Pickled Grapes: Sweet, Savory & How to Eat Them

Pickled grapes sound like a dare until you try one. A cold, tangy grape that still pops when you bite it is one of those small surprises people remember, which is why a jar on the table tends to get emptied fast.

Here is what pickled grapes are, how sweet versus savory versions differ, what our two grape jars taste like, the easiest ways to eat them, and where to buy a jar.

What are pickled grapes?

Pickled grapes are exactly what they sound like: whole grapes kept in a tangy brine. The brine soaks into the fruit, so every grape tastes sweet and sharp at the same time while keeping a little of its snap.

They sit in the same family as other pickled fruit, like pickled lemon or watermelon rind. If you already love a sweet pickle, pickled grapes are an easy next step.

Sweet or savory?

Both styles exist. Savory pickled grapes lean toward black pepper and herbs and usually end up on a cheese board. Sweet pickled grapes lean toward dessert and drinks. Ours sit firmly on the sweet side, which makes them more versatile than you might expect: they work with cheese, in a glass and on top of dessert.

Our two grape jars (and how to tell them apart)

The Grape Cocktail: very sweet, tastes like cherries

The Grape Cocktail is our true pickled grape jar. It is very sweet, and most people say it tastes like cherries. It was made for drinks first, so it shines in a glass, but it is just as happy spooned over ice cream.

The Grape Pickle: our November and December holiday pickle

The Grape Pickle is our holiday jar: sweet, tangy pickle chips with warm cinnamon spice and a single clove. It is the one we reach for on holiday boards and next to the ham.

How to eat pickled grapes: 8 easy ideas

1. Over vanilla ice cream

Spoon a few Grape Cocktail grapes and a splash of the brine over a scoop of vanilla. Sweet, tangy and cold. This is the one people text their friends about.

2. In sparkling water

Drop a few grapes and a spoonful of brine into a glass of sparkling water over ice. An easy non-alcoholic drink with real flavor.

3. In a cocktail or spritz

Use them as a garnish in sparkling wine, a spritz or a vodka soda. They look great on a pick and taste even better at the bottom of the glass.

4. On a cheese board

Set them next to creamy brie, sharp cheddar and salty crackers. Sweet and tangy against rich cheese is a classic for a reason.

5. With holiday ham or turkey

A small dish of Grape Pickle on the holiday table cuts through rich roasted meat and adds color. It also makes great leftover sandwiches.

6. In a green salad

Halve a handful and toss them with greens, goat cheese and toasted nuts. A spoonful of brine whisked into olive oil makes a quick dressing.

7. On cheesecake or yogurt

Chop a few Grape Cocktail grapes over cheesecake, yogurt or cottage cheese for a sweet-tart topping.

8. Straight from the jar

Cold from the fridge with a clean fork. No further instructions needed.

Pickled grapes FAQ

Are pickled grapes sweet?

It depends on the style. Ours are sweet: The Grape Cocktail is very sweet and tastes like cherries, and The Grape Pickle is sweet and tangy with warm holiday spice.

Are they spicy?

No. Neither of our grape jars has any heat. If you want heat, see our spicy pickles heat scale.

How big is a jar?

Every jar is 17 oz.

Do they make a good gift?

Yes, especially for the holidays. The Grape Pickle is our November and December holiday jar, and pickled grapes are an easy conversation starter on a gift board. See our guide to building a pickle gift basket.

Where to buy pickled grapes

Pickled grapes are rarely on regular grocery shelves. Your best bets are specialty food shops, farmers markets and ordering online direct from the maker.

You can order The Grape Cocktail and The Grape Pickle straight from our site. Every jar is 17 oz, made in small batches in Atlanta, and shipping is free in the US when you order 2 or more jars. Browse our Pickled Fruit and Sweet & Fruity collections for more.

If you like sweet jars, you will also like our guide to sweet and tangy flavors and the 9 ways to use pickled lemon. Our customers rate us 4.9 out of 5 across 280+ reviews.

Get the jars

Small-batch, made in Atlanta, and free US shipping on 2+ jars.

The Grape CocktailVery sweet pickled grapes that taste like cherries.Shop · $16.95The Grape PickleOur holiday jar. Sweet, tangy, cinnamon and clove.Shop · $16.95The Sweet BoxThree sweet jars in one gift box.Shop · $65.00