Pickles add a nice acidic punch to sandwiches and taste especially delicious in a Bloody Mary. But they're also great on their own, straight out of the jar, as a healthy, low-calorie, high-flavor snack.
However, are pickles keto?
“Since there are so many different types of pickles, you'll have to use your label reading skills to check out the 'net carbs'—total carbs minus fiber—in a given product,” says Seattle-based registered dietitian nutritionist, Ginger Hultin, M.S., R.D.N., and author of Anti-Inflammatory Diet Meal Prep.
To really know if pickles can fit into your diet, you'll also have to evaluate how many net carbs your particular keto diet includes. “Some people need to stick to as low as 20 net carbs per day while others can tolerate up to about 50 while still staying in ketosis,” says Hultin. So, whether or not a given food can fit is somewhat dependent on what else you're eating in a day.
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Some foods are obviously hard to make keto (think: white bread or a candy bar), but even pickles might make you wonder. A "serving" of pickles is commonly listed as a cup, which has 2.2 grams of net carbs, so you actually get a lot for a low amount of carbs (applicable to dill and salt pickles).
Luckily, pickles are keto friendly, especially those that are of the dill pickle variety, as sugar is low. “Simply put, sweet pickles are made with sugar which will automatically push the carb count up,” says Hultin. “Dill or salt pickles don't have the added sugar and carbs, naturally,” she says.
Many brands of pickles, especially "dill" varieties, are low carb. “You'll typically find 1g net carb in an ounce, though products do vary in their carb amount and serving amount,” she says. Use caution with sweet pickles, as they are often much higher in net carbs, with some that are up to 8 or 9 grams, which is going to be very high on a keto-style diet.
Spicy varieties may be fine as long as you read the label and check out the carb count listed—any sort of flavoring for the pickle jar should definitely be glanced at before purchasing to make sure the net carb count fits in for your keto carb bank.
Plus, pickles can actually be a great food to enjoy on keto, especially in the beginning! “Pickles are salty which can be helpful if you need the added electrolytes when transitioning to a keto diet,” she says.
So, enjoy your pickles—Just check labels first.
FAQs
If you're wondering "Are pickles keto friendly?", the answer to this question is not so simple because it depends on the type of pickles you are eating. Some pickles are high in carbs, and thus not ideal for a keto diet, while others (like kosher dill pickles) have zero carbs and are a great keto food option.
Are pickles okay for a keto diet? ›
Luckily, pickles are keto friendly, especially those that are of the dill pickle variety, as sugar is low. “Simply put, sweet pickles are made with sugar which will automatically push the carb count up,” says Hultin. “Dill or salt pickles don't have the added sugar and carbs, naturally,” she says.
How do pickles have no carbs? ›
Pickles are made from cucumbers, which are naturally low in carbs. However, some varieties include large amounts of added sugar, which increases their carb content.
Are cucumbers allowed on the keto diet? ›
Due to their high water content and only 3.7 grams of net carbs per cup, cucumbers are an excellent choice for those on a keto diet. “Try thinly slicing cucumber, spreading over cream cheese and bagel seasoning, and rolling up for a fun and easy snack,” she suggests.
Is eating kosher pickles good for you? ›
The healthiest pickles, according to the experts, are going to be probiotic-rich fermented varieties, such as a deli-style kosher dill. Making pickles at home — whether fermented or pickled in vinegar — may also be the healthiest option because it allows you to control the amount of sodium, the experts note.
Is peanut butter keto? ›
Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.
Can I eat oh snap pickles on keto? ›
Oh Snaps are keto-friendly, kosher, low-cal, gluten-free, WW 0pt, a natural source of electrolytes, and just plain delicious!
Can you eat olives on keto? ›
Olives are a great source of fat whilst remaining incredibly low in carbohydrates, in every 100g of olives there is only around 3 net carbs. They are the perfect way to fill yourself up whilst on a keto diet, either as a light snack or even on top of salads.
Is popcorn keto-friendly? ›
Popcorn is a popular low-calorie snack. And yes, it does qualify as a low-carbohydrate food that can fit into a keto diet. Crunchy and satisfying, popcorn is one of the most popular snacks for people of all ages.
Is mayonnaise keto? ›
Mayonnaise is the perfect condiment for the Keto Diet because it consists of high fat, low protein, and zero carbohydrates. It also has many health benefits that can help you maintain Ketosis and achieve your weight loss goals on the Keto diet.
Can you eat tomatoes on the keto diet? "Tomatoes are keto," says Abby Langer, R.D., author of Good Food, Bad Diet. "They're low in carbs, so they fit perfectly into keto." One whole medium tomato contains roughly 5 grams of carbohydrates, of which 1.5 grams are fiber and 3 grams are sugar.
Can you eat salad on keto? ›
You can eat a variety of salads on keto, as long as they contain healthy fats and proteins and are low in carbs. Egg salad, grilled chicken salad, shrimp salad, cauliflower salad, arugula salad, cucumber salad, antipasto salad, Greek salad, Caprese salad, and spinach salad are just a few keto-friendly salads to enjoy.
Is sour cream keto? ›
Regular, full fat sour cream is made from cream and contains far more fat than carbs. Therefore, it's considered keto-friendly. However, low fat or nonfat sour cream is not. Full fat sour cream can provide some variety in a keto diet when used as a dip base or incorporated into recipes to boost the fat content.
What is the healthiest pickle? ›
“The pickles that are beneficial for your gut health are the fermented ones, made by brining them in salt rather than vinegar,” says Dr. Oppezzo. “While vinegar pickling is a common method, true fermentation in brine enriches them with beneficial probiotics for your gut.
Are pickles OK to eat everyday? ›
Although pickles have some health benefits, it's not a good idea to eat pickles every day because they tend to be high in salt. Too much sodium can: Increase water retention. Cause hypertension.
Are pickles anti-inflammatory? ›
Promotes weight loss: As a low-calorie snack, pickles can be a satisfying and healthy option for those trying to lose weight. Fights inflammation: The antioxidants in pickles can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to various chronic diseases.
Can Popcorn be eaten on keto? ›
Net carbs are calculated by taking the total grams of carbohydrate in a food and subtracting the amount of fiber. In this case, popcorn contains 6 grams of carbs per 1 cup serving and 1.2 grams of fiber, bringing the net carbs per serving to 4.8 grams. Yes friends, popcorn is indeed a keto food.
Why drink pickle juice on keto? ›
Often, people on the keto diet will recommend drinking pickle juice and eating pickles. It's a great source of potassium and sodium, and those electrolytes are important to healthy body functions. The vinegar in pickle juice can also help curb sugar spikes, helping you stay in ketosis.
