Pregnancy pickle cravings are incredibly common, but not every pickle hits the spot. Moms-to-be say the best pickles strike the perfect balance of tang, salt, and crunch. Here are some of the top pickle recommendations from the What to Expect Community, plus expert insight into why you have that pickle craving — and what dietitians want you to keep in mind as you snack.

summary icon
Key Takeaways
  • Pickle cravings during pregnancy are common, but the exact reason isn't fully understood. Experts say pregnancy cravings are likely driven by a mix of physiological and psychological factors. While pickles provide sodium and chloride — important electrolytes during pregnancy — their popularity may also come down to their unique salty, sour flavor and crunchy texture.
  • Pickles and pickle juice can be enjoyed in moderation, but watch your sodium intake. Naturally fermented pickles and their juice may offer probiotic benefits, but both are typically high in sodium. Drink plenty of water alongside pickles, and check with your practitioner before induldging if you have high blood pressure or are on a low-sodium diet.
  • There's no single "best" pregnancy pickle, but moms have plenty of favorites. The What to Expect Community recommends brands like Claussen, Grillo's, Vlasic, Mt. Olive, Trader Joe's, and Boar's Head, with many moms emphasizing that the ideal pickle is crisp, flavorful, and satisfying.

Why am I craving pickles during pregnancy?

A combination of physiological and psychological factors likely cause food cravings during pregnancy, says Alexandra Paetow, a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in pregnancy and a member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board.

Physiologically, nutrient needs shift and increase during pregnancy. Some people theorize these hankerings can help pregnant moms and their developing babies get the nutrients they need.[1]

Pickles, for example, contain sodium and chloride (i.e., table salt). These two electrolytes are critical during pregnancy, when fluid volume in the body increases, but this doesn't really explain why pickles remain such a popular craving.

"Many foods have a high-salt content, and many people easily meet sodium requirements, so a pickle-specific craving could be linked to other factors such as the flavor, texture, or because it’s such a popular association with pregnancy," Paetow explains.

"I thought it might be a myth, but I'm craving pickles," says What to Expect Community mom ElleBeeSea.

"I have been craving pickles nonstop," says Community member tmak03. "I feel like that's all I think about and all I want to eat."

Download the free What to Expect app to hat with other pregnant moms about cravings, symptoms, and more pregnancy topics.

What about pickle juice?

For some expectant moms, it's the pickle juice they crave. Surprisingly, drinking pickle juice may offer a few health benefits. Naturally fermented pickles and pickle juice (like the kind you find in the refrigerated section of the grocery store) can contain probiotics that benefit healthy gut bacteria.[2]

"With my first pregnancy, I froze the juice from my pickles and banana peppers in an ice tray,” says Community mom ChasesMommy821. “It was the best thing ever!”

As is the case with actual pickles, pickle juice contains a lot of sodium, so chase that pickle juice with plenty of water.

"Check in with your body, and keep an eye on the concentration (color) of urine to ensure that you aren't getting dehydrated," Paetow advises.

If you have high blood pressure or follow a low-sodium diet, talk with your practitioner. They might recommend a lower-sodium pickle option.

Does craving pickles while you're pregnant mean you're having a boy or a girl?

One old wives' tale says craving sour or salty foods during pregnancy means a baby boy is on his way. (Sweet and fruity cravings supposedly point to a baby girl.)

There's no science behind this superstition, however, so you might want to look elsewhere for clues about your baby's sex.

The best pickles during pregnancy, according to moms

Moms (and moms-to-be) in the What to Expect Community have a lot to say about the best pickle. While there's no clear winner, nothing is stopping you from picking up several of the recommended brands and having a taste test of your own:

  • "The big jar of Claussen pickle spears you find at Walmart!"
  • "My favorites are Vlasic because they are very vinegary, crispy, and have more dill than garlic."
  • "Grillo's Pickles all the way."
  • "I like spicy dill pickles. If you do, try either Wickles Wicked Pickles or Famous Dave's Sweet and Spicy. Sooo good!"
  • "I got Mt. Olive Kosher Dills recently, and they are so good and crunchy."
  • "I love the dill pickles at Trader Joe's. They are so good and don't have yellow food coloring."
  • "Kroger Kosher Dill Halves! I have them on hand at all times and go through two jars a week!"
  • "Do you have a Jimmy John's near you? I’ve been getting one about once a week to satisfy the cravings."
  • "My favorites are the Boar's Head Dill Spears. They're in the produce section."
  • "I absolutely housed a jar of Suckerpunch Spicy Garlic Pickles last week, and they were amazing."

Whether you plan to search out a favorite jar at the store or grab a pickle from your local sandwich shop, don't forget to stock up on extras. You never know when a 4:30 a.m. pickle craving will strike!