Pickled Cucumbers (Gherkins)
The much-loved companion of sandwiches and shawarma: small, crunchy cucumbers fermented in a brine of water, salt, garlic and dill. Their net carbohydrate is almost zero and the glycemic index does not apply, and natural fermentation makes them a source of gut-friendly lactic acid bacteria.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Have one or two crunchy pickles alongside filling lunches; their tang and crunch refresh the palate and help reduce cravings for sweets after the meal.
Best preparation methods
Homemade pickles fermented with natural sea salt, without added sugar or chemical preservatives, are always best; rinse them in cold water if you want to reduce the surface saltiness.
Important Nutritional Note
Pickled cucumbers are a great friend of dieting and blood sugar with practically no calories, but their high sodium content calls for strict moderation if you have high blood pressure or fluid retention.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (50 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 11 kcal | 5.5 kcal |
| Protein | 0.3 g | 0.1 g |
| Carbohydrate | 2.3 g | 1.1 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 1.1 g | 0.6 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g | 0.1 g |
| Dietary fibre | 1.2 g | 0.6 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
It has 11 kcal per 100 g, ranking 1 of 5 in Sauces, pickles & olives (lowest first).
Related foods from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Are Pickled Cucumbers (Gherkins) good for weight loss?
Yes. Pickled Cucumbers (Gherkins) are very low in calories (11 kcal per 100 g), so you can eat a generous amount to add volume and fullness to a meal without many calories.
How do Pickled Cucumbers (Gherkins) affect blood sugar?
Pickled Cucumbers (Gherkins) contain only 1.1 g of available carbohydrate per 100 g, so the glycemic index does not apply and its direct effect on blood sugar is minimal. The meal’s effect depends on what you eat with it, such as bread, rice or sweetened sauces.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Pickled Cucumbers (Gherkins)?
A typical 50 g portion of Pickled Cucumbers (Gherkins) provides about 6 kcal, 0.1 g protein, 1.1 g carbohydrate, 0.1 g fat and 0.6 g fibre.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.