McDonald’s Pickles- What Kind Do They Use?
Do you ever wonder what kind of pickles McDonald’s uses across its many locations? Maybe you’ve always been curious about the taste, texture, and freshness levels of the golden-hued mini dill pickles that adorn their burgers.
What kinds of pickles does McDonald’s Use? McDonald’s signature Big Mac and sandwiches all use sour dill pickles combined with their signature sauces to create a delicious flavor profile.
We’re here to give foodies a better understanding of all things related to the beloved fast-food pickle! We’ll explore how McDonald’s uses this type of pickle in many menu items and reveal the exact type and brand of these popular sandwich condiments they feature.
Read on for an informative behind-the-scenes peek at how McDonald’s spices up its menu with flavorful pickles!
How Do McDonald’s Pickles Stand Out?
McDonald’s pickles are a beloved staple of the fast-food chain, but many don’t know what makes them so special.
It all comes down to quality; instead of relying on mass-produced slices, McDonald’s takes the time to source quality cucumbers and then pickle them with their own house seasoning blend.
They are lightly spiced to allow the sweet and tangy taste of the pickle to shine, and each one is perfectly cut to compliment the burger. The result is a perfectly tart and tangy pickle slice that pairs perfectly with burgers, sandwiches, and more.
Their crunchy texture adds an extra layer of satisfaction as you take bite after bite of your favorite hamburger or sandwich.
Aside from adding flavor and texture to the burger, the pickles are also important for another reason—brand recognition!
When you think about McDonald’s and their iconic burgers, you immediately picture the two all-beef patties, special sauce (which is actually Thousand Island dressing), lettuce, cheese, onions, and those famous pickles.
Without those crunchy little slices of dill pickle goodness, it just wouldn’t be a true Big Mac!
Because McDonald’s pickles complement their recipes so well, it leads many foodies to wonder whether they can replicate the taste at home.
What Pickle Does McDonald’s Use?
McDonald’s uses dill pickles that are made with cucumbers, vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and spices (such as turmeric and garlic).
The pickles are cut into slices before they are added to the burgers. The cucumbers used are usually grown in Michigan or New York. Once sliced, the pickles are preserved in vinegar for a few days before being shipped off to the restaurants.
McDonald’s has perfected a way of making their pickles have a unique flavor that people love.
The secret to McDonald’s delicious pickles lies in their preparation process. First, the pickles are marinated in a solution made up of vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices. This gives them their unique flavor profile before they’re even put on the burger.
Additionally, the longer the pickles spend in this brine solution, the more flavorful they become. This ensures that each time you bite into one of those delicious burgers from McDonald’s, you get a burst of flavor from its accompanying pickle slice.
Then they’re sliced into uniform pieces before being added to the sandwich or served alongside it on a tray or plate. Finally, when the burger is cooked up and served hot off the grill, these tasty little slices add an extra crunchy texture that really takes your meal to the next level.
What Pickles Are in the Big Mac?
The Big Mac is a fast food icon. It’s been an iconic burger since its debut in 1968, and it has remained unchanged for more than 50 years. But one of the questions that many people have about the Big Mac is, what kind of pickles are on it?
The pickles on a Big Mac are thin slices of dill pickles. These small slices add crunch to the Big Mac and provide just the right amount of tangy flavor as well. Not only do they taste delicious, but they also help to keep the burger from becoming soggy too quickly.
But the secret to the Big Mac is the distinctive flavor of the Big Mac sauce, which actually contains sweet pickle relish. This addition lends an interesting tangy flavor to traditional Thousand Island dressing and gives the iconic burger a unique flair.
The combination of crunchy lettuce, two all-beef patties, cheese, onions, and a sesame seed bun is taken up a notch with this special ingredient.
Although McDonald’s is secretive about the exact ingredients in their signature sauce, it’s clear that sweet pickle relish plays an important role. Combined with its signature dill pickles, it’s no wonder that it’s such a big hit among foodies.
What Are Dill Pickles?
Pickling has been around for centuries, with various cultures around the world preserving food with vinegar or brine to extend its shelf life.
The popularity of pickled cucumbers, in particular, rose during the late 1800s when German immigrants began bringing “dill pickles”—pickled cucumbers flavored with dill—to America. They quickly gained in popularity and have remained a favorite snack ever since.
Dill pickles are made by packing cucumbers in a mixture of vinegar, water, salt, sugar, garlic, spices (such as mustard seed), and fresh dill. This brine creates a savory-tart flavor that is unlike any other condiment out there; some say it’s an acquired taste!
The combination of tartness from the vinegar, sweetness from the sugar, and saltiness from the salt makes for a surprisingly complex flavor profile that goes perfectly with sandwiches and burgers alike.
Plus, thanks to their robust flavor profile and crunchy texture, they can add an interesting element to salads or even be enjoyed all on their own.
Their unique mix of tartness and sweetness combined with an unmistakable crunchiness can add texture to an otherwise-dull sandwich or salad.
These little cucumbers have become an American classic over the past century, especially after McDonald’s incorporated them into their classic offers!
Can You Buy McDonald’s Pickles?
Despite popular demands, McDonald’s doesn’t sell its classic dill pickles in stores.
However, there are still plenty of dill pickle substitutes that can offer the same complex flavor profile and elevate your homemade burgers and sandwiches. Let’s take a look.
Heinz Hamburger Dill Pickles
Heinz Hamburger Dill Pickles are a classic addition to every burger or sandwich, especially if you want to replicate the McDonald’s signature burger.
These delicious and crunchy pickles are packed with a tart dill taste and juicy, crunchy flavor. Best of all, these all-natural pickles have no fat and no cholesterol, so you snack on them guilt-free.
Perfect for topping off burgers and adding texture to sandwiches, Heinz Hamburger Dill Pickles will make your meal look great and taste even better. And with their resealable glass jar packaging, you can enjoy that perfect balance of flavor and crunch every time.
Best Maid Dill Pickles
The Best Maid Dill Pickles is the perfect addition to your burger or snack. With each salty taste of this crunchy deliciousness, you’ll be hit with an amazing zing that will have your taste buds dancing.
You’ll hear that perfect snap as you bite into one and savor the tangy flavor, and it’s the perfect substitute for McDonald’s Dill pickles. This will become a staple on all kinds of dishes – burgers, sandwiches, salads…you name it!
Milwaukee’s Baby Dill Pickles
The Milwaukee’s Baby Dill Pickles are small in size but big in flavor, offering a deliciously crunchy experience with each bite.
Made with fresh cucumbers and absolutely no fat, they are the perfect addition to an amazing burger, adding just the right amount of intense flavor. These pickles contain no additives or artificial ingredients, making them a guilt-free and healthy snack.
Their sweet dill flavor also makes them ideal for serving up as appetizers at parties or enjoying with your favorite sandwich to recreate the perfect crunch.
Vlasic Original Whole Dill Pickles
If your taste buds are hankering for an old-school, delicious treat, you’ll love Vlasic Original Whole Dill Pickles! This is a one-of-a-kind recipe that comes in a resealable jar to keep them crunchy and lock in signature flavor.
Whether you’re sinking your teeth into a delicious hamburger or just looking for a tangy snack, these pickles will definitely hit the spot! The classic dill flavor of Vlasic Original Whole Dill Pickles will satisfy any cravings you may have.
Not only do they make the perfect addition to burgers and other sandwiches, but they can be enjoyed as an indulgent snack all on their own.
Mt. Olive, Kosher Dill Pickles
Get that classic, lip-smacking dill flavor with Mt. Olive Kosher Dill Pickles! These crunchy, tangy pickles are sure to delight and satisfy—they’re Kosher-certified, too!
This perfectly balanced mix of real ingredients and thoughtful production offers a tasty treat everyone will enjoy. Crunchier than other brands, the Mt. Olive Kosher Dill Pickles provide an ideal snack or side dish to your favorite sandwich or hamburger.
With their sour pleasantness and well-seasoned profile, these pickles can add a punch of flavor to whatever recipe you decide to pair them with. You can replicate the McDonald’s taste or create something new by adding Mt. Olive’s delicious pickles as a key ingredient!
What is/are the preservative/s in McDonald’s pickles?