How Many Calories Does One Pickled Egg Have?

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

One large pickled egg typically contains between 70 and 80 calories, making it a low-calorie snack packed with protein. The exact number of calories depends on the egg's size and the brine's sugar content, but the pickling process adds minimal caloric value.

Quick Summary

A pickled egg is a high-protein, low-calorie snack, with most versions containing 70–80 calories per large egg. The calorie count can be affected by the size of the egg and any added sugar in the pickling brine, though the nutritional profile remains similar to a hard-boiled egg, aside from significantly higher sodium content.

Key Points

Calorie Count: A large pickled egg typically contains between 70 and 80 calories, similar to a hard-boiled egg.
High Protein: Pickled eggs are a great source of protein, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Significant Sodium: The high sodium content from the pickling brine is the primary nutritional difference compared to a hard-boiled egg.
Brine Impact: Added sugar in some brines can slightly increase calories, but the vinegar itself contributes very little.
Weight Management: Their high protein and low-calorie nature can make them a useful snack for managing weight.
Homemade Advantage: Making pickled eggs at home allows you to control the sodium and sugar content, making them a healthier choice.

Understanding the Calorie Count in a Pickled Egg

The calorie content of a pickled egg is determined primarily by the egg itself, as the vinegar-based brine adds very few calories. For a large egg, this usually means a calorie range of 70 to 80 kcal. The main macronutrients contributing to this figure are fat and protein, with virtually no carbohydrates unless sugar has been heavily added to the brine. While the pickling process itself doesn't significantly alter the core calorie count, the composition of the brine can slightly influence the final nutritional profile, especially regarding sodium.

What Influences a Pickled Egg's Calories?

Several factors can cause variations in the caloric value of a pickled egg:

Egg Size: A larger egg contains more yolk and albumen, which naturally increases the calorie count. A medium egg will have fewer calories than a jumbo one.
Brine Ingredients: Standard brines use vinegar, water, and spices, which are negligibly low in calories. However, some commercial or homemade recipes may include sugar to balance the tangy flavor. A brine with added sugar will slightly increase the egg's total calorie count, though this is often minimal.
Added Fats: While uncommon, some recipes might call for oil, which would significantly increase the total fat and calorie content. It's important to check the ingredients if you are concerned about added fats.
Preparation Method: The pickling process itself does not add calories. Instead, it is a preservation technique. A pickled egg is essentially a hard-boiled egg preserved in a flavorful, acidic solution.

Nutritional Breakdown: Beyond Just Calories

While calorie information is helpful, a full nutritional breakdown provides a more complete picture of a pickled egg's health benefits and potential drawbacks. A typical large pickled egg offers the following approximate nutritional values:

Protein: Around 6-7 grams. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, which aids in satiety and muscle repair.
Fat: Around 5-6 grams, with about 1.5-2 grams being saturated fat. The majority of the fat is found in the yolk.
Carbohydrates: Typically less than 1.5 grams, mostly from added sugars in the brine.
Sodium: This is a crucial factor to consider. Pickling involves a salt-heavy brine, which significantly increases the sodium content compared to a standard hard-boiled egg. Sodium can range from 100 to over 300mg depending on the recipe.

Comparison: Pickled Egg vs. Hard-Boiled Egg


Feature	Pickled Egg (Large)	Hard-Boiled Egg (Large)	Notes
Calories	~70-80 kcal	~78 kcal	Calorie content is very similar.
Protein	~6-7 grams	~6-7 grams	Both are excellent protein sources.
Sodium	~100-300+ mg	~62 mg	A pickled egg has significantly more sodium.
Preparation	Hard-boiled, then brined in a vinegar solution	Cooked in boiling water	Brine adds flavor, not significant calories.
Flavor	Tangy, savory, and acidic from the vinegar	Mild and rich, with a creamy yolk	The main difference lies in the flavor profile.

The Role of Pickled Eggs in a Healthy Diet

When incorporated appropriately, pickled eggs can be a healthy snack option. Their high protein content helps promote feelings of fullness, which can be beneficial for weight management. The acetic acid in vinegar may offer some digestive benefits and help with blood sugar control. However, their high sodium content is a significant drawback, especially for those with blood pressure concerns. Moderation is key, particularly for commercially prepared versions, which tend to be higher in sodium.

How to Enjoy Pickled Eggs Healthily

To maximize the health benefits of pickled eggs while minimizing potential risks, consider the following suggestions:

DIY Pickling: Make your own pickled eggs at home to control the amount of salt and sugar used in the brine. This allows for a lower-sodium, healthier alternative.
Spice it up: Add flavorful spices like garlic, mustard seeds, and turmeric to your homemade brine instead of relying on excessive salt. Some spices offer antioxidant properties.
Pair with Fresh Foods: Enjoy a pickled egg alongside fresh vegetables or a salad. This can help balance the strong, tangy flavor and increase your overall nutrient intake.
Mind your portions: Be mindful of your sodium intake throughout the day if you plan to have a pickled egg as a snack. One egg is a sensible portion size.

Conclusion: A Flavorful and Filling Snack

To answer the question, "how many calories does one pickled egg have?", a standard large egg contains approximately 70 to 80 calories, making it a protein-rich, low-carb snack. The pickling process itself does not add significant calories, but it does dramatically increase the sodium content due to the brine. This means that while pickled eggs can be a satisfying and healthy dietary addition, they should be consumed in moderation, especially by those monitoring their sodium intake. For better control over sodium levels, making them at home is the best option. Ultimately, the pickled egg remains a flavorful and filling alternative to its plain hard-boiled counterpart, offering a unique taste experience with a similar core nutritional base. For more information on general nutrition, the USDA FoodData Central is an excellent resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, pickled eggs are not higher in calories than hard-boiled eggs. The pickling process, which uses a vinegar-based brine, adds very few calories. Any slight variation depends on the size of the egg and any added sugars in the brine.

No, the protein content of a pickled egg is the same as a hard-boiled egg of the same size. The pickling process does not alter the macronutrients of the egg itself.

The main nutritional difference is the sodium content. A pickled egg will have significantly more sodium due to the salt used in the brine, whereas a hard-boiled egg has naturally low sodium.

Yes, pickled eggs can be good for weight loss when eaten in moderation. Their high protein content helps you feel full, which can reduce overall calorie intake. However, be mindful of the high sodium content.

Yes, you can make low-sodium pickled eggs by preparing them yourself at home. This allows you to control the amount of salt used in the brine, creating a healthier option.

Some potential health benefits of pickled eggs include the protein for muscle and satiety, and the acetic acid in the vinegar may assist with digestion and blood sugar control.

The fat content is contained within the egg yolk and is similar to that of a hard-boiled egg, typically around 5-6 grams for a large egg. Most of this is healthy fat, but it's something to be aware of if monitoring fat intake.