How many calories does a big dill pickle have? A deep dive into the crunchy, low-calorie snack

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a standard large dill pickle contains only about 16 calories, making it an exceptionally low-calorie snack. So, how many calories does a big dill pickle have in total, and what else should you know about its nutritional profile? This article breaks down the nutritional facts and addresses common concerns.

Quick Summary

A large dill pickle contains very few calories, typically under 20, making it an excellent low-calorie snack option. The primary nutritional consideration for dill pickles is their high sodium content, not calories. Some varieties offer probiotic benefits, but all should be consumed in moderation.

Key Points

Low in Calories: A large dill pickle has a minimal calorie count, often under 20, making it a great low-energy snack option.
High in Sodium: The primary nutritional concern with dill pickles is their very high sodium level, which requires moderation, especially for people with high blood pressure.
Dill vs. Sweet: Sweet pickles contain significantly more calories due to added sugar in their brine, unlike low-cal dill pickles.
Potential Probiotics: Fermented dill pickles contain beneficial probiotic bacteria that support gut health, whereas standard vinegar-brined pickles do not.
Not Zero-Calorie: Despite common belief, pickles are not zero-calorie, though the count is often rounded down on nutrition labels if the serving contains less than 5 calories.
Aids Weight Management: The low-calorie, high-water content and strong flavor of dill pickles can help satisfy cravings and promote fullness, supporting weight management goals.

Unpacking the Calorie Count of a Big Dill Pickle

The perception of a 'big' dill pickle can vary greatly, but a standard large dill pickle (around 4 inches long) generally contains a minimal number of calories. The exact figure depends on the size and preparation, but most estimates place a single large dill pickle at around 16 calories. This low energy content is due to the fact that pickles are simply cucumbers preserved in a brine solution, and cucumbers themselves are extremely low in calories, consisting mostly of water.

The preservation process, typically involving vinegar, salt, and various spices, adds flavor without adding significant calories. This makes dill pickles a highly satisfying snack for those watching their caloric intake, as their bold flavor can help curb cravings for more calorie-dense items.

The Difference Between Dill and Sweet Pickles

When considering pickle calories, it's crucial to distinguish between dill pickles and sweet pickles, such as bread and butter pickles. The difference in preparation directly impacts the final calorie count. Sweet pickles are made with a brine that includes added sugar, which significantly increases their calorie content. A cup of sweetened pickles, for example, can have around 146 calories, a stark contrast to a cup of dill pickles, which has only about 17 calories.

The High Sodium Reality

While the calorie count is low, the sodium content is a major nutritional consideration for dill pickles. The brine is very salty, and one large dill pickle can contain over 1,000 mg of sodium, which is nearly half of the daily recommended limit for most healthy adults. For individuals with high blood pressure, heart issues, or those sensitive to sodium, this is a significant concern. Excessive sodium can lead to water retention and bloating, temporarily affecting weight on the scale. Many brands offer low-sodium varieties for those who need to monitor their salt intake.

Health Benefits and Downsides of Dill Pickles

Beyond just calories, pickles offer several other nutritional components. The benefits often depend on whether they are fermented or made with a vinegar brine. Fermented pickles, found in the refrigerated section, contain probiotic bacteria that are beneficial for gut health and digestion. Vinegar-brined pickles, which are pasteurized, do not contain these live cultures.

Benefits of Including Pickles in Your Diet

Antioxidants: Cucumbers are a source of antioxidants like beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.
Vitamins: They provide a decent amount of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health.
Hydration: Their high water content can help with hydration, which is often confused with hunger.
Curbing Cravings: The strong, tangy flavor can help satisfy salt cravings and prevent reaching for less healthy, high-calorie snacks.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

Sodium Overload: As mentioned, the high sodium content is the biggest downside, which can exacerbate conditions like high blood pressure.
Water Weight: The high salt content can lead to temporary water weight gain due to water retention.
Vitamin K Interaction: The vitamin K content can interfere with certain anticoagulant medications, so those on such medication should consult their doctor.

Comparison of Pickles


Type of Pickle	Approx. Calories (per large piece)	Primary Flavor	Key Nutritional Consideration
Dill (Vinegar)	16	Salty, Sour	High Sodium
Dill (Fermented)	16-20	Salty, Sour, Tangy	Contains Probiotics, High Sodium
Sweet (Bread & Butter)	20-30+	Sweet, Tangy	High Sugar, Added Calories
Low-Sodium Dill	<5	Salty, Sour (less intense)	Much lower sodium

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on the Big Dill Pickle

For those wondering how many calories does a big dill pickle have, the answer is: very few. As a snack, it is an excellent low-calorie, low-fat choice that provides a satisfying crunch and bold flavor for minimal energy cost. However, this benefit comes with a significant trade-off in the form of very high sodium content, which needs to be carefully managed, especially for individuals with health concerns like high blood pressure. The best choice for most people, particularly those watching their salt intake, would be to opt for a low-sodium dill pickle or a fermented version for the added gut health benefits. Ultimately, like most foods, moderation is key to enjoying this tangy treat while maintaining a balanced diet. For more detailed information on nutrition facts and dietary guidelines, consider consulting resources like the USDA's FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, dill pickles are not zero calories, though the count is very low. Manufacturers can round down to zero on a nutrition label if a serving contains less than 5 calories, leading to this misconception. A large dill pickle actually contains around 16 calories.

A jumbo kosher dill pickle from Jimmy John's contains 20 calories. While still low, it is slightly higher than a standard large dill pickle, and its sodium content is very high at 2090mg.

Yes, sweet pickles have more calories than dill pickles. They are made with a sugary brine, and one cup can have as much as 146 calories, compared to just 17 calories in a cup of dill pickles.

The high sodium content can be unhealthy, especially for individuals with conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease. Excessive salt intake can also cause temporary water retention and bloating. It is best to consume them in moderation or choose a low-sodium variety.

Yes, you can eat dill pickles as part of a weight loss diet due to their low-calorie count, but it's important to do so in moderation. The high sodium content could lead to water retention, so balancing your intake is key.

Only fermented pickles, which are typically found in the refrigerated section of a store, contain probiotics. The standard vinegar-brined pickles found on shelves have been pasteurized, which kills any beneficial bacteria.

Besides being a very low-calorie snack, dill pickles offer benefits such as providing antioxidants and a source of vitamin K. For fermented varieties, they also contribute probiotics for gut health.