This article was co-authored by Nimisha Gandhi and by wikiHow staff writer, Dev Murphy, MA. Nimisha Gandhi is a Certified Nutritionist based in San Francisco, California. With over 15 years of research and clinical experience, she specializes in functional and ayurvedic reproductive and gut health. She is a certified Ayurvedic counselor from the Ayurvedic Institute of America and received her certification in nutrition from the Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts while also getting certified as a Yoga Nidra teacher from the California College of Ayurveda. She is also a certified Well Woman Yoga Practitioner and Conscious Parenting Coach. She earned her B.S. in Psychobiology from the University of California at Los Angeles.
There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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Pickles: they’re crunchy, tangy, salty, and just plain delightful. But what does it mean if you’re craving dills all the time? Are you hoarding bread-and-butter chips at lunch? Are you having trouble just saying “no” to an extra gherkin? Sounds like you’re in a bit of a pickle, but don’t worry: it’s no big dill! There are loads of reasons you might be inexplicably craving this salty snack. We’ve outlined them for you below!
Things You Should Know
- You might crave pickles if you’re low in sodium, dehydrated, or just feeling a little snacky! Pickles are a great way to satisfy the midnight munchies.[1]
- Eating pickles all the time could be a symptom of extreme stress. Pickles may be your comfort food. (There are worse options!)
- Pickle cravings are often nothing to worry about, but go easy on your snacking: a single dill pickle contains about 15% of your daily recommended sodium intake.
- Talk to your doctor if your pickle craving persists. It may be a symptom of something more serious, like adrenal fatigue.
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionPickles are gross but I can’t stop eating them, why is that?NicoTop AnswererMaybe you enjoy the texture of pickles or the taste. Regular cucumbers are a great alternative to pickles, try eating those instead.
Video
Tips
Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about nutrition, check out our in-depth interview with Nimisha Gandhi.
References
- ↑ Nimisha Gandhi. Certified Nutritionist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-health-benefits-of-drinking-pickle-juice/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-pickles-good-for-you
- ↑ https://sites.bu.edu/gastronomyblog/2020/04/30/pickles-and-transfems-hormonal-and-cultural-food-craving-in-gender-transition/
- ↑ https://www.nadf.us/hydration.html
- ↑ https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2022/an-excess-of-salty-food-seasons-the-body-with-stre
- ↑ Nimisha Gandhi. Certified Nutritionist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.sciencealert.com/here-s-the-science-behind-those-pms-food-cravings
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/gut-health#gut-health-and-probiotic-supplements
- ↑ Nimisha Gandhi. Certified Nutritionist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-health-benefits-of-drinking-pickle-juice/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-health-benefits-of-drinking-pickle-juice/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-health-benefits-of-drinking-pickle-juice/
- ↑ https://www.delish.com/food-news/a49910/why-you-should-drink-pickle-juice/
- ↑ https://www.delish.com/food-news/a49910/why-you-should-drink-pickle-juice/
- ↑ https://longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/2023/10/05/in-a-pickle-unveiling-gut-friendly-pickles-for-your-health/
- ↑ https://longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/2023/10/05/in-a-pickle-unveiling-gut-friendly-pickles-for-your-health/
- ↑ https://recreation.gsu.edu/2022/12/02/what-your-food-cravings-are-trying-to-tell-you/
- ↑ https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthful-habits/5-tips-to-curb-your-late-night-snacking
About This Article
Reader Success Stories
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"I have been buying jars of pickles just for the juice. I use a salt substitute, so I was wondering if I wasn't getting enough salt. Your article helped me a lot. I was feeling very tired, and now I feel better eating pickles. Thanks."..." more