National Pickle Day 2025 is here, and pickle lovers across the country are celebrating the tangy, crunchy snack that has evolved from a simple sandwich sidekick to a culinary star in its own right. On November 14, fans of pickles gather to honor this beloved preserved cucumber, with cities like Cleveland leading the charge with local festivals, taste tests, and a vibrant community of artisanal producers. This year, the spotlight is on two standout Cleveland brands—Cleveland Pickle and Randy’s Artisanal Pickles—as they go head-to-head in a taste test that’s shaking up the pickle world.
The Cleveland Pickle Scene
Cleveland’s pickle culture is thriving, with homegrown brands offering everything from classic dill spears to inventive flavor combinations. The city even hosts its own pickle festival, a testament to the deep affection locals have for this vinegary treat. Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or traditional dill, Cleveland’s pickle makers have something for every palate. National Pickle Day 2025 is the perfect occasion to explore these local favorites and discover what sets them apart.
The Taste Test: Cleveland Pickle vs. Randy’s Artisanal
A recent taste test pitted Cleveland Pickle against Randy’s Artisanal Pickles, with both brands available at Heinen’s grocery stores. The tasting featured nine varieties, spanning the flavor spectrum from classic dill to fiery spicy options. Cleveland Pickle’s products are kosher, vegan, and gluten-free, making them accessible to a wide range of dietary needs. Randy’s Artisanal, on the other hand, crafts pickles in small batches using fresh ingredients and gives each variety a quirky, memorable name.
The Rankings: From Worst to First
- Number 9: Randy’s Artisanal Black Pepper Chips
These chips disappointed tasters with a slimy texture, mushiness, and an overwhelming vinegar taste that masked the promised garlic and pepper flavors. - Number 8: Randy’s Artisanal Deli Style Dill Spears
These spears were rubbery and lacked flavor, with a slimy texture and no satisfying crunch. - Number 7: Cleveland Pickle Original Dill Chips
These chips earned middle-of-the-pack status with thick slices and a satisfying crunch, but some tasters found them too vinegary, with bitter and salty notes. - Number 6: Randy’s Artisanal Mustache on Fire Spears
These spears delivered definite heat, but the spicy kick masked other flavors, and the crunch factor fell short of expectations. - Number 5: Randy’s Artisanal Bread and Butter Chips
Sweet pickle lovers appreciated the sugar-forward profile, though some found it overwhelming. An onion-forward flavor also characterized these tangy chips. - Number 4: Cleveland Pickle Sweet and Hot Chips
These chips balanced sweetness with heat, maintaining good crunch and thick slices. The lingering heat was moderated by the sweetness, making them a great match for barbecue dishes. - Number 3: Cleveland Pickle Bread and Butter Chips
These chips surprised tasters with slightly slimy interiors but overall crunch. The sweetness was more moderate than competing varieties, making them suitable for salads and other applications. - Number 2: Randy’s Artisanal Spicy Dill Spears
These spears impressed with heat that builds gradually, maintaining good crunch and a manageable spice level. They were Randy’s Artisanal’s highest-ranking entry. - Number 1: Cleveland Pickle Spicy Dill Chips
These chips claimed the top spot with bold, persistent heat and thick slices that delivered good flavor. The consistent heat from first bite to last made them a favorite among spice lovers.
What Makes a Winning Pickle
The taste test revealed several key factors that separate exceptional pickles from mediocre ones. Texture is crucial—crunch is consistently valued over mushiness or sliminess. Flavor balance is also important; pickles that allow vinegar, salt, or sweetness to overwhelm other taste elements scored lower than those offering complexity and nuance. The thickness of slices influences the eating experience, with thicker chips providing more substantial bites and better showcasing the pickles’ textures.
Supporting Local Pickle Producers
Both Cleveland Pickle and Randy’s Artisanal represent local businesses contributing to the region’s food scene. Their products showcase how small-batch production and attention to quality ingredients can create distinctive pickles that stand apart from mass-produced national brands. The variety both companies offer ensures pickle lovers can find options matching their preferences, whether they crave heat, sweetness, traditional dill flavor, or innovative combinations. Price points remain comparable, with Cleveland Pickle products costing slightly more at $8.99 versus Randy’s Artisanal’s $7.99.
Celebrating Pickle Culture
National Pickle Day 2025 provides an opportunity to appreciate how this humble preserved cucumber has evolved into a food category with passionate devotees. From pickle festivals to specialty shops to local producers creating artisanal varieties, pickles have claimed their place in American food culture. Cleveland’s embrace of local pickle makers reflects broader trends toward supporting regional food producers and seeking out distinctive flavors unavailable from national brands. The city’s pickle festival demonstrates community enthusiasm for celebrating this tangy, crunchy treat.
Whether you prefer your pickles sweet, spicy, or classically dill-flavored, National Pickle Day 2025 offers the perfect excuse to explore what local producers have created. The taste test results provide guidance for those seeking to discover Cleveland’s best pickles, though personal preferences ultimately determine which variety deserves the crown in your kitchen.