How Many Calories in Pickles? Nutrition Facts & Macros
A medium dill pickle (65 g) has 8 calories
Protein 0.3g · Carbs 1.6g · Fat 0.2g
Dill pickles are among the lowest-calorie foods you can eat, with just 12 kcal per 100 g and only about 1.4 g net carbs. A single pickle spear (35 g) has a mere 4 calories, making pickles an almost zero-calorie snack. They are essentially cucumbers preserved in vinegar or salt brine, which gives them their signature tangy crunch. The main nutritional caveat is sodium — at 809 mg per 100 g, one medium pickle already covers a significant portion of the daily recommended intake. Here is everything you need to know about pickle calories and macros, based on USDA data. Pickles are about 94% water by weight.
50 kJ · per 100g · Water: 94.34 g
Calorie Calculator: Pickles (Dill)
65 g Pickles (Dill) contains 8 kcal
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 pickle spear (35 g) | 4 kcal | 0.2g | 0.8g | 0.1g |
| 1 medium pickle (65 g) | 8 kcal | 0.3g | 1.6g | 0.2g |
| 100 grams | 12 kcal | 0.5g | 2.4g | 0.3g |
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Pickles (Dill) — Nutrition Facts
| Pickles (Dill) | per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 12 kcal |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Carbs | 2.41 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1.07 g |
| Sodium | 809 mg |
| Potassium | 117 mg |
| Magnesium | 7 mg |
| Phosphorus | 16 mg |
| Vitamin C | 2.3 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.04 mg |
| Folate | 8 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.057 mg |
| Water | 94.34 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 168558) · Data verified April 2026
Variations
Dill / kosher dill (default)
12 kcal per 100 g. The classic pickle — cucumber in vinegar-dill brine. Virtually zero calories, ultra-low carbs (1.4 g net), but high sodium (809 mg). The most common type in stores and the best choice for keto and weight loss.
Sweet / bread & butter
~93 kcal per 100 g — almost 8 times more than dill pickles. Sweet pickles contain about 21 g sugar per 100 g due to the sugar-vinegar brine. Not suitable for keto (high carbs) and significantly higher in calories. If you are counting calories or carbs, avoid sweet pickles entirely.
Sour (vinegar-based)
~11 kcal per 100 g. Very similar to dill pickles but without dill seasoning — just cucumber in vinegar brine. Same ultra-low calorie profile. Slightly tangier flavor. Equally suitable for keto and weight loss.
Half-sour / semi-fermented
~12 kcal per 100 g. Made by short fermentation in salt brine — crunchier and milder than fully fermented pickles. Lower sodium than dill pickles (shorter brining time). Contains some live probiotics. A good middle ground between fresh cucumber and full pickle.
Dietary Perspectives
For Weight Loss
Pickles are a dieter's dream snack — just 12 kcal per 100 g and a whole medium pickle (65 g) has only 8 calories. You can eat them freely without worrying about calorie intake. The high water content (94%) and crunchy texture provide satisfying volume with almost no energy cost. They work great as a between-meal snack to curb cravings. The only consideration is sodium (809 mg per 100 g), which may cause water retention — not fat gain, but it can temporarily affect the number on the scale.
For Athletic Performance
Pickles are popular among athletes primarily as an electrolyte source — the high sodium content (809 mg per 100 g) helps replenish salt lost through sweat. Pickle juice has been studied for its ability to relieve muscle cramps faster than water alone. At only 12 kcal per 100 g, pickles provide almost no energy, so they are not a fuel source. They work best as a post-workout electrolyte recovery snack alongside a proper meal. Some endurance athletes drink pickle juice during long events specifically for the sodium and the acetic acid.
For Keto
Pickles are one of the most keto-friendly foods available. Per 100 g: 2.41 g total carbs minus 1.0 g fiber = just 1.4 g net carbs. A whole medium pickle (65 g) has under 1 g net carbs — virtually zero impact on your daily carb limit. Beyond the negligible carbs, the high sodium (809 mg per 100 g) is actually a bonus on keto, since the ketogenic diet increases sodium excretion through the kidneys. Many keto dieters experience the 'keto flu' partly due to sodium depletion — pickles help counteract this. Use as a snack, side dish, or chop into salads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a pickle?
A medium dill pickle (65 g) has approximately 8 calories. A pickle spear (35 g) has just 4 calories. Per 100 g, dill pickles contain only 12 kcal — making them one of the absolute lowest-calorie foods, comparable to celery (14 kcal) and cucumber (15 kcal). The calorie count is so low because pickles are 94% water.
Are pickles keto-friendly?
Dill pickles are extremely keto-friendly. Per 100 g they have 2.41 g total carbs minus 1.0 g fiber = about 1.4 g net carbs. A whole medium pickle (65 g) has under 1 g net carbs. The near-zero calorie count and very low carb content make them one of the best snacks on a keto diet. Just watch out for sweet pickles (bread & butter type) which have about 93 kcal and 21 g sugar per 100 g.
How much sodium is in pickles?
Dill pickles contain 809 mg of sodium per 100 g — that is about 35% of the 2,300 mg daily limit recommended by the FDA. A single medium pickle (65 g) has roughly 526 mg of sodium. If you are watching your salt intake, consider rinsing pickles before eating or choosing low-sodium varieties. However, on a keto diet, extra sodium can actually be beneficial since ketosis increases sodium excretion.
What is the difference between dill and sweet pickles?
The nutritional difference is dramatic. Dill pickles have 12 kcal and 1.07 g sugar per 100 g, while sweet pickles (bread & butter) have about 93 kcal and 21 g sugar per 100 g — almost 20 times more sugar. Sweet pickles are made with a sugar-vinegar brine that adds significant calories and carbs. For weight loss or keto, always choose dill or sour pickles over sweet varieties.
Are pickles good for you?
Dill pickles offer several benefits: near-zero calories, a source of electrolytes (sodium, potassium 117 mg per 100 g), and some vitamin C (2.3 mg per 100 g). Fermented pickles (made with salt brine, not vinegar) also contain probiotics that support gut health. The main downside is the high sodium content. If you eat vinegar-brined pickles (most store-bought), you get the low-calorie benefit but not the probiotics.
Are fermented pickles different from vinegar pickles?
Yes — fermented pickles are made by lacto-fermentation in salt brine (no vinegar), producing natural probiotics that support gut health. Vinegar pickles (most store-bought) are preserved in an acetic acid solution and do not contain live probiotics. Calorie-wise they are very similar (both around 11–12 kcal per 100 g), but fermented pickles tend to have slightly less sodium. Look for pickles in the refrigerated section and check for 'naturally fermented' on the label.
Compare with Similar Foods
| Portion | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pickles (Dill) | 12 | 0.5g | 2.41g | 0.3g |
| Cucumber | 15 | 0.65g | 3.63g | 0.11g |
| Celery (Raw) | 14 | 0.69g | 2.97g | 0.17g |
| Soy Sauce | 53 | 8.14g | 4.93g | 0.57g |
| Mustard (Yellow) | 60 | 3.74g | 5.83g | 3.34g |
per 100g
Per 100 g, dill pickles have just 12 kcal with 0.5 g protein, 0.3 g fat, and 2.41 g carbs (1.0 g fiber). They are among the lowest-calorie foods available — even lower than fresh cucumber (15 kcal) — but contain 809 mg of sodium per 100 g.
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