Super source
Sugars
5.80 g · 12% DV target
A crisp, vinegary cucumber preserved through fermentation or brining, the dill pickle serves as a sharp, low-calorie condiment with a profile defined by its high salt content.
Dill pickles are characterized by a high sodium content, typically ranging from 643 mg to 1220 mg per 100g depending on the brand and preparation method . This high salt concentration is a functional requirement of the traditional fermentation process, where it prevents the growth of spoilage organisms while allowing beneficial bacteria to thrive .126
The fermentation of dill pickles is primarily driven by lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactobacillus plantarum, which convert the natural sugars in cucumbers into lactic acid . This process lowers the pH of the food and transforms the cucumber's physical properties, changing the flesh from opaque to translucent and the skin to a duller olive green .26
Because they are composed mostly of water and fiber from the original cucumber, dill pickles have a very low energy density (calories per gram) . However, institutional dietary scoring often categorizes them as high-salt condiments rather than standard vegetable servings due to their impact on total daily sodium intake .5810
Early research in cross-sectional studies has explored the relationship between pickled vegetable consumption and metabolic markers like blood pressure, though researchers note that the health effects of pickles may differ from those of raw or cooked vegetables due to the added salt .5
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
5.80 g · 12% DV target
0.10 g · Top 25% of vegetables
578 mg · 25% DV target
Not a benefit — best kept low
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Keep fully submerged in brine to prevent mold growth.
Cucumbers have low emissions, though processing and glass packaging add to the footprint.
Julius Caesar reportedly fed pickles to his troops in the belief that they provided physical and spiritual strength.