Can You Eat Relish on Keto? Navigating Low-Carb Condiments

December 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, a single tablespoon of conventional sweet relish can contain over 4 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from added sugar, raising the question: can you eat relish on keto? The answer depends entirely on the type of relish and its ingredients, particularly the sugar content.

Quick Summary

Examine the carbohydrate count of different relish types to determine keto compatibility. Learn to identify hidden sugars in store-bought options and discover how to make your own sugar-free relish at home. This guide breaks down the specifics for making relish work within your ketogenic diet.

Key Points

Check Labels for Sugar: Most conventional relishes are loaded with added sugar and are not keto-friendly. Always check the nutrition facts for total carbs and added sugars.
Choose Dill Over Sweet: Dill relish is more likely to be lower in carbs than sweet relish, but you must still verify the label for hidden sugar content.
Make Your Own Relish: For complete control over ingredients and carbs, make a homemade keto relish using sugar substitutes like erythritol or monk fruit.
Look for Sugar-Free Alternatives: Many brands now offer sugar-free or low-carb relish options specifically for keto dieters. Read labels carefully to confirm.
Mind Portion Sizes: Even with keto-friendly relish, mindful portion control is important to ensure your daily carbohydrate count remains low.
Repurpose Low-Carb Relish: Use your keto relish as a versatile ingredient in dips, tuna salads, or as a burger topping to add tangy flavor.

The Keto Dilemma with Conventional Relish

For many, relish is a staple condiment, but the standard jar of sweet pickle relish is a surefire way to derail a ketogenic diet. The problem lies not with the cucumber base, but with the high amount of added sugar used in processing. In order to achieve that characteristic sweet and tangy flavor, manufacturers pack in grams of sugar, which quickly adds up and exceeds a keto dieter’s daily carb limit. While a single tablespoon might seem harmless, a couple of generous spoonfuls can push you out of ketosis.

Reading Labels: The Key to Relish on Keto

Success on the ketogenic diet relies heavily on becoming a meticulous label reader. When it comes to condiments like relish, this skill is non-negotiable. Don’t be fooled by labels that simply say “pickle relish.” You must turn the jar over and examine the nutrition facts. Here’s what to look for:

Total Carbohydrates: Note the total carbs per serving. A keto-friendly option should have a very low number, ideally under 1 or 2 grams per tablespoon.
Added Sugars: This is the most important metric. If you see corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or sugar listed high on the ingredient list, avoid it. Many brands use these sugary fillers to create the 'sweet' flavor profile.
Serving Size: Pay close attention to the listed serving size. It's often disproportionately small (e.g., 1 teaspoon), making the total carbs seem lower than they would be in a typical portion.

The Keto-Friendly Relish Alternatives

Fortunately, avoiding sugary, carb-laden relishes doesn’t mean you have to skip the flavor. Several excellent keto-friendly options are available, both commercially and for DIY enthusiasts. Choosing the right alternative depends on your preference for dill, spice, or sweetness.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Keto Relish


Feature	Store-Bought Keto Relish	Homemade Keto Relish
Carb Control	Must rely on accurate label reading. Risk of hidden ingredients.	Complete control over every ingredient, ensuring zero added sugar.
Ingredient Quality	Quality varies by brand. Some use artificial sweeteners or preservatives.	Use fresh, high-quality vegetables and natural sweeteners.
Flavor Profile	Often limited to dill or standard sweet/sour flavors.	Completely customizable flavor profile (spicy, tangy, oniony, etc.).
Cost	Can be more expensive than regular relish due to specialty ingredients.	Generally more affordable, especially when buying in bulk.
Convenience	Grab-and-go option. Less time-intensive.	Requires time for preparation and possibly fermentation.

Making Your Own Low-Carb Relish

Creating your own relish is the best way to ensure it’s 100% keto-compliant and free of unwanted sugars. The process is straightforward and offers endless customization possibilities. Here’s a simple recipe framework:

Chop the Base: Finely chop cucumbers and onions in a food processor. A low-carb base is critical. Use dill pickle spears for a shortcut.
Add Flavor: Combine the chopped vegetables with vinegar (white, cider, or balsamic work well) and keto-friendly spices like mustard seeds, celery seeds, and dill seeds.
Use a Sugar Substitute: Instead of sugar, use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia to add sweetness without the carbs.
Simmer and Store: Bring the mixture to a simmer for a short time to meld the flavors, then pour into sterilized jars and store in the refrigerator.

Incorporating Keto-Friendly Relish

Once you’ve found or made a compliant relish, you can enjoy it in many ways without compromising your diet. Use it to enhance the flavor of classic dishes:

On Burgers and Hot Dogs: Top your lettuce-wrapped burger or keto hot dog with a spoonful of sugar-free dill relish for a classic taste. Try a homemade Keto Big Mac Sauce with dill pickle relish for a fast-food favorite remake.
In Salads: Mix relish into tuna, chicken, or egg salad for a tangy crunch. It provides texture and flavor without the sugary additives of conventional versions.
With Seafood: A spoonful of dill relish pairs wonderfully with baked fish or grilled shrimp.
As a Dip Base: Create a creamy, low-carb dip by mixing keto relish with mayonnaise and cream cheese for a party appetizer.

Conclusion: Mindful Consumption is Key

The verdict is that you can enjoy relish on a keto diet, but you must be a savvy consumer. Standard sweet relish is high in hidden sugars and should be avoided. Instead, opt for sugar-free dill relish or, for the most control over ingredients, make a simple homemade version using keto-friendly sweeteners. By paying close attention to labels and being mindful of portion sizes, you can continue to enjoy this popular condiment without sacrificing your dietary goals. The world of low-carb condiments offers plenty of flavor, so you don’t have to miss out on the tangy taste you love. For more resources on navigating the keto lifestyle, visit the Diet Doctor website for reliable information on low-carb eating [https://www.dietdoctor.com/].

Frequently Asked Questions

Dill relish is often lower in carbs than sweet relish, but some brands still contain hidden sugars. You must read the ingredient list and nutrition label to confirm it is sugar-free and low-carb before consuming on a keto diet.

Look for relishes labeled 'sugar-free' or 'no sugar added'. Always check the ingredients list for added sugars like corn syrup and confirm the net carb count per serving is very low, ideally 1-2 grams.

Sweet relish is typically high in added sugars, leading to a significantly higher carbohydrate count. Dill relish is usually lower in carbs, but some varieties can still contain sugar, so checking the label is essential.

Yes, making homemade relish is the best way to ensure it's keto-compliant. You can use finely chopped cucumbers and onions with vinegar and keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol or monk fruit instead of sugar.

Keto-friendly relish can be used as a condiment for burgers and hot dogs, mixed into tuna or egg salad, or incorporated into low-carb dips. It adds tang and flavor without the carbs.

Avoid any relish that lists sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or other sugar variations high up on the ingredient list. These additives will quickly increase the carbohydrate count.

For a naturally sugar-free alternative, you can make a relish using fresh, chopped vegetables like tomatoes and red onion, combined with vinegar and spices, for a savory option.