Last Updated: November 10, 2026
Bread and butter pickles sit at the sweeter end of the pickle spectrum, with sliced cucumbers soaked in a vinegar brine balanced by sugar, turmeric, and mustard seed. They are a classic burger topper, sandwich companion, and relish alternative. This article ranks seven bread and butter pickle options by how well they serve a range of uses, from highly available national jars to specialty picks.
How the List Is Ordered
The ranking relies on objective traits rather than personal tasting statements.
- Flavor profile: balance of sweet, tangy, and spiced notes in the brine.
- Versatility: usefulness on burgers, sandwiches, charcuterie, and in recipes like tartar-style sauces.
- Cut and texture: whether the slices are designed to stay crisp and fit sandwiches.
- Availability: how reliably the jar appears in standard grocery stores.
Lineups vary by region and season, and some brands change formulas or discontinue sizes. Always read the label to confirm what is in the jar.
The Countdown, Seventh to First
7. Wickles Pickles
Wickles is better known for its spicy-sweet pickles, but its sweet-leaning style appeals to fans of bold brines. The profile is more assertive than traditional bread and butter. This distinct personality limits its use as a general-purpose jar.
6. Store Brands
Grocery chains such as Great Value and Kroger sell their own bread and butter chips. These jars follow the standard formula and are practical for large households. Consistency varies from chain to chain, which keeps them mid-low.
5. Boar’s Head
Boar’s Head is mostly associated with deli meats and cheeses, and its pickles fit that deli identity. The slices are designed to complement sandwiches and meat-and-cheese boards. Distribution is strongest where the deli brand is sold.
4. Bubbies
Bubbies is known for refrigerated pickles and sauerkraut, often sold in the chilled section. Its bread and butter chips appeal to shoppers seeking a fresher, cold-case style. Availability depends heavily on the store’s refrigerated pickle selection.
3. Mrs. Fanning’s
Mrs. Fanning’s is a North Carolina brand with a sweet and tangy sliced pickle that has a devoted following. The brand is often described as a Southern staple for sandwiches and cookout plates. It is less universally stocked than the national names.
2. Mt. Olive
Mt. Olive is another North Carolina company and a big name in jarred pickles. Its bread and butter chips are widely stocked and come in several cuts, including chips and sandwich slices. Strong reputation and a range of formats put it near the top.
1. Vlasic
Vlasic is among the most recognized pickle brands in American supermarkets, with bread and butter chips and sandwich-style slices that are easy to find. The classic sweet-and-tangy profile suits burgers, sandwiches, and recipes. Wide distribution and familiar flavor secure the top spot.
Quick-Reference Table
| Rank | Brand | Style | Where Found |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vlasic | Classic sweet-tangy chips | Most supermarkets |
| 2 | Mt. Olive | Chips and sandwich slices | Most supermarkets |
| 3 | Mrs. Fanning’s | Southern-style sliced | Select grocers |
| 4 | Bubbies | Refrigerated style | Chilled section |
| 5 | Boar’s Head | Deli-style slices | Deli-linked stores |
| 6 | Store brands | Standard formula | Store-specific |
| 7 | Wickles | Bold sweet-spicy | Select grocers |
How Bread and Butter Pickles Are Made
The brine typically combines vinegar, sugar, salt, turmeric for color, and spices like mustard seed and celery seed. Onions and sometimes peppers are included in many versions. The name is often traced to a Depression-era story about families using the pickles to stretch simple sandwiches, though the exact history is told in several ways.
Texture depends on cutting and processing. Crinkle-cut chips hold brine and stay crisp on sandwiches, while thicker sandwich slices give a larger, flatter surface for burgers. Refrigerated versions often have a crunchier bite than shelf-stable ones.
Ways to Use Them
Besides burgers, these pickles fit grilled cheese, pulled pork sandwiches, and fried chicken sandwiches where the sweetness balances rich flavors. They can be chopped into tuna or potato salad, mixed into dips, or served on cheese boards. A splash of the brine works in dressings or marinades for chicken.
Choosing a Jar
Cut matters as much as brand. Crinkle-cut chips are the standard for sandwiches and burgers, while thicker slices handle heavy toppings. Refrigerated jars often keep a crisper bite, and shelf-stable jars are easier to stock for months.
If you use the brine in recipes, consider jars with a flavorful, well-spiced liquid. Smaller jars suit occasional users, while larger jars make sense for households that put pickles on sandwiches daily.
Serving Ideas Beyond Sandwiches
Chop the chips and fold them into egg salad, chicken salad, or deviled eggs for a sweet-tangy accent. Thread them onto skewers with cheese cubes and cold cuts for a party snack. They can also top a loaded baked potato or a hot dog.
The leftover brine can be reused for a quick refrigerator pickle batch with sliced onions or carrots, though it is best used just once for food safety and flavor. Keep the jar refrigerated after opening and use clean utensils to avoid contamination.
Finally, remember that sweetness levels differ even among jars labeled bread and butter. Reading the ingredient list reveals whether sugar, corn syrup, or another sweetener is used, and spice blends vary too. If your household prefers less sugar, comparing nutrition panels across jars is a quick way to find a version that fits, and trying a small jar first avoids waste if the profile is not what you expected.
Texture is another quick check at the store. Pressing lightly on a sealed jar cannot reveal crispness, but a lid that is domed, loose, or leaking is a sign to choose a different jar. Look for intact seals and fresh best-by dates, and keep opened jars in the refrigerator.
FAQ
What is the difference between bread and butter and dill pickles?
Dill pickles are savory and herbal, while bread and butter pickles are sweeter and spiced with turmeric and mustard seed.
Do they need refrigeration?
Shelf-stable jars are generally refrigerated after opening, and refrigerated jars should stay cold. Follow the label.
Can I make them at home?
Yes. Slice cucumbers and onions, then combine with a sweet-vinegar brine. Refrigerator pickles are the simplest approach.
Are they vegan?
Most are made from plant-based ingredients, but check the label for any additives.
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