The Surging Popularity of Flavored Pickles in a Convenient Bag

The Growing Popularity of Flavored Pickles in a Bag

Pickles have long been a popular snack food and sandwich topping. The classic dill pickle has been a staple for decades. However, in recent years, there has been a surge in new and innovative pickle flavors hitting store shelves. One of the most exciting pickle trends is the rise of flavored pickles in a bag.

What are Flavored Pickles in a Bag?

Flavored pickles in a bag refer to pickle chips or spears that come pre-packaged in a bag or pouch. Unlike jarred pickles that are swimming in brine, bagged pickles have already been drained and lightly seasoned. The pickles come in a ready-to-eat grab-and-go format.

Bagged pickles often come in a variety of delicious flavors beyond basic dill. Popular flavored pickle options include sweet, spicy, garlic, hot and honey mustard. The flavors are often brighter and bolder than what you would find in a traditional jar. Brands are getting very creative with their blend of spices, herbs and other flavorings.

What are the Benefits of Flavored Pickles in a Bag?

There are several reasons why flavored pickles in a bag are gaining mainstream popularity:

• Convenience - Bagged pickles are ready to eat straight out of the package. There's no need to fish pickles out of a jar or drain any excess brine. They are the ultimate grab-and-go snack.
• Portability - The individual bags are easy to toss into a lunch box, purse or backpack. Bring flavored pickles along for sporting events, road trips, hiking, beach days and more.
• Flavors - Pickles in a bag come in a wide variety of tempting flavors beyond basic dill. You can find sweet, spicy, garlic, cinnamon, honey mustard and endless flavor mashups.
• Low Mess - Since the pickles are already drained, eating pickles out of a bag is far less messy than eating them straight from a jar.
• Easy to Share - The portioned out bags allow for easy sharing. Just open up a bag and pass it around.
• Longer Lasting - Once opened, jarred pickles need to be refrigerated and used within a certain timeframe. Bagged pickles often have a longer shelf life since each bag contains a single portion.

Popular Brands of Flavored Pickles in a Bag

A growing number of companies are getting into the flavored pickle bag game. Here are some of the major brands to look for:

• Mt. Olive - Mt. Olive offers pickle chips and spears in flavors like Sweet Hot Southern Sweet Tea, Deli Style Garlic Dill and Vidalia Sweet Onion.
• Vlasic - Look for Vlasic's pickle bag line called "Grab and Go" with flavors like Sweet & Spicy, Ranch and Bacon Ranch.
• Claussen - Claussen has a pickle bag line called "Snaps" featuring flavors like Dill, Garlic, Spicy and Bread & Butter.
• Van Holten's - Van Holten's makes unique combinations like Big Papa Dill Pickle Popcorn and Mama Lil's Spicy Pickle-On-A-Stick.
• Dilly Bits - This brand focuses just on barrel-cured pickle chips in Original Dill, Spicy Garlic and Honey Mustard flavors.
• The Big Pickle - For truly giant pickle slices, check out The Big Pickle bags in Classic Dill, Sweet & Spicy, and Garlic & Fire flavors.

Nutritional Profile of Flavored Pickles

Pickles are naturally fat-free, cholesterol-free and low in calories. However, the precise nutrition can vary greatly depending on the specific ingredients used.

Most standard dill pickles only have about 5-10 calories per spear. The salt content is higher at 300-800mg per spear. Fermented and refrigerated pickles tend to be lower in sodium than shelf-stable varieties.

When it comes to flavored pickle chips and spears, the calories and sodium rise significantly. Sweet flavors like cinnamon or honey mustard will have more sugar. Spicy flavors get a boost from hot peppers and spices. Read nutrition labels carefully to make the healthiest choice.

How to Enjoy Flavored Pickles in a Bag

The possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying your bagged pickles! Here are some top ways to eat them:

• Eat them plain as a snack, side or appetizer
• Add them to a sandwich or burger for a crunchy flavor boost
• Skewer pickle chips and cubes for a fun party appetizer
• Use them to make pickle rolls - wrap flavored pickle chips around slices of cheese or lunch meat
• Pickle spears make great vessels for dips, fill them with cheeses, peanut butter, tuna salad etc...
• Add chopped pickles to tuna or chicken salad for a tangy crunch
• Mix pickle bits into egg, tuna or chicken salad
• Use them as a topping for nachos, tacos, hot dogs, baked potatoes and more

Pickled Recipes Using Flavored Pickle Bags

Don't limit yourself to just eating flavored pickles straight from the bag. You can also incorporate them into fun recipes like:

• Pickle Brine Salad Dressing - Mix a few spoonfuls of brine from a pickled onion or garlic pickle bag with olive oil, mustard and herbs for a tangy vinaigrette.
• Pickle Juice Marinade - Use pickle juice from a spicy or hot flavored pickle bag to amp up the flavor of chicken, pork or beef before grilling.
• Pickle Spear Caprese Skewers - Thread mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes and basil leaves onto pickle spears for an easy appetizer.
• Pickle & Chickpea Salad Sandwich - Mix chickpeas with chopped garlic dill pickles, onion, celery, lemon juice and mayo for a satisfying chicken or tuna salad substitute.
• Pickle Potato Chips - Thinly slice potatoes, toss with pickle juice and bake until crispy for a salty, tangy snack.
• Pickle Popcorn - Simmer popcorn kernels in pickle juice before popping for a delightfully unique snack.

Conclusion

Flavored pickles in a bag offer convenience, portability and bold flavors. Major pickle brands like Mt. Olive, Vlasic and Claussen now offer pre-packaged pickle chips and spears in sweet, spicy and savory flavors. Beyond snacking, the pickled goodness can be incorporated into recipes too. Keep an eye out for innovative new pickle flavors and combinations hitting store shelves all the time.

FAQs

Are flavored pickles healthier than regular pickles?

It depends on the specific type of flavored pickles. Some varieties may be higher in sodium, sugar or preservatives. Read nutrition labels carefully and compare to regular dill pickles. In general, fresh refrigerated pickles tend to be lowest in sodium.

How long do opened bags of flavored pickles last?

An opened bag of flavored pickles will usually last about 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. Make sure to seal the bag tightly after each use. Discard any pickles that smell or appear slimy.

Can you make flavored pickles at home?

Absolutely! You can pickle cucumbers and add your own flavorings like garlic, spices, herbs, onions, honey or hot peppers. Use canning techniques for long term storage or quick pickling for fridge versions.

What is the best way to eat flavored pickle chips or spears?

There are endless ways to enjoy flavored pickles! Eat them straight from the bag, add to sandwiches and salads, use in recipes, or skewer for appetizers. Get creative with flavors that pair well like cooling mint or warming spice.

Are pickle chips or spears healthier?

Pickle chips and spears have minimal differences nutritionally. Chips offer more surface area for seasonings but also expose more to air. Spears retain a crunch longer. Choose your favorite shape based on taste and texture preferences.