A lot of times you’ll hear someone refer to a pickle as a kosher pickle or a dill pickle. Are they the same thing? What’s the difference?
The Short Answer
There are Kosher Dill Pickles and Dill Pickles. There are some very minor differences between these two but for the most part, they are the same thing.
The Long Answer
A dill pickle is one of life’s simple joys. I love the savory sweetness of crunching into a fresh dill spear. But dill pickles are also sometimes called kosher dill pickles, and people often wonder about the name difference.
For starters, dill pickles are pickled cucumbers, like every other variety of pickle. The main difference is that they are seasoned with dill, giving them their name and their distinctive taste.
A kosher dill pickle is not necessarily overseen by a Rabbi in accordance to Jewish dietary law like other kosher foods. While kosher dills are considered kosher, they get their name from the manner in which they are prepared, namely in the traditional style of a Jewish New York City kosher deli.
These delis are overseen by a Rabbi, and the pickle companies that create these traditional pickles are located in New York.
The main difference you’ll find between a regular dill and a kosher dill is the presence of garlic. Typically, dill pickles that don’t use garlic aren’t considered kosher dill pickles. That’s more of a traditional thing, however, and not a religious dietary restriction. Some kosher dills also use additional pickling spices and differing amounts of dill so it’s not a one size fits all issue.
If you can’t get enough pickles and are looking for creative uses – we’ve got you covered. The Air Fryer makes Fried Pickles so easy and this Dill Pickle Soup comes together in just 15 minutes!
Do you love dill pickles? Can you tell the difference between a typical dill and one made in the New York kosher deli style? Sound off in the comment section below and let us know!
I tried to reply to Rita S but could not. I agree, you cannot find dill pickles in the stores anymore, koshers only. And that started during the covid lockdown.
I can tell the difference. A kosher is so much more tart that I can’t eat one.
Thanks for sharing, Brett!
When I go to pick out a plain ole dill pickle, it’s almost impossible because dang near every last one is labeled kosher, and there is a difference! In my experience, almost all kishers are way too soft and have a certain flavor that is unpleasant to me, and no, it’s NOT garlic! I ferment my own pickles with plenty of garlic and salt of course! I ferment them in pint jars right on my counter, but when I’m out of them, the closest thing to them are hamburger chips, and Great Value hamburger chips I found were a little on the sweet side, just ever so slightly sweet, and had a taste similar to koshers, and not crisp , also like most koshers. So my point being is this, that there are a few differences between the kosher and non-koshers, garlic having nothing to do with it! There is a certain flavor I cannot put my finger on and the texture too.
I do happen to like sweet pickles, btw, if that’s what I fancy. Just saying there’s a distinct diff between kosher and nons!
I love kosher dill pickles and I love the DELI style kosher dills also but…. I could not eat a DELI pickle on a hamburger or sandwich. I have to eat it on the side. For me Deli pickles and condiments like ketchup, mustard etc. don’t taste the same. I still love both these pickles though !!!
I tend to prefer Kosher Dill Pickles over regular.
You said “For starters, dill pickles are pickled cucumbers, like every other variety of pickle”
Not every pickle is a cucumber, many vegetables (and eggs!) can be pickled and they are all amazing!
Personally, I distinctively dislike KOSHER ANYTHING. Where I grew up, there was a pickle factory. The fragrance coming from BIG vats of dill pickling was wafting in the nearby air as one passed by. THAT is the fragrance NOT in the jar of Kosher pickles. I wish the OLD AMERICAN method of dill Pickling could as readily be found as is the KOSHER style. I don’t like.
My father’s favorite sandwich, when i grew up was, White Wonder bread, peanut butter, dill pickle slices, lettuce and mayo. Sisters and I loved it. We had the sandwich during his birthday week (may he RIP). Unfortunately, the store only had Kosher dill, it is not the same.
Scott, yes, not all pickles are the same and it’s hard to find ones that I love sometimes. Thank you for sharing this story. It’s so nice that you guys are reliving that memory together.
Why are some chips called dill pickles, and some are called hamburger dills?
I love pickles. What is the caloric value? Street pickkles bad forb blblood pressure?
I can tell the difference a kosher dill pickle does not taste the same as a regular plain old dill pickle
Thanks for letting us know, Jackie!
I live in North Carolina (born and raised) and we have Mt Olive (from Mt Olive, NC) pickles, which are true dill pickles. Foodlion also makes their own dills, but Mt Olive pickles are better hands down. I don’t like kosher dill pickles and you can definitely tell the difference. I also hate bread and butter pickles, they’re gross.
Thanks for sharing, Shar.
I find that kosher dills do not have the same crunchiness as regular dills, and are more pliable, soft!
Interesting, thanks for sharing, Ray!