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Not every product in a “burger relish” search is actually a burger relish. Some are burger sauces, some are pickled slices, and some are chilli relishes that happen to work in burgers. That makes this category less about chasing the fanciest jar and more about choosing the right texture, sweetness level and format for the kind of burger you actually make at home.
This guide separates true burger relish, pickle-led shortcuts, and bulk catering-style options so you can buy the right bottle first time.
Quick decision box
Best overall: Crucials Burger Relish 1 Litre
Best budget: Sixsigma Foods Burger Relish 1 Litre
Best for smash burgers and takeaway-style builds: Mrs Elswood Burger Gherkins
Best for bulk use: Sixsigma Foods Pickled Gherkins 2kg
Best for a spicier twist: Biona Organic Harissa Chilli Relish
First: what makes a good burger relish?
A burger relish needs to do a different job from ketchup or mayo. It should add sweetness, acidity and texture without making the bun soggy or burying the meat.
Here are the buying points that matter most:
1) Texture
A proper relish should be spoonable and slightly chunky. That texture gives burgers extra bite, while a fully smooth sauce behaves more like a dressing.
2) Sweetness vs tang
Burger relish usually leans sweet, but too much sugar can flatten the rest of the burger. A better balance keeps the burger tasting savoury while still giving that takeaway-style lift.
3) Pickle character
The best options bring a mild pickle note, because that sharpness helps cut through cheese, beef and fried coatings.
4) Format
Squeezy bottles work well for speed and portion control. Jars suit thicker relishes and more substantial texture. Large catering bottles make sense only if you use them often.
5) Use-case fit
Some products are best for classic cheeseburgers, others suit chicken burgers, veggie burgers or loaded fries. Matching the relish to the burger style usually matters more than brand.
6) Ingredient direction
Some relishes are straightforward and sweet; others add chilli, onion or spice. That extra flavour can help, but it can also push the burger away from a classic profile.
The picks
1) Crucials Burger Relish 1 Litre
Best for: classic takeaway-style burgers at home
This looks like the most direct fit for shoppers who want a recognisable burger-relish profile rather than a pickle jar or a burger sauce. The large bottle format suggests easy squeezing, repeat use and the kind of sweet-tangy finish that works in quick family meals.
Why it works
- Bottle format makes portioning easy, so burgers stay tidy rather than overloaded
- Sweetness and acidity are likely geared toward fast-food-style flavour, so it suits cheeseburgers well
- Large size is practical for regular burger nights, wraps and loaded chips
Trade-off
- A 1 litre bottle is better for frequent use than occasional weekend cooking
Best with
- Beef burgers, chicken fillets, doner-style wraps, cheesy chips
Swap to consider
- If this is unavailable, another plain burger relish in squeeze format is a closer substitute than mayo-based burger sauce
2) Sixsigma Foods Burger Relish 1 Litre
Best for: value-focused shoppers who use relish often
This looks like the practical choice when price per serving matters more than branding. The appeal here is straightforward: lots of relish, flexible use, and a profile aimed at burgers, sandwiches and quick lunches rather than formal table use.
Why it earns a place
- Large bottle suits households that actually get through condiments
- Burger-specific labelling makes it more relevant than general chutneys or chilli relishes
- Good fit for burgers, wraps and sandwich spreads where you want sweetness plus tang
Trade-off
- Bulk format can feel excessive if you only make burgers occasionally
Best with
- Beef burgers, turkey burgers, toasted sandwiches, hot dogs
Swap to consider
- Any catering-style burger relish bottle with similar sweet-and-tangy positioning
3) Mrs Elswood Burger Gherkins
Best for: shoppers who want burger flavour from pickles rather than a spooned relish
This is the pick for people who say “burger relish” but really mean “that proper burger-shop pickle taste”. Sliced or burger-ready gherkins add crunch and acidity that many burgers need more than they need another sweet condiment.
Why it stands out
- Pickle texture adds bite, so the burger feels less soft and one-note
- Acidity cuts through cheese and beef more cleanly than sweet relish alone
- Easy burger fit because the format is aimed at layering rather than chopping
Trade-off
- It is not a true relish, so it won’t give the same sticky, sweet binding effect inside the bun
Best with
- Smash burgers, double cheeseburgers, fried chicken burgers
Swap to consider
- Bread and butter pickle chips or burger gherkin slices if you want the same pickle-led effect
4) Fakhri Bread and Butter Pickle Chips
Best for: sweeter American-style burger builds
Bread and butter pickle chips sit between pickle garnish and relish substitute. They bring sweetness, crunch and a more obvious cucumber note, which works particularly well when the burger has mustard, processed cheese or a soft brioche bun.
Why some shoppers will prefer it
- Sweet pickle style gives a classic diner-style burger feel
- Pre-cut chips make assembly faster
- Stronger crunch than most bottled relishes
Trade-off
- Less spreadable than relish, so you may still want a second condiment for moisture
Best with
- Cheeseburgers, fried chicken burgers, bacon burgers
Swap to consider
- Mrs Elswood Burger Gherkins if you want a more widely recognisable UK option
5) Biona Organic Harissa Chilli Relish
Best for: burgers that need heat rather than extra pickle sweetness
This is a deliberate left-field option. It is not a classic burger relish, but it makes sense for shoppers who find standard burger relish too sweet and want a jar that adds warmth, depth and a sharper finish to veggie burgers or grilled chicken.
Why it deserves a mention
- Chilli-led flavour adds interest when plain burger relish feels too one-dimensional
- Jar format suits spooning into burgers, wraps and marinades
- Useful crossover product because it can do more than burger duty
Trade-off
- It moves away from traditional burger-relish flavour, so it is not the safest family pick
Best with
- Halloumi burgers, bean burgers, grilled chicken burgers, lamb burgers
Swap to consider
- Any mild chilli relish with a spoonable texture
6) Sixsigma Foods Pickled Gherkins 2kg
Best for: making your own chopped burger relish or stocking a prep-heavy kitchen
This is not a ready-made relish, but it is a strong practical buy for people who go through burger toppings quickly. Chopped pickled gherkins can create a fresher, less sugary burger topping than bottled relish, especially when mixed with a little ketchup, mustard or mayo at home.
Why it can be the smarter buy
- Big jar gives flexibility for burgers, sandwiches, salads and snack plates
- Chopped gherkins bring texture that bottled relishes sometimes lack
- Useful for households that prefer building condiments to buying several separate bottles
Trade-off
- Needs prep, so it is not a grab-and-squeeze solution
Best with
- Homemade burgers, deli-style sandwiches, potato salad, burger sauce mixes
Swap to consider
- Any large jar of sliced or whole pickled gherkins
Which type should you buy?
Choose a true burger relish if…
You want a sweet, tangy, squeezeable topping that makes homemade burgers taste closer to takeaway burgers. This is the easiest route for family use and the least effort on burger night.
Choose burger gherkins or pickle chips if…
You want crunch and acidity more than sweetness. This route usually suits beef burgers better and helps richer burgers feel less heavy.
Choose a chilli relish if…
You already use ketchup or mayo and just need heat and extra flavour rather than another sweet condiment.
Choose a bulk pickle jar if…
You are happy to mix your own burger topping or go through lots of pickles each week. This is the more flexible option, but it takes more effort.
The main trade-off in this category
The more “classic” a burger relish feels, the more likely it is to lean sweet and smooth. The more pickle-led the product becomes, the more crunch and acidity you gain, but the less it behaves like a true relish. Most shoppers are really deciding between those two outcomes.
Shopper shortcuts
For family cheeseburgers: go with a bottle like Crucials or Sixsigma Burger Relish
For smash burgers: go with burger gherkins or bread and butter pickle chips
For chicken burgers: a sweeter relish usually works better
For veggie burgers: chilli relish often gives a better lift than standard burger relish
For frequent use: buy the 1 litre bottle or bulk pickle jar, not a niche small jar
FAQs
Is burger relish the same as burger sauce?
No. Burger relish is usually sweeter, tangier and more pickle-led, while burger sauce is creamier and smoother.
What goes best in a cheeseburger: relish or pickles?
A cheeseburger often benefits from both, but if choosing one, pickles usually give the cleaner contrast.
Is bread and butter pickle the same as burger relish?
Not exactly. Bread and butter pickles give similar sweetness and tang, but they are sliced pickles rather than a spoonable relish.
Which option is best for smash burgers?
Burger gherkins or pickle chips usually work better because they add bite without making the burger messy.
Are large 1 litre bottles worth it?
Yes, if you make burgers, wraps or sandwiches regularly. For occasional use, the size may be more than you need.
Can I make burger relish from pickles?
Yes. Finely chopped pickles mixed with ketchup, mustard or a little mayo can give a fresher homemade version.
Conclusion
For most UK shoppers, Crucials Burger Relish 1 Litre looks like the safest direct buy because it matches the category properly and suits classic burger use. Sixsigma Foods Burger Relish 1 Litre looks like the sensible value alternative. If your burgers need more crunch than sweetness, Mrs Elswood Burger Gherkins is probably the better choice than a relish bottle.