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Gherkins Calories
Low-calorie pickled cucumber, high in sodium
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 piece (small) of Gherkins (35 g) has 4 calories. That works out to 12 calories per 100 g. It contains 0.8 g of carbs, 0.2 g of protein, 0.1 g of fat and 0.4 g of fiber. Its 5.6 µg of Vitamin K covers 5% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 15 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Gherkins Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 piece (small) · 35 g
4
KCAL / 35G
Carbs
0.8g
· 0% DV
Protein
0.2g
· 0% DV
Fat
0.1g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0.4g
· 1% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 65% · Protein 16% · Fat 19%
Gherkins nutrition facts table · 1 piece (small) (35 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 4 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0.1 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.01 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 423 mg | 18% |
| Total carbohydrate | 0.8 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0.4 g | 1% |
| Protein | 0.2 g | 0% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Small Gherkins?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 piece (small) | 35 g | 4 kcal |
| 1 piece (mini) | 20 g | 2 kcal |
| 1 piece (medium) | 65 g | 8 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 12 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 100 g | 12 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 100 g | 12 kcal |
| 1 cup (chopped) | 150 g | 18 kcal |
Calculated from 12 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gherkins
What are gherkins?
Gherkins are small cucumbers, commonly pickled in vinegar or brine. The word can refer to the small cucumber itself or, in everyday use, to the pickled product served as a sharp, crunchy condiment.
Are gherkins the same as pickles?
Gherkins are a type of pickle when preserved, but “pickles” can be made from many vegetables and cucumber varieties. Gherkins specifically use small cucumbers, which are often kept whole for a firmer, crunchier bite.
Are gherkins fermented or pickled in vinegar?
Gherkins can be made either way. Brined gherkins may ferment through the action of lactic-acid bacteria, while vinegar-packed gherkins get their sourness from added vinegar and are not necessarily fermented.
Why are my homemade gherkins soft instead of crunchy?
Gherkins often turn soft if the cucumbers were overripe, the brine was weak, or the jars and storage conditions were unsuitable. Start with firm, small cucumbers and refrigerate opened jars to help retain their crunch.
Do gherkins need to be refrigerated after opening?
Yes, refrigerate gherkins after opening and keep them covered by their brine in a sealed container. Use a clean utensil to remove them, and follow the product’s storage instructions for best quality.
Can you eat gherkins straight from the jar?
Yes, gherkins are ready to eat straight from the jar. Their tangy, salty crunch works as a snack or a topping for sandwiches, burgers, and salads; drain or briefly rinse them if you want less brine on the surface.
Are gherkins good for gut health?
Fermented gherkins may contain live bacteria that support gut health, but vinegar-preserved gherkins are not automatically probiotic. Processing methods vary, so the word “pickled” alone does not mean a product contains live cultures.
How can you make gherkins less salty?
Briefly rinsing gherkins under water can remove some salt from the surface, though it will not remove all the sodium inside. You can also chop a smaller amount into a dish rather than eating several whole gherkins.
What is the difference between gherkins and cornichons?
Cornichons are a small, tart style of pickled gherkin, often seasoned with herbs and served as a condiment. Gherkins is the broader English term for small pickled cucumbers, including varieties that are larger or sweeter.
Can you freeze gherkins?
Freezing gherkins is not recommended because thawing makes them watery and soft. Keep them refrigerated in their brine instead, and take out only what you plan to serve.
Gherkins Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin K
5.64µg · 5% DV
B6
0.01mg · 1% DV
B2
0.01mg · 1% DV
Folate
2.8µg · 1% DV
Minerals
Sodium
423mg · 18% DV
Calcium
20mg · 2% DV
Copper
0.01mg · 1% DV
Manganese
0.03mg · 1% DV
Potassium ⭐
41mg · 1% DV
Gherkins Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Gherkins
To burn the 4 calories in 1 piece (small) (35 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Gherkins?
Gherkins are small cucumbers preserved in brine or vinegar, often with herbs and spices; the name is especially associated with the crisp, tangy pickles popular in Europe. Their sharp, salty bite works well alongside richer foods. In Britain they’re commonly served with sandwiches, burgers and cold lunches, while elsewhere they’re a familiar addition to salads, relish trays and picnic spreads.
They are very low in calories—12 per 100 g—but can be high in sodium, so a small serving is a sensible choice if you’re watching your salt intake. Rinsing them briefly can tone down some of the surface brine, and their crunch pairs nicely with mild cheeses or fresh vegetables.
How Nutritious Is Gherkins?
Nutrient density
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Gherkins Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Gherkins Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Gherkins Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Gherkins Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.01g
MONOUNSATURATED
0g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.02g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.