Pucker Up, Buttercup: Why Dill Pickle Flavor is Suddenly Everywhere

You see it on menus sliced, diced, even fried. You notice it on grocery shelves in trendy potato chips, hummus, mustard, ranch dressing, dips and sauces.

Once relegated to the realm of burger companions and ballpark snacks, dill pickle flavor is having a moment. Today restaurateurs are rediscovering the versatility and profit potential of this bold and complex taste, weaving dill pickle flavor into innovative dishes across the menu.

Why the pickle power surge?

The rise of pickle flavor can be attributed to several key trends. First, diners are craving bold and adventurous taste experiences. Dill pickle flavor delivers a perfect symphony of salty, sour, and sometimes even spicy, satisfying the desire for something beyond the ordinary.

Second, the trend towards fermented foods plays a role. As health-conscious consumers seek out gut-healthy options, fermented foods like pickles gain traction.

Finally, dill pickle flavor offers a cost-effective option to add complexity and interest to dishes. It can elevate simple ingredients or add a surprising counterpoint to richer flavors, stretching your bottom line further.

The result is a healthy appetite for dill pickle flavor among consumers. According to Datassential: 

• 70% of consumers love or like dill pickles​.¹
• 43% of restaurants serving burgers offer dill pickles, up +17% over the last four years.²
• 25% of restaurants serving chicken sandwiches offer dill pickles, up +59% over the last four years.²

A new dill pickle-flavored avocado spread from Simplot

To help operators capitalize on this trend, Simplot has taken dill pickle flavor to a delicious, new destination with the release of Simplot® Harvest Fresh® Dill Pickle Flavored Avocado Spread. This one-of-a-kind mashup of premium Mexican avocado and dill pickle seasoning transforms your everyday burgers, chicken sandwiches and wraps into something truly crave-worthy. Avocado’s mild, buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the tangy zest of dill pickle seasoning.

Remember, avocado was already a strong favorite of patrons. According to Datassential:

• 63% of consumers love or like avocado.³
• Limited-time offers (LTOs) with avocado command a 14% higher price than those without.⁵
• U.S. imports of Mexican avocado grew to more than 1.1 million tons in 2023, up 19% in one year.⁴ 
• Despite this, avocado is only on 46.8% of menus today, suggesting there’s plenty of room to grow.

This product is one of an new line of flavored avocado products that includes Simplot® Harvest Fresh® Cucumber Tzatziki Flavored Avocado Spread (now available), and an Everything Bagel version coming this fall.

Together, these spreads arrive at a time when 59% of consumers say they’ll initially visit and return to a restaurant that offers new and unique flavors.⁵ Unexpected combinations like these point the way to profitable LTOs with thaw-and-schmear simplicity.

Best of all, Simplot® Harvest Fresh® Dill Flavored Avocado Spread is extremely versatile. Here are a few recipes to inspire you:

Vegan Banh Mi with Dill Pickle Avocado
That's right! It's a plant-based Banh Mi long on veggies and loaded with flavor. This sandwich really satisfies.
View Recipe »

Pickle de Gallo
We put a unique spin on a traditional guacamole dip. This one is surprising, fun, and deliciously different.
View Recipe »

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Dill Avocado, Slaw and Fries
Indulge your customers with this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. It's irresistibly crispy, zesty and packed with flavor.
View Recipe »

Smoked Salmon Charcuterie Board
Looking to add some flair to your breakfast or brunch spread? This smoked salmon charcuterie board has a little something for everyone.
View Recipe »

Beyond the brine: Embracing pickle flavor in your restaurant

For chefs looking for additional ways to leverage the dill pickle flavor trend, the possibilities are endless. Here's how to infuse your menu with this tangy goodness:

Appetizers

Pickle-Dusted Calamari: Ditch the traditional flour dredge and coat your calamari in a flavorful pickle-dust mixture before frying. The surprise of pickle flavor alongside the savory seafood is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whipped Ricotta with Pickled Grapes: Elevate a simple cheese board by serving ricotta cheese infused with a touch of pickle brine alongside pickled grapes for a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast.

Salads

Pickled Fennel and Arugula Salad: Shave fresh fennel and pickle it briefly to create a vibrant salad base. Toss with arugula, toasted nuts, and a creamy lemon dressing for a refreshing and unique starter.

Grilled Chicken with Pickled Mango Salsa: Up your grilled chicken game with a vibrant salsa made with pickled mango, red onion, and cilantro. The sweet and tangy salsa complements the savory chicken perfectly.

Main Courses

Pickled Shrimp and Grits: Take your shrimp and grits to the next level by using a flavorful pickling brine to marinate the shrimp. The briny notes add depth and complexity to the creamy grits.

Seared Tuna with Pickled Ginger Sauce: Elevate your seared tuna with homemade pickled ginger sauce. The sweet and tangy sauce cuts through the richness of the tuna for a balanced and flavorful dish.

Sides

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pickled Shallots: Roasting brings out the sweetness of Brussels sprouts, while pickled shallots add a sharp and tangy counterpoint. This simple side dish is both delicious and healthy.

Pickled Corn Relish: Elevate your burgers and hot dogs with homemade pickled corn relish. The sweet and tangy corn adds a vibrant flavor explosion to any sandwich.

The unmistakable tang of dill pickles has made a formidable leap from the sidelines of cuisine straight into the spotlight. As restaurant owners and chefs look to invigorate their menus with fresh, trendsetting flavors, dill pickle has emerged as a surprisingly adaptable and popular choice. Now, with innovative products like Simplot® Harvest Fresh® Dill Pickle Flavored Avocado Spread, it’s never been easier to give your dishes the potent piquancy of dill pickle.

¹ Technomic, Inc., Flavor Consumer Trend Report, 2023
² Datassential, MenuTrends, 2023
³ 3 Datassential, Consumer Affinity, March 2024
⁴ 4 USDA, Avocado Annual Report, April 2024
⁵ Datassential, Flavor Keynote, 2023