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Plain pickles Calories
Low calorie, probiotic, salty, fermented vegetable
In season: Summer · Autumn
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 piece (small) of Plain pickles (30 g) has 4 calories. That works out to 12 calories per 100 g. It contains 0.7 g of carbs, 0.2 g of protein, 0.1 g of fat and 0.4 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 15 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Plain pickles Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 piece (small) · 30 g
4
KCAL / 30G
Carbs
0.7g
· 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 62% · Protein 18% · Fat 20%
Plain pickles nutrition facts table · 1 piece (small) (30 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 4 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0.1 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.01 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 261 mg | 11% |
| Total carbohydrate | 0.7 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 Plain pickles?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 piece (small) | 30 g | 4 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (chopped) | 20 g | 2 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 50 g | 6 kcal |
| 1 piece (medium) | 60 g | 7 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 90 g | 11 kcal |
| 3 piece (small) | 90 g | 11 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 12 kcal |
| 1 cup (chopped) | 120 g | 14 kcal |
| 5 piece (small) | 150 g | 18 kcal |
Calculated from 12 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plain pickles
Why do plain pickles get soft?
Plain pickles often soften when they ferment in a warm place, the cucumbers were not fresh, or the brine was too weak. Use firm cucumbers, keep them fully submerged, and move the jar to a cool place once fermentation is underway.
Why is the brine in plain pickles cloudy?
Cloudy brine can be a normal result of fermentation in plain pickles. Discard them if cloudiness comes with mold, a foul smell, or a slimy texture; cloudiness on its own does not necessarily mean they have spoiled.
Are plain pickles fermented or made with vinegar?
Plain pickles can be either naturally fermented in salted brine or made by adding vinegar. Naturally fermented pickles develop acidity through bacterial activity, while vinegar pickles get their sour taste directly from the added vinegar.
How do you make plain pickles at home?
Plain pickles are commonly made with cucumbers, water, and salt, with vinegar optional depending on the method. Pack clean cucumbers into a clean jar, cover them completely with brine, and leave the jar in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
How can you tell if plain pickles have gone bad?
Plain pickles may be spoiled if they have fuzzy mold, a slimy texture, a foul smell, or unusual discoloration. Do not taste them to check; discard the jar if the lid is bulging or the contents look suspicious.
Do plain pickles contain probiotics?
Naturally fermented plain pickles may contain live beneficial bacteria. Pickles made with vinegar, or products that have been pasteurized, may not provide live cultures, so the preparation method matters.
How long do plain pickles last after opening?
Keep opened plain pickles refrigerated and follow the storage directions on the jar if available. Use a clean utensil and keep the cucumbers submerged in brine; discard them if you notice mold, an off smell, or a slimy texture.
Can you drink the juice from plain pickles?
Yes, you can drink plain pickle juice, but it is salty. Use a small amount, especially if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, or a prescribed salt restriction; ask your healthcare professional if you need individual guidance.
Should you rinse plain pickles before eating them?
No, plain pickles do not need rinsing for safety if they have been stored and handled properly. Rinsing can reduce some surface salt, but it also washes away brine and changes their tangy taste.
Are plain pickles good for your gut?
Naturally fermented plain pickles can contribute live microbes, but they are not a treatment for digestive problems. Vinegar pickles and pasteurized products may lack live cultures, and the high salt content makes large servings a poor choice.
Plain pickles Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin K
4.8µg · 4% DV
Vitamin A
21µg · 2% DV
B5
0.06mg · 1% DV
Vitamin C
0.84mg · 1% DV
Minerals
Sodium
261mg · 11% DV
Copper
0.01mg · 1% DV
Phosphorus
7.5mg · 1% DV
Potassium ⭐
36mg · 1% DV
Plain pickles Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Plain pickles
To burn the 4 calories in 1 piece (small) (30 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 Plain pickles?
Plain pickles are vegetables preserved in brine, usually cucumbers; some recipes also use vinegar. Naturally fermented versions develop a tangy, savoury flavour, while vinegar-pickled ones tend to taste sharper. The exact texture and sourness depend on the recipe and how long the cucumbers are left to pickle.
They’re commonly served alongside meals or tucked into sandwiches and burgers, and make a crisp contrast to rich or grilled foods. Plain pickles are very low in calories and provide a little fibre, but their saltiness can be prominent. If you’re watching your salt intake, use a smaller portion; they pair especially well with beans, rice dishes and simple sandwiches.
How Nutritious Is Plain pickles?
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 Plain pickles Processed?
NOVA 2
Minimally 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 Plain pickles Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Plain pickles Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Plain pickles Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.01g
MONOUNSATURATED
0g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.01g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.