Whether you want burger gherkins for a weekend barbecue, cornichons for a sharing board or Chinese pickled vegetables for rice and noodles, the right jar depends on more than its front label. Texture, drained weight, salt content, allergens and storage instructions can make a noticeable difference once the pack reaches your kitchen.
A jar’s headline weight includes the vinegar or brine. The drained weight tells you how much food you actually receive. This matters when comparing a 350g jar with a larger-looking pack or when buying pickles for a party, café or food-service setting.
For example, Morrisons Cornichons with Herbs 350g have a stated drained weight of 190g. A large jar may therefore provide less usable product than expected if much of its weight is liquid.
“Pickles” can mean sharply vinegary gherkins, mildly sweet pickle bites, oil-based mixed pickle or salty fermented-style vegetables. A classic gherkin may suit a burger, while spicy pickles or Chinese pickled vegetables are often designed to accompany porridge, noodles, rice or steamed buns.
Check the ingredient list for vinegar, chilli, oil, mustard, garlic, sesame, soy and added sugar rather than relying only on terms such as “classic” or “traditional”.
Many gherkins are suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets, but this should be confirmed on the product label. Potential allergens across different pickles include mustard, celery, sulphites, soya, wheat and sesame. Some products also contain sweeteners or flavour enhancers.
If you are buying for guests, read the full packaging information every time. Product recipes and labelling can change, and the pack supplied should take priority.
Choose the format according to how you plan to serve it:
Also check whether the stated quantity is total weight or drained weight.
For a crisp texture, look for descriptions such as whole, crinkle-cut or firm, but treat marketing language as a guide rather than a guarantee. Storage also affects texture. Some opened jars need refrigeration and should remain covered by brine; portioned ready-to-eat pickles may need to be consumed immediately after opening.
Pickled vegetables in oil can have a richer mouthfeel than vinegar-brined gherkins. Chinese pickled mustard greens, cucumber and mixed vegetables may be ready to eat but can also be chopped into stir-fries, noodle dishes or rice toppings.
Pickled foods can vary considerably in salt, sugar and oil. For reference, the supplied product information lists 0.8g salt per 100g for Morrisons Whole Gherkins, while Honor Pickle Vegetable lists 7.0g salt per 100g. These figures are not directly equivalent unless the same serving basis is used, so check the nutrition panel and portion size.
Look for:
Why This Fits Their Persona: A sizeable jar gives new pickle buyers flexibility for sandwiches, salads, burgers and serving plates without committing to a specialised flavour profile.
The listing states the 680g pack size, vegan suitability and storage instruction to refrigerate after opening and use within 7 days.
Whole gherkins; no artificial colours or flavours stated; contains celery, which is clearly identified in the supplied information.
Why This Fits Their Persona: Shoppers who prefer a smaller gherkin with herb and dill notes can use this format for salads, sandwiches, appetiser boards or snacking.
The product information provides a 190g drained weight, helping you assess the usable quantity rather than judging the jar by total weight alone.
Includes vinegar, spices and dill; contains mustard; listed at 34 kcal per 100g in the supplied nutrition information.
Why This Fits Their Persona: Pre-sliced burger gherkins are practical for barbecues, family gatherings, sandwich preparation and food-service use where consistent portions matter.
The product is explicitly sliced for burgers and supplied as 6 catering-sized jars, making the intended serving format and quantity clear.
Pre-sliced gherkins; suitable for burgers, wraps, salads and platters; contains sulphites.
Why This Fits Their Persona: Individual 50g portions work well for packed lunches, picnics, entertaining and households that want ready-to-eat pickles without opening a large jar.
The portioned format removes the need to estimate servings from a jar; the listing also advises consuming an opened pack immediately.
Ready to eat; no known allergens stated in the supplied description; available as 12 x 50g portions.
We have compiled a complete, real-time list of products that fully satisfy these strict selection criteria and UK safety regulations.
For a different style of pickle, consider products designed around Asian meals:
Read the preparation guidance carefully: “ready to eat” means no cooking is required, but some products are also useful as ingredients in stir-fries, noodle dishes or rice-based meals.
A gherkin is a small cucumber, while “pickles” is a broader term covering gherkins, pickled cucumber, mustard greens, mixed vegetables and other preserved foods. Gherkins are commonly served with burgers and sandwiches; international pickles may be designed for rice, noodles or traditional meals.
It depends on the product. Many unopened jars can be stored in a cool, dry place, but opened products often require refrigeration. Always follow the label. For example, the supplied information for Morrisons Whole Gherkins advises refrigeration after opening and use within 7 days, while other products give different instructions.
Some gherkins are labelled suitable for vegans, including Morrisons Whole Gherkins according to the supplied product information. However, not every pickle has the same recipe. Check the ingredients and allergen statement for each product, particularly when buying Chinese pickled vegetables, spicy pickles or mixed pickle containing sauces and seasonings.