Are Dill Pickles High in Calories? Unpacking the Nutritional Facts

December 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to USDA data, a single small dill pickle spear contains a mere 4 to 5 calories. So, are dill pickles high in calories? Despite their salty taste, they are in fact a remarkably low-calorie food option.

Quick Summary

Dill pickles are exceptionally low in calories and fat, but are notably high in sodium. They can be a satisfying snack for weight loss when eaten in moderation. The primary health concern is managing their salt content.

Key Points

Very Low in Calories: A standard dill pickle spear typically contains only 4-5 calories.
High in Sodium: The primary nutritional consideration is the high salt content used for preservation.
Excellent Snack for Weight Loss: Their low-calorie and high-water content can help with feelings of fullness.
Choose Low-Sodium Options: For frequent pickle eaters or those with high blood pressure, low-sodium varieties are a smarter choice.
Difference from Sweet Pickles: Sweet pickles contain added sugar and are significantly higher in calories than dill pickles.
Health Benefits: Fermented pickles offer gut-healthy probiotics, and all pickles contain some antioxidants and Vitamin K.

Dill Pickles and Calories: The Truth

Dill pickles are widely misunderstood when it comes to their caloric density. Many people assume they are fattening due to their savory, intense flavor. However, the foundational ingredient—the cucumber—is naturally very low in calories. The pickling process itself, which uses a brine of vinegar, salt, and spices, adds negligible calories to the finished product. This makes a standard dill pickle a near-zero-calorie food, providing satisfying crunch and flavor without impacting your daily energy intake significantly.

The Nutritional Breakdown

While calories are not a concern with dill pickles, it is important to look at the full nutritional profile. A small dill pickle spear (about 35g) contains:

Calories: 4-5 kcal
Total Fat: < 0.1g
Sodium: ~283-324mg
Total Carbohydrates: ~1g
Dietary Fiber: ~0.4g
Protein: ~0.2g

Beyond the macronutrients, dill pickles offer other benefits, including being a source of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health. Fermented pickles also contain beneficial probiotics that support gut health.

The Catch: Sodium Content

The main nutritional drawback of dill pickles is their high sodium content. The salt is a crucial part of the brining process for preservation and flavor. One small spear can contain a significant percentage of the daily recommended sodium intake. Consuming too much sodium can lead to water retention and, for those with conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney disease, it can be particularly risky. For this reason, moderation is key when incorporating pickles into your diet. For those looking to curb sodium, many brands offer low-sodium varieties.

Dill vs. Sweet vs. Processed Pickles: A Calorie Comparison

Not all pickles are created equal, especially when it comes to calories. Sweet pickles, such as bread and butter pickles, have added sugar, which significantly increases their calorie count. Similarly, processed snack foods like dill pickle-flavored chips are far from a low-calorie alternative.


Pickle Type	Calories (per cup)	Notes
Dill Pickles (regular)	~17 calories	Very low calorie; high in sodium.
Dill Pickles (low-sodium)	~17 calories	Very low calorie; much lower in sodium.
Sweet Pickles	~146 calories	Much higher in sugar and calories than dill.
Dill Pickle Chips (1 oz serving)	~160 calories	High in calories, fat, and sodium; not a substitute.

How to Enjoy Pickles Mindfully

To reap the low-calorie benefits of dill pickles while minimizing the risks associated with high sodium, follow these tips:

Choose Low-Sodium Varieties: If you eat pickles frequently, opt for low-sodium versions to keep your salt intake in check.
Mind Your Portions: Stick to one or two spears as a snack rather than eating a large quantity at once. A single spear is a satisfying, low-calorie treat.
Balance Your Intake: If you've had a salty snack, balance it out with fresh, low-sodium vegetables and plenty of water for the rest of the day.
Use Them as a Flavor Booster: Chop pickles and use them in salads, on sandwiches, or in other dishes to add flavor without excess calories, reducing the need for fattier condiments like mayonnaise.
Go for Fermented: If you're interested in gut health, look for fermented pickles in the refrigerated section, which contain beneficial probiotics.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

To answer the question, are dill pickles high in calories? The definitive answer is a clear no. They are an excellent, low-calorie option for a satisfying, crunchy snack. However, their high sodium content is a significant factor to consider for anyone monitoring their salt intake, especially those with high blood pressure or other heart-related health issues. By being mindful of serving sizes and considering low-sodium or fermented options, you can enjoy dill pickles as a healthy part of a balanced diet.

For more information on the effects of a high-sodium diet, consult resources from authoritative health organizations like the American Heart Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

A large dill pickle, which is about twice the size of a small spear, will still have a very low calorie count, likely between 8 and 10 calories.

While dill pickles are not a source of high calories, their high sodium content can cause water retention, leading to temporary weight gain from water weight, not fat.

No, like the pickle itself, pickle juice is very low in calories, with some sources claiming it has zero or very few calories.

Regular dill pickles have very little sugar, usually less than one gram per spear. Sweet pickles, however, contain added sugars and are a different product entirely.

Fermented pickles, which are often found in the refrigerated section, contain probiotics that are beneficial for gut health. Vinegar pickles are typically pasteurized, killing off the beneficial bacteria.

The most significant health risk is the high sodium content. Excessive sodium can contribute to high blood pressure and can be especially problematic for those with pre-existing heart or kidney conditions.

Eating pickles every day is generally okay for most people, provided you stick to recommended serving sizes and monitor your overall daily sodium intake to ensure it stays within a healthy range.