One of the greatest innovations in the snack industry in recent years is the rise of dill pickle flavor in all manner of savory bites, far beyond just cucumbers. Brands like Cheetos, Cheez-It, and Goldfish have infused their snacks with the tangy taste of dill pickles, and the fan-favorite flavor has made its way into one of our favorite grocery stores, too.
Peruse the aisles of Trader Joe’s and you’ll easily find items inspired by the acidic, intensely savory flavor of dill pickles. The geniuses behind all TJ’s products are famous for thinking outside the box, so you can snag everything from crispy, crunchy snacks to creamy spreads that channel a jar of dill pickles at this chain.
Because so many Trader Joe’s products are available only seasonally, some dill pickle products are summer specialties. In late spring, start looking for the In a Pickle Seasoning Blend — which can bring tangy, aromatic notes to any dish — and Popcorn in a Pickle, two popular offerings that aren’t always on shelves. But to start enjoying dill pickle flavor right now, we recommend snagging one of these five finds.
Chips in a Pickle
Food & Wine / Trader Joe’s
Why settle for chips and a pickle on the side of your sandwich when you can combine them into one savory snack? Trader Joe’s Chips in a Pickle cost just $3 for a 6-ounce bag of kettle-cooked potato chips dusted with vinegar, onion, and dill seasonings. (If you like salt-and-vinegar chips, you should definitely give these a try.) For the ultimate sandwich upgrade, add a layer of these inside it.
Dill-icious Cream Cheese Spread
Food & Wine / Trader Joe’s
This flavor-packed cream cheese proves that pickles should be a staple of any brunch spread. Dill, cream cheese, and lox are a classic combo, and this spread makes it easy to add the herb’s flavor to your next bagel. (Plus, a hint of acidity is an excellent pairing with the richness of cream cheese.)
In addition to serving with bagels and brunch, the Dill-icious Cream Cheese Spread would make a fantastic base for a dill pickle-flavored dip at your next party. Just serve it with pretzel chips, and every guest will be happy.
Havarti with Dill
Food & Wine / Trader Joe’s
Tucked away in Trader Joe’s cheese section is another product that’ll remind you of your favorite jar of pickles. This mild, creamy Havarti is dialed up a notch with flecks of dill mixed directly into the cheese. It won’t have quite the same tang as a dill pickle-flavored product, but it definitely delivers on the dill, and shoppers often say it melts well in a grilled cheese. Perhaps you should serve a few cornichons on the side.
Dill-icious Chopped Salad Kit
Food & Wine / Trader Joe’s
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I basically have a bowl of dill pickles for dinner?” Trader Joe’s has now made it possible. The Dill-icious Chopped Salad Kit comes with everything you need to make a zesty, pickle-flavored side dish or main course. You’ll also get three servings per bag for just $4.
A base of chopped cauliflower, radishes, red and green cabbage, green leaf lettuce, and kale is topped with crushed Chips in a Pickle for a crunchy finish. Toss those ingredients with the package’s dill pickle-flavored seasoning and a creamy dill-and-cucumber ranch dressing, and it’s clear why they call this “dill-icious.”
Vegan Creamy Dill Dressing
Food & Wine / Trader Joe’s
If you’d like to add the flavors of a dill pickle to any salad you whip up, prepackaged or not, TJ’s has you covered. This Vegan Creamy Dill Dressing, located in the refrigerated section of the store, uses an emulsion of blended cauliflower, almond butter, and vinegar to yield a rich, creamy texture without any dairy. The addition of garlic, shallots, parsley, chives, and, of course, dill ensures that this dressing brings herbal, tart flavor to anything you drizzle it over.
Dining and Cooking