Gherkins

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Gherkins healthy?

Gherkins scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This product contains cucumbers, water, vinegar, and spices, which are generally healthy ingredients.

How processed is Gherkins?

Gherkins is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Gherkins' score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Spices counts in its favor; Sugar is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Gherkins

Dawtona
75 Good

Analysis updated June 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Pickles
Summary

This product contains cucumbers, water, vinegar, and spices, which are generally healthy ingredients. However, the addition of sugar, a refined carbohydrate, contributes to increased calorie intake without essential nutrients, which is a concern. The product is moderately processed, which limits its score despite the relatively clean ingredient list.

Key ingredients 6

Spices
Good

Whole-food seasonings, antioxidant-bearing.

Risks

Mustard seeds can be an allergen for some individuals.

Benefits

Spices can enhance flavor and may provide minor antioxidant benefits.

See more about Spices →
Cucumbers
Neutral

Cucumbers are a low-calorie vegetable primarily composed of water. They provide minimal nutritional value but can contribute to hydration. As a fresh ingredient, they are generally considered neutral in terms of health impact.

Benefits

Cucumbers can aid in hydration due to their high water content. They also provide a small amount of vitamins and minerals.

See more about Cucumbers →
Water
Neutral

Water is used as a base for the pickling solution and is essential for the preservation process. It does not contribute any calories or nutrients. Its role is primarily functional in maintaining the texture and shelf life of the product.

Benefits

Water is essential for hydration and is a calorie-free component of the diet.

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Spirit Vinegar
Neutral

Spirit vinegar is used as a preservative and flavoring agent in pickled products. It is produced through the fermentation of ethanol and is a common ingredient in pickling. While it adds tanginess, it does not provide significant nutritional benefits.

Risks

Excessive consumption of vinegar may lead to digestive discomfort or tooth enamel erosion.

Benefits

Vinegar can enhance flavor and act as a natural preservative, extending the shelf life of the product.

Salt
Neutral

Salt is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in pickled products. It helps in maintaining the texture and safety of the product by inhibiting microbial growth. While necessary in small amounts, excessive consumption can be harmful.

Risks

High sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk.

Benefits

Salt enhances flavor and acts as a preservative, contributing to the product's shelf life.

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Sugar
Bad

Sugar is added to balance the acidity of the vinegar and enhance flavor. It is a refined carbohydrate that can contribute to increased calorie intake without providing essential nutrients. Regular consumption of added sugars is associated with various health issues.

Risks

High intake of added sugars can lead to weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and dental cavities.

See more about Sugar →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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