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Dill pickles (often labelled “dill gherkins” in the UK) bring a clean, sharp bite that works especially well in burgers, wraps, and salads.
Compared with malt vinegar styles, they taste fresher and less sweet, making them a go-to for everyday sandwiches.
🥒 Quick Picks (Decision Shortcuts)
- Best overall: Mrs Elswood Sandwich Gherkins
- Best budget: Large dill gherkin jars (2kg+ formats like NVR)
- Best for burgers: Dino’s American Style Pickles
- Best ‘cleaner ingredient’ style: Biona Organic Cornichons (simple brine-based pickling)
How we judged these (criteria-first)
- Brine clarity (dill-forward vs sweetened) – cleaner flavour works better in savoury meals.
- Crunch retention – holds firmness after opening and slicing.
- Cut & format – whole vs sliced vs spears for different uses.
- Salt-acid balance – should lift food without overpowering.
- Ingredient simplicity – fewer additives, clearer flavour.
- Jar size & practicality – fridge space vs value.
- Versatility – burgers, wraps, salads, snacking.
Ranked picks
1) Mrs Elswood Sandwich Gherkins
Best for: Everyday sandwiches and burgers
Why it’s good
- Balanced dill-forward flavour with mild sweetness for broad appeal.
- Uniform size makes them easy to slice or layer.
- Commonly available in UK supermarkets → low-effort repeat buy.
Trade-off
- Slight sweetness means less punch than sharper dill-only styles.
How to use
- Slice into burgers or wraps.
- Chop into coleslaw for added crunch and acidity.
Substitution
- Any “sandwich gherkins” or mild dill pickles.
2) Dino’s American Style Pickles (Stackers)
Best for: Classic burger builds
Why it’s good
- Pre-cut “stacker” slices give consistent burger layers.
- Tangy profile designed to cut through rich meats.
- Slight sweetness keeps them accessible for most tastes.
Trade-off
- Less versatile outside burgers due to fixed slice format.
How to use
- Layer directly into burgers or toasties.
- Add to hot dogs for quick acidity.
Substitution
- Look for “burger pickles” or “pickle slices”.
3) Kühne Dill Gherkins / Pickled Gherkins
Best for: Balanced sweet-sour European style
Why it’s good
- Reliable crunch and consistency.
- Balanced sweet-tang profile works across meals.
- Often sold in multipacks → convenient for regular use.
Trade-off
- Not a pure dill profile; sweetness is noticeable.
How to use
- Slice into sandwiches or potato salads.
- Serve alongside sausages or cold cuts.
Substitution
- Any continental-style pickled gherkin.
4) Biona Organic Cornichons (Dill & Mustard Seeds)
Best for: Sharper, cleaner flavour with simple ingredients
Why it’s good
- Typically a short ingredient list with clear dill notes.
- Small size gives firm bite and concentrated flavour.
- Works well for cheese boards and richer foods.
Trade-off
- Smaller jar size; less suited to heavy sandwich use.
How to use
- Serve whole with cheese or charcuterie.
- Finely chop into dressings.
Substitution
- Any cornichons in brine with dill/mustard seeds.
5) NVR Dill Gherkins (Large Jar ~2.45kg)
Best for: High-volume use (meal prep, families)
Why it’s good
- Excellent value per 100g vs smaller jars.
- Dill flavour suits daily sandwiches and salads.
- Larger size means fewer repeat purchases.
Trade-off
- Bulky; requires fridge space and regular use to justify.
How to use
- Slice in batches for weekly lunches.
- Dice into tuna, egg mayo, or pasta salad.
Substitution
- Any catering-size dill pickle jar.
How to choose (by shopper type)
- Burger-focused: Go for pre-sliced stackers → faster and consistent.
- Everyday lunch prep: Choose large dill jars → better value and flexibility.
- Flavour-first (less sweet): Look for cornichons or brine-only dill.
- Mixed household tastes: Pick mild dill (slightly sweet) → widest appeal.
Availability & practical swaps
- Dill pickles are increasingly common in UK supermarkets, often alongside gherkins.
- Larger jars and American-style cuts are more common online or in multipacks.
- If a specific brand isn’t available, match by:
- “Dill” on the label (not just “sweet”)
- Cut type (whole vs sliced vs spears)
FAQs
Are dill pickles the same as gherkins in the UK?
They’re similar, but “dill pickles” usually means a brine with dill flavour, less sweet than typical UK gherkins.
Which are best for burgers?
Pre-sliced dill pickles or stackers for convenience and even layering.
Do dill pickles taste sour or salty?
Usually a balance of salt and acidity, with herbal dill notes.
Are large jars worth it?
Yes if you use them often, better value, but need fridge space.
What should I check on the label?
Look for dill, vinegar type, and sugar level to match your taste.
Conclusion
For most UK shoppers, Mrs Elswood Sandwich Gherkins is the safest all-round choice, balancing dill flavour with everyday usability. If you want a sharper, less sweet profile, move toward cornichons or larger dill jars. Focus on brine style, cut, and jar size, and you’ll get the right pickle for your routine without overthinking brand differences.