Family Tests Five Pickle Brands: Claussen Takes Top Honors
A family conducted a taste test of five brands of jarred pickles, ultimately declaring Claussen as their favorite. The taste test aimed to rank the brands based on flavor, crunchiness, and overall satisfaction, revealing varying opinions on each product’s quality.
Ranking the Pickles: From Least to Most Favorite
The family found the **Vlasic kosher dill baby pickles** to be the least favorable option, placing them at the bottom of the list. Available for approximately **$6 for a 16-ounce jar**, these pickles exhibited a satisfying crunch and an initial pleasant briny flavor. However, the aftertaste was off-putting enough that the entire family agreed they would not purchase this brand again. In a bid for clarity, a second jar was bought from a different store, confirming the unpleasant taste was consistent.
Next, the **Whole Foods 365 organic kosher baby dill pickles** were tested. Priced at **$5 for a 16-ounce jar**, these pickles fell short in terms of crunch and flavor. Although one family member preferred them, citing a milder taste, many found them lacking the expected crispness and tangy profile of quality pickles.
At **$3 for a 24-ounce jar**, the **Trader Joe’s kosher dill pickles** offered a budget-friendly option but did not impress the family overall. While they had a decent snap, the mild vinegar flavor and unfamiliar seasoning left them wanting more. These pickles seemed better suited for a cheese board than as a side to a burger.
The **Mt. Olive dill-pickle spears**, which cost **$4 for a 24-ounce jar**, evoked nostalgia for the reviewer. They were reminiscent of sandwiches from a local deli, featuring a classic pickle flavor that was tangy, albeit slightly mushy. The family noted that while these pickles may not have been the crunchiest, they delivered a satisfying taste that could lead to a future purchase.
Claussen: The Clear Winner
The standout choice was **Claussen’s kosher dill pickles**, which were priced at **$7 for a 32-ounce jar**. These pickles, found in the refrigerated section, offered a vibrant dill flavor and a crunchy texture that impressed the entire family. Their bright vinegary tang set them apart from the other brands. Despite the higher price, the family unanimously agreed that Claussen was worth the cost and would be their go-to brand in the future.
This tasting experience, conducted by Ted Berg and his family, highlights the subjective nature of food preferences while also emphasizing the importance of flavor and texture in popular snack items like pickles. The results of this informal taste test may guide other consumers in their choices when selecting jarred pickles at the grocery store.
This story was originally published on **January 7, 2025**, and was most recently updated on **November 19, 2025**.
