Pickles and gherkins: How to Choose the Right Jar for Your Kitchen

A jar of pickles and gherkins can look like a simple supermarket purchase, yet the wrong format may leave you with soft slices, an unsuitable flavour or far more product than your household can use. UK shoppers are often comparing pickled gherkins, sandwich pickle, Asian pickles and mixed vegetables without knowing which details genuinely matter.

The most useful approach is to ignore exaggerated serving suggestions and check the product’s format, ingredients, drained quantity and storage instructions.

Common buying pitfalls to avoid

1. Choosing by jar size alone

A large pickle jar may appear economical, but the stated weight can include brine. Compare the drained weight where it is provided, particularly for whole gherkins, cornichons and sliced products. A smaller jar with a higher proportion of vegetables may suit a one- or two-person household better than a large container that remains open for weeks.

2. Assuming every pickle has the same flavour

“Pickle” can describe several different foods. Branston pickle is a sweet, chunky vegetable condiment, while gherkins are cucumber pickles preserved in vinegar. Asian pickles may contain chilli, oil, mustard greens, soy sauce or sesame. Check the ingredient list rather than relying only on the front label.

3. Overlooking allergens and salt

Pickled vegetables may contain mustard, celery, sulphites, soya, wheat or sesame, depending on the recipe. This is particularly important when buying cornichons, piccalilli, spicy mixed pickle or products seasoned with soy sauce. Salt levels also vary considerably, so the nutrition panel is worth checking if you regularly serve pickles with several meals.

Core parameters to check before buying

Format: whole, sliced, crinkle-cut or bite-sized

Choose the shape according to how you intend to serve it:

• Whole gherkins work well as a side dish, snack or addition to a sharing platter.
• Sliced gherkins and burger gherkins are convenient for burgers, wraps and sandwiches.
• Crinkle-cut gherkins add a ridged texture and can sit neatly in layered dishes.
• Cornichons are generally small and suitable for cheese boards, cold meats and appetiser plates.
• Portion packs such as Mrs Elswood Classic Pickle Bites can be useful for packed lunches, picnics or controlled serving sizes.

Shape does not automatically indicate quality. It mainly determines convenience, texture and how easily the pickle fits into a dish.

Brine, seasoning and ingredient balance

Look for the main vegetable first in the ingredient list, then consider the preserving liquid and seasonings. Spirit vinegar usually gives a sharper profile, while sugar can create a sweeter taste. Mustard seeds, dill, peppercorns, garlic, chilli and spices all change the final flavour.

For a classic British sandwich pickle, a vegetable-based relish such as Branston Original Pickle offers a sweet and tangy alternative to cucumber gherkins. For rice, noodles or porridge, a savoury Asian pickle may be more suitable than a vinegar-led product.

Pack size and after-opening instructions

Check whether the product is a single jar, a multipack or catering-sized packaging. Mrs Elswood Burger Gherkins, for example, are supplied in a larger pack format suited to frequent use, gatherings or food service.

Once opened, follow the label’s storage guidance. Some jars should be refrigerated and consumed within a stated period, while individually portioned packs are intended to be eaten immediately after opening. Keep vegetables covered by brine where the packaging instructs this, and discard any product with an unusual odour, damaged seal or visibly spoiled texture.

Our Top Recommendations by shopper profile

MATCH FOR: Budget-Conscious Starters

Morrisons Whole Gherkins 680g

Why This Fits Their Persona: The 680g jar provides a practical household format for sandwiches, snacks and salads, while the product information identifies it as suitable for vegans.

How It Avoids the Trap

The listed drained nutrition values and opening guidance make it easier to judge everyday use rather than buying by total jar weight alone.

Key Advantage & Pros

Whole format; no artificial colours or flavours listed; suitable for vegans according to the product details.

MATCH FOR: Premium Quality Seekers

Morrisons Cornichons with Herbs 350g

Why This Fits Their Persona: A smaller herb-seasoned format suits shoppers planning cheese boards, salads, appetisers or a more detailed deli-style presentation.

How It Avoids the Trap

The listing specifies a 190g drained weight and names the vinegar, dill, mustard seed and pepper ingredients, helping set realistic expectations.

Key Advantage & Pros

Herb seasoning; cornichon format; suitable for salads, sandwiches or serving as a snack.

MATCH FOR: Specific Use-Case/Heavy Users

Mrs Elswood Burger Gherkins 670g

Why This Fits Their Persona: Pre-sliced burger gherkins are designed for frequent burgers, hot dogs, wraps and catering-style service where consistent portions save preparation time.

How It Avoids the Trap

The sliced format avoids the inconvenience of cutting whole gherkins during busy meal preparation, while the product information identifies sulphites clearly.

Key Advantage & Pros

Ready-sliced pieces; 670g jar; suitable for burgers, sandwiches, salads and larger gatherings.

MATCH FOR: Asian Cuisine Fans

Shan Pickle Mix 300gm

Why This Fits Their Persona: Mango, carrot, lemon and green chilli create a different direction from traditional British cucumber pickles, particularly alongside rice and everyday cooked meals.

How It Avoids the Trap

The named ingredients make the fruit, vegetables and chilli profile clear before purchase, reducing the risk of expecting a standard vinegar gherkin.

Key Advantage & Pros

300g jar; mixed mango, carrot, lemon and green chilli; intended as an accompaniment to everyday meals.

Practical serving ideas

• Add sliced gherkins to burgers, toasted sandwiches and wraps.
• Serve whole gherkins or cornichons with mature cheese and crackers.
• Use Branston pickle or sandwich pickle in a ploughman’s-style lunch.
• Pair spicy mixed pickle with rice, noodles, porridge or steamed buns.
• Chop crinkle-cut gherkins into potato salad, tartare sauce or a dressing.
• Check the allergen statement before serving vegan pickles at shared meals; vegan suitability does not mean allergen-free.

Pickles and gherkins FAQ

How long do pickles last after opening?

The period varies by product. Follow the label rather than assuming every pickle jar has the same lifespan. Some listed products advise refrigeration and use within seven days, four weeks or six weeks. Use a clean utensil, keep the jar sealed and check for changes in smell, colour or texture.

Are pickles and gherkins suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Some are, but not all. Morrisons Whole Gherkins and Morrisons Crinkle Cut Gherkins are listed as suitable for vegans. Always check the current packaging, ingredients and allergen information, especially for Asian pickles containing fish-derived ingredients, soya or other seasonings.

Which pickles are suitable for burgers?

Burger gherkins and sliced gherkins are the most convenient because they can be layered directly into the bun. Crinkle-cut gherkins offer a ridged texture, while whole gherkins require slicing. For a sweeter, chunky topping, Branston pickle may suit sandwiches and cheeseboards more closely than cucumber-based pickles.