Cleveland Celebrates National Pickle Day 2025: Local Rankings Revealed
November 14 marks National Pickle Day, a time to relish the crunchy, briny snack that’s captivated palates for centuries. Here in Cleveland, our dedication to this tangy treat is evident, even boasting our own pickle festival! To honor this vinegary celebration, we embarked on a local quest to find and rank the best pickles from our own backyard.
Embracing the Tang: Cleveland’s Pickle Scene
Pickles are no longer just a sidekick; they’re often the main event. Cleveland offers a vibrant pickle scene, from classic dill spears to innovative artisanal creations. Our exploration led us to a local Heinen’s, where we focused on two prominent Cleveland-based brands: Cleveland Pickle and Randy’s Artisanal Pickles, comparing nine distinct varieties. Each brand brings its unique philosophy and flavor to the table, ensuring there’s something for every pickle enthusiast.
Meet the Brands
Cleveland Pickle prides itself on being kosher, vegan, and gluten-free, making their offerings accessible to a wide range of diets. Their jars often come with creative serving suggestions, encouraging versatility beyond just snacking. Randy’s Artisanal, on the other hand, crafts pickles in small batches using fresh ingredients, distinguished by quirky and unique names that promise an adventure in every bite.
| Brand | Key Philosophy | Noted Attributes |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Pickle | Premium quality, clean ingredients, bite-sized nuggets | Kosher, Vegan, Gluten-Free, serving suggestions, thick slices |
| Randy’s Artisanal | Hand crafted, ethically sourced, unique flavors | Small batches, fresh ingredients, quirky names, crisping advice |
The Official National Pickle Day 2025 Ranking
After extensive tasting, here’s how Cleveland’s local pickles stacked up, from least favorite to the reigning champion:
NO. 9: RANDY’S ARTISANAL – Black Pepper
This variety promised a unique flavor starting with black pepper, spicy notes, and a garlic finish. We found these chips to be notably slimy and on the mushy side, lacking the crunch we desired. The flavor was dominated by vinegar, and we missed the promised depth of garlic and pepper.
NO. 8: RANDY’S ARTISANAL – Deli Style Dill
Marketed as crisp garlic dill spears, these pickles were unfortunately rubbery and difficult to cut. They were also quite slimy with a rather boring, unremarkable flavor. The anticipated crispness was notably absent, leaving us with a plain and unsatisfying experience.
NO. 7: CLEVELAND PICKLE – Original Dill
These premium quality, bite-sized nuggets aimed to be “not your average dill.” While they offered a good crunch and thick slices, their flavor profile leaned heavily on vinegar, resulting in a bitter and overly salty taste that was a bit too strong for our liking.
NO. 6: RANDY’S ARTISANAL – Mustache on Fire
These “Hot & Spicy crisp dill spears” came with a bold name and a promise of “massive flavor with a killer afterburn.” While the heat was definitely present and lingered, the pickles weren’t as crunchy as expected. The promised massive flavor seemed to be masked by the spiciness, preventing it from truly shining through.
NO. 5: RANDY’S ARTISANAL – Bread & Butter
Randy’s take on this American classic infused with yellow mustard seed, bell pepper, sweet onions, and clove. For those who love sweetness, these chips deliver a sweetness overload, requiring you to “pucker up.” We also noted a prominent onion-forward flavor, which might appeal to some but was a bit much for us.
NO. 4: CLEVELAND PICKLE – Sweet & Hot
Described as “not too sweet, not too spicy,” these crunchy nuggets aimed for a perfect balance. We found them to be quite sweet, though the heat did help cut through some of that sweetness. They were crunchy and had a good thick slice, with a noticeable lingering heat that adds a kick.
NO. 3: CLEVELAND PICKLE – Bread & Butter
These bite-sized nuggets aimed to satisfy a sweet tooth in a healthy way. We were surprised to find them a bit slimy on the inside, despite an overall good crunch. However, they weren’t overly sweet compared to other bread and butter varieties, making them a good, balanced option that would likely complement salads well.
NO. 2: RANDY’S ARTISANAL – Spicy Dill
Labeled as “Mild Heat crisp dill spears,” these pickles offered a heat that crept up on you rather than hitting immediately. It was a pleasant warmth, not a mouth-burning intensity. They maintained a nice crunch throughout, and the flavor was zesty and irresistible, living up to the promise of big flavor.
NO. 1: CLEVELAND PICKLE – Spicy Dill
Crowned as “The perfect spicy pickle,” this variety from Cleveland Pickle truly delivered. They were caliente, offering heat all the way through each thick, crunchy slice. Despite the dominant heat, there was still a good underlying flavor present, making these an excellent choice for serious heat lovers. This is definitely an adult pickle, offering a robust and fiery experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleveland Pickles
- When is National Pickle Day?
National Pickle Day is celebrated annually on November 14th. In 2025, it falls on Friday, November 14. - Which local brands were featured in this ranking?
Our ranking focused on two Cleveland-based brands: Cleveland Pickle and Randy’s Artisanal Pickles. - Where can I typically find these local pickles?
These specific varieties were purchased at a local Heinen’s grocery store. You can often find local artisanal brands in specialty food stores or larger grocery chains. - Are Cleveland Pickles suitable for special diets?
Yes, all Cleveland Pickle brand products are certified kosher, vegan, and gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs. - What makes Randy’s Artisanal Pickles unique?
Randy’s Artisanal Pickles are handcrafted in small batches using fresh ingredients, often featuring quirky names and specific advice for maximizing their crispness.
Whether you crave the sweetness, the fiery kick, or the classic dill tang, Cleveland’s local pickle scene offers a jar for every palate. This National Pickle Day, be sure to pick up a local favorite to celebrate this crunchy tradition your way!
Cleveland Celebrates National Pickle Day Local Rankings
