Pickled onions have made a remarkable comeback, finding their place in a variety of dishes and beloved as a classic, tangy snack. Whether you're a fan of crisp, tangy, and sweet varieties or prefer a robust, spicy kick, there's a pickled onion brand out there to cater to your taste buds. From small artisanal producers to well-established household names, the market offers an inspiring range of options that are sure to impress even the most discerning of palates. Curious to find out which brands stand out among the rest for their exceptional flavor and quality? Read on below to discover our top picks.
Illustration of pickled onions
Best brands of pickled onions in 2025
Maille
Maille is renowned as one of the top producers of pickled onions and gherkins, offering a range of high-quality products that are prized for their flavor and texture. Their pickles, such as the Original Cornichons, are harvested before maturity to ensure an extra-tart bite and are often paired with gourmet items like Gruyere cheese and fennel salami. Maille's products are part of a larger pickles market that was valued at USD 12.85 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% until 2032. The brand's commitment to traditional recipes and high standards has made it a favorite among consumers seeking authentic and delicious pickled products. Maille's offerings are also low in calories and rich in flavor, making them a popular choice for various culinary applications.
Heinz
The Heinz brand, although more renowned for its ketchup, still maintains a presence in the pickles market, including pickled onions. However, their focus on ketchup has led to a decline in their pickle market share, with brands like Vlasic gaining prominence. In the global pickles market, which was valued at USD 12.85 billion in 2023, Heinz is one of the key players, though not the leader in pickles. The global pickles market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2024 to 2032, with North America holding a significant share due to consumer preferences for artisanal and ethnic flavors. For more insights on their pickles and other offerings, visit the Heinz brand page.
Branston
Branston, a renowned English food brand, is not primarily known for pickled onions but is a leading producer of sweet pickles and other condiments. Branston Pickle, introduced in 1922, is a popular sweet pickle made from diced vegetables and is sold in over 17 million jars annually in the UK. The brand, now owned by Mizkan, also offers a range of products including mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, and baked beans. Branston holds nearly 50% market share in the relish segment and has expanded its product line to include various flavors and sauces. Despite its diverse product range, pickled onions are not a primary focus of the Branston brand.
Haywards
Haywards, a renowned brand in the UK since 1868, is celebrated for its high-quality pickled onions, particularly the Medium and Tangy Silverskin Onions, which are preserved in a flavorful vinegar that enhances their crispness and texture. Owned by Mizkan of Japan, Haywards produces its pickles in Mills Hill, Manchester, and Bury St Edmunds. The brand's Silverskin Onions are a favorite among consumers, known for their balanced medium and tangy flavor profile. Haywards' long-standing presence in the market underscores its commitment to traditional pickling methods, making it a staple in UK cuisine. The brand's products, such as the Haywards Medium and Tangy Silverskin Onions, are available in 14.1 oz jars.
Mrs. Elswood
Mrs. Elswood is a renowned brand in the UK, particularly noted for its high-quality pickled vegetables, including pickled onions. The brand, part of Empire Bespoke Foods, stands out for its careful cultivation and natural fermentation processes, ensuring a tangy and crunchy texture. For instance, their pickled vegetables are fermented for a minimum of four weeks to develop their flavor. The European market for pickled cucumbers and gherkins, where Mrs. Elswood is a key player, is expected to grow at an annual rate of 1-2% in volume terms. This growth is driven by consumer demand for healthy and convenient food options, with German consumers willing to pay a premium for organic products.
Tracklements
Tracklements is renowned as one of the best producers of pickled onions, offering a range of flavors that enhance various dishes. Their pickled onions are made with high-quality ingredients and a precise balance of spices, ensuring a crisp, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. With a long history of excellence, Tracklements has established itself as a trusted brand in the condiment industry. Their products are widely praised for their flavor and texture, making them a staple in many kitchens. Whether used in salads, sandwiches, or as a topping for burgers, Tracklements pickled onions are a versatile and delicious addition.
Peter B's
Peter B's brand is highly regarded for its exceptional pickled onions, known for their crisp texture and bold, tangy flavor. These pickled onions are a favorite in British cuisine, often featured in traditional dishes like the Ploughman's Lunch. The brand's recipe, which includes malt vinegar and pickling spices, ensures a unique and delicious taste that sets it apart. With a long-term preservation method that involves storing the onions for 3 to 4 weeks before opening, Peter B's pickled onions can last up to 1 year in the refrigerator. This popularity is evident in their widespread use in various British snacks and meals.
Opie’s
Opie's is renowned as one of the top producers of pickled onions, leveraging its expertise to cater to the growing demand for multicultural cuisine and health-conscious consumers. The global pickles market, which includes pickled onions, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.8% to 3.5% from 2024 to 2032, reaching values between $13.98 billion and $17.51 billion. Opie's products, often featured in department stores and supermarkets, benefit from the increasing awareness of high-quality ingredients and government certifications. The brand's focus on unique flavor profiles and natural ingredients aligns with the rising trend of health-conscious consumerism, particularly in North America. As the market expands, Opie's is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing popularity of pickled onions in various culinary applications.
Bartons
Bartons is renowned for its high-quality pickled onions, particularly their Traditional Pickled Onions in Malt Vinegar, which are ambient pickles made with onions, malt vinegar, and salt. These onions are often enjoyed alongside traditional English dishes like fish and chips or as part of a pub ploughman's lunch. The ingredients include onions, water, malt vinegar, sugar, acetic acid, salt, and malted barley extract, with the product containing 9.8g of carbohydrates and 0.6g of salt per 100g serving. Bartons also offers small white pickled onions known as 'silverskin' onions, which are popular in cocktails. The product should be stored in a cool, dry place and used within 6 weeks after opening.
Baxters
Baxters is a leading brand in the pickle category, particularly renowned for its high-quality pickled onions. The brand's commitment to picking and pickling vegetables early in the season ensures the ultimate crunch, and almost all their pickles are 100% natural. In 2023, Baxters was the fastest growing major brand in the pickle category, driven by a successful campaign leveraging Meta and TikTok platforms. The brand's focus on natural ingredients and strategic marketing has helped it compete effectively against own-label products. Baxters' success has been recognized, with the campaign shortlisted in the Digital Communication category at the Marketing Star Awards in 2024. To learn more about their unique approach, visit their work on Baxters' Pickles with Personality campaign.
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published.