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A jar of pickled gherkins can transform a burger, sandwich or salad, but choosing the wrong format may leave you with soft slices, an overly sweet brine or more product than your household can use. UK shoppers also need to compare drained weight, storage instructions and allergen information rather than relying only on jar size or front-of-pack wording.
Whether you are looking for gherkin slices, whole gherkins, cornichons or convenient pickle bites, a few practical checks can help you select a suitable product for everyday meals, entertaining or catering.
A jar’s net weight includes the vinegar brine, so it does not indicate how many gherkins you will actually eat. A 350g jar may contain a drained weight of 190g, as shown on the Morrisons cornichons and crinkle-cut gherkins listings. Compare drained weight when judging value, particularly if you are buying gherkins for burgers and sandwiches or planning food for a gathering.
Thin slices are convenient for layering, while whole gherkins provide more bite and can be chopped to suit a recipe. Crinkle-cut gherkins offer a ridged surface and thicker texture, whereas cornichons are generally smaller and work well on a charcuterie board. A large catering pack may be practical for a barbecue or food-service setting but inconvenient for a household that only uses pickles occasionally.
“Classic” or “tangy” wording does not tell you how sharp, sweet or seasoned the product will taste. Check the ingredient list for vinegar, sugar, mustard, dill, peppercorns and other flavourings. Mustard, celery and sulphites may appear in different recipes, so read the allergen statement carefully.
Storage also affects texture. Several products require refrigeration after opening, and some specify that the gherkins should remain submerged in brine. Follow the product label rather than assuming every jar has the same storage life.
Texture is partly a matter of preference, but it also needs to match the dish. For a burger, slices are quick and even. For a salad or tartar sauce, whole gherkins can be chopped to the desired size.
For occasional use, a 350g jar with a 190g drained weight may help limit unused leftovers. A 680g whole-gherkins jar offers more volume for regular family cooking, while six 670g catering-sized jars are aimed at high-volume use.
If you are buying for a café, barbecue or event, calculate portions from the drained weight rather than the total weight. This gives a more realistic comparison between jarred gherkins and multipacks.
Recipes vary considerably. Some products contain mustard or celery, while others are described as suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Morrisons Whole Gherkins and Morrisons Crinkle Cut Gherkins are listed as suitable for vegans; still, check the packaging at the point of purchase if dietary requirements are important.
Pickles can also contain noticeable amounts of salt and sugar. For example, the listed nutrition for Mrs Elswood Classic Pickle Bites includes approximately 2.5g of salt per 100g, while the Morrisons Crinkle Cut Gherkins list 1.3g per 100g drained product. These figures are useful when comparing products for frequent snacking or catering.
Why This Fits Their Persona: A moderate-sized jar suits shoppers trying cornichons for sandwiches, salads or snacks without committing to a catering pack.
The 350g net quantity and 190g drained weight make the usable amount clearer than judging the jar by size alone.
Includes dill, capsicum, onion and black pepper; suitable for salads, sandwiches or eating directly. Contains mustard.
Why This Fits Their Persona: Suitable for shoppers who prioritise a more noticeable sliced texture in burgers, hot dogs, potato salads and deli-style sandwiches.
The crinkle-cut format is clearly specified, helping you avoid thin slices when a thicker, ridged finish is preferred.
190g drained weight; includes mustard seeds, red pepper and black peppercorns; listed as suitable for vegans.
Why This Fits Their Persona: The six-jar catering-sized pack is designed for frequent burger service, barbecues, family events or food-service use.
The sliced burger format and multi-jar quantity address high usage more directly than buying several small snack packs.
670g jars with sliced gherkins; ingredients include spirit vinegar, sugar and salt. Contains sulphites.
Why This Fits Their Persona: Individual 50g portions are convenient for packed lunches, picnics, barbecues or eating as a ready-to-serve savoury snack.
Portioned packs reduce the need to open a full jar when you only need a small serving, helping preserve convenience and texture.
Pack includes 12 x 50g portions; ready to eat and listed with no known allergens. Consume opened portions immediately.
We have compiled a complete, real-time list of products that fully satisfy these strict selection criteria and UK safety regulations.
Keep opened jarred gherkins refrigerated when the label instructs you to do so, and use clean utensils to avoid introducing food residue into the brine. Keep the gherkins covered by the liquid where specified. Storage periods differ: one product may advise use within seven days, while another may state up to four weeks. Always follow the individual packaging instructions.
Do not use a jar if its safety button has risen before opening, or if the contents have an unusual smell, colour or texture. For portioned pickle bites, discard any unfinished opened pack rather than returning it to storage.
Some are. The Morrisons Whole Gherkins and Morrisons Crinkle Cut Gherkins listings state that they are suitable for vegans. However, recipes and manufacturing details can change, so check the current label and allergen information before buying.
Cornichons are typically smaller gherkins, often seasoned with herbs and spices. Whole gherkins are usually larger and can be served whole, sliced or chopped. The practical choice depends on whether you want a small appetiser pickle or a versatile ingredient for cooking.
There is no single lifespan for every product. Some labels specify refrigeration and use within seven days; others allow several weeks when kept submerged in brine. Check the storage instructions on the jar and use the product sooner if its smell, appearance or texture changes.