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Cucumber relish sits in a slightly different space from pickles and chutneys. It’s usually softer, wetter, and more spreadable, designed to bring freshness and light acidity rather than heavy sweetness or spice.
The best jar depends on whether you want something for burgers, sandwiches, or lighter meals like salads and wraps.
🥒 Quick Picks (Decision Shortcuts)
- Best overall: Mrs Elswood Whole Sweet Cucumbers (used as a chop-your-own relish)
- Best for lighter, fresh flavour: Yutaka Kyurizuke Pickled Cucumber
- Best for snacking & ready-to-use: DJ&A Pickle-licious Cucumbers
- Best budget workaround: Any sweet gherkins chopped into relish-style pieces
- Best for burgers: Mild sweet cucumber pickles (burger gherkin style)
What actually makes a good cucumber relish?
Rather than repeating typical pickle criteria, cucumber relish comes down to how it behaves once inside a sandwich or burger:
1) Moisture level
Too wet → soggy bread
Too dry → doesn’t bind the filling
The best options sit in the middle or are easy to control (e.g. chopped pickles).
2) Texture
A proper relish should be finely chopped or easy to chop. Whole cucumbers can work better than pre-made relish if they hold their crunch.
3) Sweetness vs freshness
- Sweeter → better for burgers and cheese
- Fresher/brined → better for salads, wraps, lighter meals
4) Skin & crunch
Firm cucumber texture matters more here than in most pickles, soft pieces quickly disappear in sandwiches.
5) Format practicality
In the UK, true “cucumber relish” is less common, so the best results often come from repurposing gherkins or pickled cucumbers.
Ranked picks
1) Mrs Elswood Whole Sweet Cucumbers
Best for: DIY cucumber relish with proper texture
Why it works
- Whole cucumbers give better control over chop size and moisture
- Sweet profile suits burgers, cheese sandwiches, wraps
- Consistent crunch makes it more reliable than pre-made relish
Trade-off
- Requires chopping → not instant
How to use
- Finely chop and mix with a little vinegar or mustard for a quick relish
- Add directly sliced into sandwiches for a lighter option
Substitution
- Any whole sweet gherkins or cucumbers
2) Yutaka Kyurizuke Pickled Cucumber
Best for: Fresh, less sweet cucumber relish alternative
Why it stands out
- Lighter brine gives a clean, fresh flavour
- Softer, thinner slices work well in wraps and rice bowls
- Less sugary → better for balanced, savoury dishes
Trade-off
- Not ideal if you want classic sweet burger relish flavour
How to use
- Chop into a light relish for chicken or veggie wraps
- Serve alongside grilled dishes
Substitution
- Any Japanese or lightly pickled cucumber
3) DJ&A Pickle-licious Cucumbers
Best for: Ready-to-eat snacking or quick topping
Why it’s different
- Pre-prepared pieces give instant use without prep
- Portable format works for on-the-go meals or quick assembly
- Strong flavour adds punch in small amounts
Trade-off
- Less versatile for traditional sandwich relish use
How to use
- Add small amounts to wraps or snack plates
- Use as a topping rather than a full relish base
Substitution
- Any ready-to-eat pickled cucumber snack packs
4) Sweet Gherkins (chopped into relish)
Best for: Classic burger relish effect
Why it works
- Chopping creates a true relish texture
- Sweetness balances beef, cheese, fried foods
- Easy to customise (fine vs chunky)
Trade-off
- Depends on the base gherkin quality
How to use
- Mix chopped gherkins with ketchup or mustard
- Add directly into burgers or hot dogs
Substitution
- Any sweet or sweet & sour gherkin jar
5) Mild Dill Cucumbers (for savoury relish)
Best for: Less sweet, more savoury sandwiches
Why it’s useful
- Dill flavour gives clean acidity without sugar overload
- Works well with tuna, chicken, egg mayo
- Better fit for deli-style sandwiches
Trade-off
- Not suitable if you want sweetness
How to use
- Finely chop into mayo-based fillings
- Add to sandwiches for crunch and lift
Substitution
- Any dill pickle or cornichon-style cucumber
How to choose (quick scenarios)
- For burgers: sweet cucumber or chopped gherkins
- For sandwiches: small-chopped sweet or mild pickles
- For wraps & salads: lighter pickled cucumber (Japanese-style)
- For meal prep: whole cucumbers → chop fresh as needed
Availability & smart swaps
- True “cucumber relish” is less common in UK supermarkets than in the US.
- The most reliable approach is to:
- Buy whole or sliced pickled cucumbers
- Adjust texture yourself (chopped vs sliced)
If your ideal product isn’t available, match by:
- Sweetness level (sweet vs dill)
- Cut (whole vs sliced vs chopped)
FAQs
Is cucumber relish the same as gherkins?
Not exactly, gherkin is the ingredient, relish is the chopped, mixed version.
What’s best for burgers?
Sweet cucumber or chopped sweet gherkins for balance and texture.
Can I make cucumber relish from jars?
Yes, finely chop pickled cucumbers and adjust with vinegar, mustard or sugar.
Which option is least sweet?
Dill or Japanese-style pickled cucumbers.
Do I need to refrigerate after opening?
Yes, most jars and packs require refrigeration.
Conclusion
For most UK shoppers, the best cucumber relish isn’t a ready-made jar, it’s made from good-quality pickled cucumbers. Mrs Elswood Whole Sweet Cucumbers is the most practical starting point because it gives you control over texture and flavour, which matters more here than brand.
If you want something lighter, go for Japanese-style pickled cucumber. If you want a classic burger result, chopped sweet gherkins is still the most reliable shortcut.