Do Pickles Really Have Zero Calories? Good Question. We have drafted our share of pickle stories here on Thumbwind. Maybe it’s because the number one pickle in America, Vlasic Pickles, is made here in Imlay City. Vlasic is a significant employer for the region. Michigan farmers supply cucumbers for America’s #1 pickle, and scores of workers work at the Imlay City plant and distribution center. But there are at least 10 other pickle companies that call Michigan home.

A comment on a YouTube Video generated interest in whether pickles are really zero calories, as the label claims. Well, we took a closer look, and here is the skinny on the claim.

Pickles Are Found In Just About Every Pantry

Pickles are a staple in American households, enjoyed as a tangy snack, a crunchy sandwich topping, or a key ingredient in dishes like potato salad and tartar sauce. But there’s one claim that often raises eyebrows: Do pickles really have zero calories?

Many jars list pickles as having zero calories per serving, leading some people to believe they are a truly guilt-free snack. However, that labeling can be misleading. In reality, pickles do contain some calories—just not enough to always appear on the nutrition label.

How Pickles Are Labeled as Zero Calories

The key reason pickles are often marked as zero-calorie lies in U.S. food labeling regulations. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows manufacturers to round down to zero if a serving has less than five calories. Since a standard pickle spear typically contains two to four calories, companies are legally permitted to list the calorie count as zero.

This practice isn’t unique to pickles. Many low-calorie foods—like cooking sprays, mustard, and sugar-free gum—are labeled the same way. But in reality, consuming multiple servings can add up.

Do Pickles Actually Contain Calories?

Yes, they do. Pickles are made from cucumbers, which naturally contain calories. A medium-sized cucumber has about 16 calories, so they retain some energy value even after being brined and pickled.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical calorie content in different types of pickles:

Dill pickles (standard) – 2–4 calories per spear
Sweet pickles (bread-and-butter, gherkins, etc.) – 20–30 calories per serving
Spicy or flavored pickles – Varies, usually 5–10 calories per serving

The biggest difference comes from added sugar. While dill pickles remain extremely low in calories, sweet varieties—like bread-and-butter pickles—contain significant sugar, which increases their calorie count.

Do Pickles Help With Weight Loss?

Because they are low in calories and high in flavor, pickles can be an appealing snack for people watching their weight. Their tangy taste and satisfying crunch make them a good substitute for chips or other high-calorie snacks.

Additionally, pickles have high water content and are rich in vinegar, which some studies suggest may help control appetite and stabilize blood sugar levels. However, their sodium content is extremely high—one spear can contain 200–300 mg of sodium, which may lead to bloating or water retention.

If you want to eat pickles as part of a weight-loss plan, stick to dill pickles and watch portions to avoid excessive sodium intake.

The Hidden Calories in Pickle Juice

Drinking pickle juice - Do Pickles Really Have Zero Calories?

Some people drink pickle juice for its potential health benefits, including relief from muscle cramps and improved hydration. While pickle juice is often assumed to have zero calories, it does contain some energy, especially if it’s from a sweet pickle variety.

A standard 1-ounce serving of dill pickle juice has about 0–5 calories, while sweet pickle juice can have 10–30 calories per ounce due to added sugars.

Do Pickles Really Have Zero Calories? – We Add it All Up

Pickles aren’t truly “zero-calorie” foods, but their calorie count is so low that food labeling regulations allow them to be marked as such. Dill pickles typically have under five calories per spear, while sweet pickles contain significantly more due to sugar content.

If you’re eating pickles in moderation, their calorie count is negligible, making them a great low-calorie snack option. However, if you’re consuming large amounts—whether in whole pickles, slices, or juice—those calories can add up over time.

So, while you might not need to count every pickle spear in your diet, it’s good to know that the “zero-calorie” label doesn’t tell the full story.