How many pickles have you actually eaten this summer? They are available year-round. The briny spears just scream season to me. Salty. Crunchy. A perfect partner for sandwiches (another peak-season food) and ideal finger food by the pool.
But which brand?
We asked three trusted chefs. The answer was unanimous. It is also the winner of our recent dill pickle taste test: Grillo’s Pickles Classic Dill Pickles Spears.
The Consensus on Jarred Pickles
Chefs are picky. Especially about their condiments.
I started with Nancy Jones. She is my best friend’s mom. She cooks at DJ’s Family Sports Pub and eats a serious amount of pickles. There is only one brand in her fridge. She calls Grillo’s “a sandwich’s best friend.” Why? “Big, bright flavor with plenty of herbs,” she said.
Terrence Gutiérrez didn’t hesitate. He is a chef and baker I trust for baking advice.
“Grillo’s, easily,” he said.
His reasoning was structural. Texture matters. He described them as “snappy” and incredibly flavorful.
Then there is Vanessa Nguyen. She is a NYC-based pop-up chef and content creator. She started liking them because of a crush. The crush always raved about them. Vanessa loves the extra-herb-packed jars too.
“Grillo’s Pickles Classic Dill Spears are a sandwich’s best friend.” — Nancy Jones, Cook at DJ’s Family Sports Pub
How to Choose the Right Pickle Brand
Most grocery store jars are bland. They lack the snap of a fresh cucumber. They miss the herbaceous punch of dill weed and garlic.
Grillo’s stands out. The spears maintain their crunch in the brine. The seasoning profile is robust without being overpowering. It balances salt and acidity perfectly.
This is why chefs swear by them. Not because they are the cheapest option. Because they deliver consistency.
Buy: Grillo’s Pickles Classic Dill Dill Pickle Spears, ~$6.88 for 32 oz at Amazon.
Have you tried them? Or are you sticking to a different brand? The comments section is open.
