Pickles are a classic condiment, but do they count as a vegetable? It depends. In some cases, yes. But in other cases, no. The answer to this question depends on the type of pickle and its specific ingredients. Thankfully, there are many healthy pickle options that are also low in calories and carbs. These “hidden” vegetables add great texture and taste to sandwiches, burgers, and other dishes. However, nutrition experts recommend eating just one or two pickles at a time because they’re so high in sodium about 170 mg per 5-gram serving. Here’s everything you need to know about whether a pickle is a vegetable.
Is a Pickle a Vegetable?
Yes, a pickle is considered a vegetable. It is made from cucumbers that are washed and then soaked in brine (water, vinegar, and salt) mixed with spices. After being soaked in the mixture, the cucumbers are then placed into jars or cans filled with more of the mixture. As cucumbers soak in the mixture, they transform into pickles.
Do you think a pickle is a vegetable?
1. Okra
Okra is a type of vegetable. Technically, okra is a leafy green with pods and seeds. It has a bitter taste and is very high in fiber. Okra is also a popular ingredient in southern cuisines, such as fried okra and pickled okra. However, it’s not commonly used as an ingredient in other recipes because it has quite a few calories — 8 grams per half-cup serving! Although the USDA recommends five servings of fruits and vegetables per day for good health, including one or two servings of okra, which could lead to excessive calorie intake for most people. (1)
2. Pickles
Pickles are pickled vegetables that are typically served as condiments. They’re made from cucumbers, onions, carrots, beets, cauliflower, cauliflower stalks, and more! Pickles are very low in calories (1 gram per 5-gram serving) and sodium (about 170 mg per 5-gram serving). (2)
3. Pickled Jalapenos
Pickled jalapenos are hot peppers that are pickled in vinegar or a mixture of vinegar and water. They can have a mild or spicy taste depending on the variety. Pickled jalapenos are low in calories (1 gram per 5-gram serving), but they do contain a decent amount of sodium (about 380 mg per 5-gram serving). If you’re looking for something with less sodium, try pickled onions instead! (3)
4. Pickles And Chips
Pickles and chips are a popular combination at pubs, sports stadiums, and other venues where food is served to the public. It’s usually served as an appetizer or snack with beer or dairy-free beers like ale. The term “pickle” refers to the pickling liquid used in this dish, while “chips” refer to the potato chips that are added to the dish. Pickles and chips are low in calories (1 gram per 5-gram serving), but they do contain a decent amount of sodium (about 380 mg per 5-gram serving). If you’re looking for something with less sodium, try pickled onions instead! (4)
5. Pickled Onions
Pickled onions are pickled in vinegar or a mixture of vinegar and water. They’re usually served as an appetizer or snack with beer or dairy-free beers like ale. The term “pickle” refers to the pickling liquid used in this dish, while “onions” refer to the onion slices that are added to the dish. Pickled onions are low in calories (1 gram per 5-gram serving), but they do contain a decent amount of sodium (about 380 mg per 5-gram serving).
Which Pickles Are the Healthiest?
1. Cucumbers
A popular pickle, cucumbers are a great source of vitamins A and C and fiber. They’re also low in calories about 70 per cup. You can eat cucumber slices plain, add them to a salad, or use them to make a quesadilla.
2. Pickled Jalapenos
Although they’re not technically vegetables, pickled jalapenos are still low in calories — about 25 per cup. They pack a spicy punch, so eat sparingly. Otherwise, you could end up with an upset stomach!
3. Pickled Beets & Carrots
These healthy vegetables are high in fiber and also contain calcium and potassium. If you like raw carrots or beets, you can enjoy them as is or add them to salads for extra crunch. However, if you want to make pickled carrots or beets into a side dish or snack bar instead of eating them straight from the jar, you’ll need to add sugar or syrup.
4. Pickled Onions & Sweet Pickles
These pickles are high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. They’re also low in calories — about 70 per cup. You can eat them plain or add them to a sandwich with mustard or mayo. If you want to make sweet pickles instead of eating them straight from the jar, use a little less sugar and vinegar than normal for the same taste.
5. Pickled Mushrooms & Kimchi
Mushrooms are considered a vegetable in some countries but not in others. But they’re still healthy they contain beta-glucans that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and lower blood pressure levels! In addition, they’re high in fiber, vitamin C, and manganese. If you like kimchi (a spicy fermented cabbage), try making your own.
6. Pickled Onions & Celery
These pickles are high in fiber, calcium, and potassium. They’re also low in calories about 70 per cup. You can eat them plain or add them to a sandwich with mustard or mayo. However, if you want to make pickled onions into a side dish instead of eating them straight from the jar, you’ll need to add sugar or syrup.
How Many Carbs in a Pickle?
1. White Vinegar Pickle
White vinegar pickles are a great source of fiber and protein. They also have some carbs, but not very many. One medium-sized pickle (5 ounces) has about 1 gram of carbohydrates. This includes white vinegar, pickling spices, and salt. These carbs are mostly in the form of sugar alcohols, which are used as preservatives in processed foods like pickles.
2. Dill Pickle
Dill pickles are a staple at most picnics and barbecues, but they’re not really considered a vegetable because they’re made with vinegar instead of water or brine. However, these pickles do have some nutrients like vitamin C and B vitamins that make them a good choice for those who want to eat more produce without adding extra calories or carbs to their diet. A single dill pickle (5 ounces) has about 1 gram of carbohydrates and 0 grams of fat — both of which are low in calories.
3. Sour Pickle
Sour pickles are made with vinegar and sugar. They’re about half the calories and carbs of dill pickles, but they do have a bit more sodium (about 150 mg per 5-gram serving). This makes them a better choice for those who want to limit their sodium intake but still want to eat more vegetables. A single sour pickle (5 ounces) has about 1 gram of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fat, and 100 mg of sodium.
4. Jalapeno Pickle Relish
Jalapeno pickles are another popular condiment at picnics and barbecues — but they’re not really considered a vegetable because they’re made with vinegar instead of water or brine. However, these pickles do have some nutrients like vitamin C and B vitamins that make them a good choice for those who want to eat more produce without adding extra calories or carbs to their diet. A single jalapeno pickle (5 ounces) has about 1 gram of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fat, and 150 mg of sodium.
Conclusion
Pickles are a classic condiment, but do they count as a vegetable? It depends. In some cases, yes. But in other cases, no. There are significant differences between pickled cucumbers and fermented sauerkraut. The fermentation process changes the composition of the vegetables and changes them into a food that is high in vitamins and probiotics. The two most popular types of pickles are the vinegar-pickled cucumber and the fermented sauerkraut. There are no carbs in pickles and they’re almost always made with cucumbers, which are a very low-carb vegetable. Pickled vegetables are very low in calories and sodium. They’re high in fiber, protein, and vitamin C.
