Pickles add a nice acidic punch to sandwiches and taste especially delicious in a Bloody Mary. But they're also great on their own, straight out of the jar, as a healthy, low-calorie, high-flavor snack.
However, are pickles keto?
“Since there are so many different types of pickles, you'll have to use your label reading skills to check out the 'net carbs'—total carbs minus fiber—in a given product,” says Seattle-based registered dietitian nutritionist, Ginger Hultin, M.S., R.D.N., and author of Anti-Inflammatory Diet Meal Prep.
To really know if pickles can fit into your diet, you'll also have to evaluate how many net carbs your particular keto diet includes. “Some people need to stick to as low as 20 net carbs per day while others can tolerate up to about 50 while still staying in ketosis,” says Hultin. So, whether or not a given food can fit is somewhat dependent on what else you're eating in a day.
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Some foods are obviously hard to make keto (think: white bread or a candy bar), but even pickles might make you wonder. A "serving" of pickles is commonly listed as a cup, which has 2.2 grams of net carbs, so you actually get a lot for a low amount of carbs (applicable to dill and salt pickles).
Luckily, pickles are keto friendly, especially those that are of the dill pickle variety, as sugar is low. “Simply put, sweet pickles are made with sugar which will automatically push the carb count up,” says Hultin. “Dill or salt pickles don't have the added sugar and carbs, naturally,” she says.
Many brands of pickles, especially "dill" varieties, are low carb. “You'll typically find 1g net carb in an ounce, though products do vary in their carb amount and serving amount,” she says. Use caution with sweet pickles, as they are often much higher in net carbs, with some that are up to 8 or 9 grams, which is going to be very high on a keto-style diet.
Spicy varieties may be fine as long as you read the label and check out the carb count listed—any sort of flavoring for the pickle jar should definitely be glanced at before purchasing to make sure the net carb count fits in for your keto carb bank.
Plus, pickles can actually be a great food to enjoy on keto, especially in the beginning! “Pickles are salty which can be helpful if you need the added electrolytes when transitioning to a keto diet,” she says.
So, enjoy your pickles—Just check labels first.
FAQs
So yes, pickles can be considered keto food, as they are a great low-carb snack option. One small dill pickle contains only 1 gram of carbs. However, you'll want to check the ingredients before buying, as some can be high in carbs and sugar. Instead, opt for plain dill or kosher pickles.
What kind of pickles are keto friendly? ›
Luckily, pickles are keto friendly, especially those that are of the dill pickle variety, as sugar is low. “Simply put, sweet pickles are made with sugar which will automatically push the carb count up,” says Hultin. “Dill or salt pickles don't have the added sugar and carbs, naturally,” she says.
Can I eat dill pickles on a low-carb diet? ›
Low in Calories and Fat: Pickles are naturally low in calories and fat, making them a guilt-free, low-carb snack option for those watching their calorie intake or trying to maintain a healthy weight.
Does pickle juice affect ketosis? ›
Often, people on the keto diet will recommend drinking pickle juice and eating pickles. It's a great source of potassium and sodium, and those electrolytes are important to healthy body functions. The vinegar in pickle juice can also help curb sugar spikes, helping you stay in ketosis.
Is eating kosher pickles good for you? ›
The healthiest pickles, according to the experts, are going to be probiotic-rich fermented varieties, such as a deli-style kosher dill. Making pickles at home — whether fermented or pickled in vinegar — may also be the healthiest option because it allows you to control the amount of sodium, the experts note.
Can you eat as many pickles as you want on keto? ›
And, as always, moderation is key. Eating too many pickles can lead to weight gain and other health problems, so enjoy them in moderation. So yes, pickles can be considered keto food, as they are a great low-carb snack option. One small dill pickle contains only 1 gram of carbs.
Are cucumbers OK on keto? ›
Cucumbers are made of 90% water and are almost calorie-free. One cup of cucumbers contains only 16 calories and 3 grams of net carbs, making it a sure fit for a keto plan.
Are Claussen pickles keto? ›
Pickles can be keto-friendly as long as they don't contain added sugar. In general, you should select dill or sour pickles but avoid sweet, candied, and bread and butter ones.
Can I eat olives on keto? ›
Olives are a great source of fat whilst remaining incredibly low in carbohydrates, in every 100g of olives there is only around 3 net carbs. They are the perfect way to fill yourself up whilst on a keto diet, either as a light snack or even on top of salads.
Is peanut butter keto friendly? ›
Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.
ACV is a flavorful vinegar for salad dressings and marinades. At just 1 gram of carbs per tablespoon (15 mL), it's perfectly keto-friendly. Still, white vinegar and rice vinegar work just as well in the kitchen and are carb-free. Thus, you may want to consider other vinegars instead.
What puts you in ketosis fastest? ›
Cutting your carb intake is the best way to get into ketosis. Other actions, such as consuming MCT oil and exercising in a fasted state, may also help.
What drink keeps you in ketosis? ›
Plenty of keto-friendly drinks exist aside from water. You may already have several of these on hand. Tea, coffee, and herbal tea are a few options. Soda, sparkling water, low carb juices, sports drinks, and energy drinks are good options, too.
What is the healthiest pickle? ›
“The pickles that are beneficial for your gut health are the fermented ones, made by brining them in salt rather than vinegar,” says Dr. Oppezzo. “While vinegar pickling is a common method, true fermentation in brine enriches them with beneficial probiotics for your gut.
What does it mean when you crave pickles? ›
You might crave pickles if you're low in sodium, dehydrated, or just feeling a little snacky! Pickles are a great way to satisfy the midnight munchies. Eating pickles all the time could be a symptom of extreme stress. Pickles may be your comfort food.
Are pickles anti-inflammatory? ›
Promotes weight loss: As a low-calorie snack, pickles can be a satisfying and healthy option for those trying to lose weight. Fights inflammation: The antioxidants in pickles can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to various chronic diseases.
What pickles have no sugar? ›
- NUTIO.
- McClure's Pickles.
- Yammy.
- ELAVI.
- WICKLES.
- Mrs. Mrs. Wages.
- Stapster.
- Legendary Foods.
Oh Snaps are keto-friendly, kosher, low-cal, gluten-free, WW 0pt, a natural source of electrolytes, and just plain delicious!
What kind of vinegar is keto? ›
ACV is a flavorful vinegar for salad dressings and marinades. At just 1 gram of carbs per tablespoon (15 mL), it's perfectly keto-friendly. Still, white vinegar and rice vinegar work just as well in the kitchen and are carb-free. Thus, you may want to consider other vinegars instead.
