sweet, with no single note shouting. Heat should be predictable, too. Our "Spicy" jars are always a 3 out of 5 with chili flakes and habanero, and The Ghost Pickle is a 4 out of 5. See the heat scale.

4. The label

Read the label before you buy. Ours are gluten-free and vegan, with no dyes and 90% less sodium than leading brands*. See our low-sodium pickles guide.

5. The proof

Awards and repeat customers tell you a pickle is worth it. Ours have won a Good Food Award and Flavor of Georgia. See how brands compare in the best pickle brands of 2026.

The Power SourOur most sour jar. For people who drink the brine.Shop · $16.95The VintageMedium sour. Classic pickling spice and crushed bay leaf.Shop · $16.95The Dill ChipsCrisp, salty and zesty. The least sour of our sour scale.Shop · $16.95The Banana PickleFlavor of Georgia Best Pickle 2024. Not spicy.Shop · $16.95

Where to buy great pickles

Right here. We ship our jars across the US. See the best pickles to buy online and gourmet pickles, or shop all pickles.

Why people choose [PICKLES]

• Handcrafted in small batches in our Atlanta kitchen with Georgia-grown cucumbers.
• 90% less sodium than leading brands*, gluten-free and vegan, with no dyes.
• Award-winning: a Good Food Award and Flavor of Georgia.
• 40+ flavors across sour, spicy and sweet, so there is a jar for every person on your list.

Gift boxes and the Pickle Club

Giving them as a gift? Our themed boxes arrive gift-ready: The Dill Box, The Blazing Box, The Sweet Box and The Bloody Mary Box are $65 each, and the 3-Jar Pickle Party Pack is a balanced mix of one classic, one with a kick and one wildcard. Want to choose every jar? Build Your Pickle Box starts at $45. See all gift boxes.

For the pickle lover who never wants to run out, the [PICKLES] CLUB sends six curated jars every month ($99), with new flavors and early drops, and a 12-month membership is 15% off. Here is what comes in each box.

Build Your Pickle Box2, 3 or 6 jars you choose from 40+ flavors.Shop · $45.003-Jar Pickle Party PackOne classic, one with a kick, one wildcard.Shop · $65.00[PICKLES] CLUBSix curated jars every month.Shop · $99.00

US shipping is free on 2+ jars, and if you spend $150 you get a free jar. Every gift box ships gift-ready.

FAQ

Are your pickles fermented?

Our pickles are vinegar-brined. Read fermented vs vinegar-brined pickles for the difference.

What makes your pickles crunchy?

Fresh, Georgia-grown cucumbers and small-batch care. The rest stays in our kitchen.

What is your most sour pickle?

The Power Sour.

More from our kitchen: pickle stocking stuffers under $25, pickle gifts for runners and gym friends, the Christmas gift guide for pickle lovers and holiday hostess gifts. Or browse our bestsellers.

*Per 1 oz serving vs. leading national dill pickle brands. Details.