My Family Tested Brands Of Jarred Pickles From The Store, 8 Dominated The Rest.
We lined up jars, chilled the glasses, and crunched our way through a mountain of pickles so you would not have to. Every spear and chip went through the same test for snap, brine balance, and that craveable dill aroma. A few jars were fine, but eight made us immediately reach for seconds. If you love a cold, crunchy bite, these winners will make your next sandwich or snack way better.
1. Claussen
Claussen brought that unmistakable refrigerator-aisle crunch that everyone talks about. The spears feel cold and lively, with a bright dill pop and a clean garlic whisper. You take a bite and there is instant snap, followed by a refreshing cucumber finish that feels almost fresh-made.
The brine is zippy without being harsh, and it stays clear instead of muddy. On burgers, they stand up without overpowering. As a snack, they satisfy that salty craving fast. If you want the cold, crunchy king that disappears during game night, this is the jar to keep stocked.
2. Grillo’s Pickles
Grillo’s hits hard with big deli energy. You see dill, you smell garlic, and the brine tastes like someone just mixed it in a kitchen. Each spear feels crisp and clean, with a bright acidity that wakes up a sandwich or charcuterie plate instantly.
The flavor leans homemade, which makes it great for people who like a bold, herbal punch. There is zero weird aftertaste, just a confident, garlicky finish. Chop them for tuna salad and you will get compliments. If you love pickles that taste like a deli counter treat, Grillo’s is the move.
3. Boar’s Head Pickles
Boar’s Head keeps things classic and balanced. The dill is present without shouting, the salt is measured, and the crunch lands right in the sweet spot. You get a clean finish that works beautifully with turkey, roast beef, or a melty grilled cheese.
These spears feel like the dependable deli side you always want on your plate. The brine stays bright, never overly sour, so it plays well with mustard and sharp cheeses. Slice them into coins for burgers, or leave them as spears for snacking. If you crave familiar deli vibes, this brand nails it.
4. Mt. Olive (Crunchy Dill)
Mt. Olive shows up everywhere, and there is a reason. The crunchy dill line delivers a reliable snap, friendly salt level, and that familiar “pickle-y” profile people grew up with. It is easy to love, especially when you want something straightforward that does not fight your sandwich.
The brine is dependable, the cucumbers hold texture, and the aftertaste stays clean. You can toss them on a weeknight burger or into potato salad without second-guessing. They are budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing. When convenience and consistency matter, Mt. Olive makes it simple to keep everyone happy at the table.
5. Vlasic (Dill Chips or Spears)
Vlasic tastes like nostalgia in a jar. The dill chips shine on burgers, delivering that sharp, vinegary tang and quick crunch you expect from a backyard cookout. Spears hold up for snacking, but the chips are the star when you want even coverage on a sandwich.
The brine leans zesty, never too heavy, which keeps each bite lively. People who grew up with Vlasic will recognize the flavor instantly. It is pantry-friendly and easy to find anywhere. If your goal is a classic burger-pickle vibe, this brand hits the bullseye without complicating things.
6. Bubbies (Fermented)
Bubbies brings old-school deli funk in the best way. These are naturally fermented, so the brine turns pleasantly cloudy and the flavor goes deeper than vinegar alone. Expect a tangy, lactic bite with hints of garlic and dill that linger longer than typical shelf-stable jars.
The crunch is firm yet less glassy than refrigerated non-fermented styles. If you like sauerkraut and kimchi, these pickles will feel like home. They shine on rye with pastrami and mustard. For families who want fermented complexity and a probiotic boost, Bubbies delivers tradition and character in every bite.
7. Wickles Pickles (Spicy)
Wickles turns the dial to sweet heat. The chips bring gentle sugar up front, then a playful burn that finishes clean. That balance makes them addictive on a cheese board or tucked into a fried chicken sandwich where you want personality without flames.
They stay crisp, so the texture keeps pace with rich foods. Chopped into chicken salad, they add contrast you will crave again. The spice is friendly enough for most heat seekers while staying family-accessible. If your snack table needs energy and color, Wickles is your go-to jar for spirited, spicy crunch.
8. Best Maid
Best Maid feels like a sleeper hit that wins people over fast. The dill is straightforward, the salt sits right, and the brine finishes tangy without sharp edges. You get a friendly, no-drama pickle that just works on everything from cold-cuts to late-night fridge raids.
Texture is reliably crisp, with cucumbers that hold up over days. It is a jar you finish without noticing because the flavor never tires your palate. For families wanting simple, tasty spears that feel familiar yet focused, Best Maid quietly dominates. Keep one chilled, and you are always snack-ready.
