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Introduction
Last summer, I hosted a backyard BBQ and decided to skip the usual store-bought condiments. Instead, I reached for some zero-waste pickle varieties from Roots Radicals, and it changed everything. The crunchy textures and bold flavors had everyone asking for seconds, all while knowing we were supporting sustainable practices. In this post, we'll explore the 10 best zero-waste pickle varieties for summer BBQs, perfect for elevating your grilling game with probiotic-rich toppings and upcycled spicy pickles.
These pickled vegetables aren't just tasty—they're made with rescued ingredients, reducing food waste and embracing circular economy principles. Whether you're looking for classic bread & butter pickles or spicy fermented varieties, Roots Radicals has options that fit every palate. Let's dive into why these are ideal for your next gathering.
Why zero-waste pickles are perfect for summer BBQs
Summer BBQs are all about fresh, vibrant flavors, and zero-waste pickles bring that with a sustainable twist. They add a tangy crunch to burgers and hot dogs, while their fermented nature provides probiotics for a healthy gut boost. Plus, using upcycled ingredients means you're enjoying delicious food without contributing to waste.
At Roots Radicals, every jar tells a story of rescue and reuse. For instance, many of these pickles incorporate 80% or more rescued vegetables, turning potential discards into BBQ must-haves. This approach not only tastes great but aligns with eco-friendly living, making your summer gatherings more mindful.
Pair them with grilled meats, veggies, or salads for that perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spice. And with options like fermented condiments for grilling, you'll find endless ways to impress your guests.
Our top 10 zero-waste pickle varieties
Product spotlight: Bread & butter pickles
I tried these at my last BBQ, and they were a hit on cheeseburgers. The thinly sliced cucumbers and onions offer a sweet-tangy bite that's irresistible. Made with 80% rescued ingredients, they're a prime example of zero-waste innovation.
Ingredients: Cucumber, onion, vinegar, raw sugar, salt, mustard seeds, turmeric, black pepper seeds, celery seeds, bay.
Vegan and gluten-free: Yes.
For BBQs, top your grilled sandwiches or mix into potato salad. Shop these classic bread & butter pickles now and discover their versatility.
Product spotlight: Bread & butter pickles relish
This relish version takes the classic up a notch with added jalapeños for a subtle kick. It's perfect for hot dogs at summer gatherings, and I love how it uses upcycled by-products into onion seasoning.
Ingredients: Cucumber, onion, vinegar, raw sugar, red pepper, jalapeños, salt, mustard seeds, black pepper seeds, celery seeds, powdered mustard, seasoning.
Vegan and gluten-free: Yes.
With 80% upcycled ingredients, it's a sustainable choice. Try this relish for your next BBQ and elevate simple dishes.
Product spotlight: Piccalilli
Piccalilli brings a global flair with its mustard-vinegar sauce, ideal for balancing rich BBQ plates. I added it to grilled sausages, and the crunch was spot on. 60% rescued ingredients make it a zero-waste hero.
Ingredients: Vinegar, cauliflower, corn, cane sugar, onion, cucumber, corn starch, mustard, salt, paprika.
Vegan and gluten-free: Yes.
By-products become kimchi—talk about circular! Grab piccalilli for your grill setup.
Product spotlight: Fermented lemons
These sunny fermented lemons lost their bitterness after a month-long process, adding complex tartness to BBQ marinades. I diced them into hummus for a side dip, and guests raved.
Ingredients: Lemons, sea salt.
Vegan and gluten-free: Yes.
95% rescued—pure sustainability. Add fermented lemons to your cart for that probiotic punch.
Product spotlight: Sauerkraut
A fresh twist on classic sauerkraut with apples and spices, it's floral and crunchy for topping grilled brats. Fermented for health benefits, it's a must for summer.
Ingredients: Cabbage, apple, celery seeds, coriander, salt.
Vegan and gluten-free: Yes.
95% upcycled, with by-products into vinegar. Shop sauerkraut now.
Product spotlight: Cauliflower leaf kimchi
This kimchi uses upcycled cauliflower leaves, fermented for enticing aroma. Great on BBQ rice bowls, it's probiotic-rich and versatile.
Ingredients: Cauliflower leaf, garlic, soy sauce, onion, ginger, bell pepper, carrot, chili pepper, sugar, chili fries, salt.
Vegan and gluten-free: Yes.
60% rescued. Explore this kimchi variant.
Product spotlight: Kohlrabi kimchi
Kohlrabi adds a unique crunch to this fermented variety, perfect for spicy BBQ sides. It's a health boost with every bite.
Ingredients: (Similar to cauliflower leaf, adapted for kohlrabi).
Vegan and gluten-free: Yes.
60% rescued ingredients. Get kohlrabi kimchi here.
Product spotlight: Kimchi di rapa
Made with rapa leaves, this spicy fermented kimchi pairs well with grilled veggies. Its bold flavors shine at gatherings.
Ingredients: (Adapted fermented mix).
Vegan and gluten-free: Yes.
Zero-waste at its core. Shop kimchi di rapa.
Product spotlight: Pickled plums
These offer a sweet-sour crunch for cheese platters at BBQs. 100% rescued plums make them a standout.
Ingredients: Plums, vinegar, cane sugar, peppercorns, mustard seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon.
Vegan and gluten-free: Yes.
Perfect for balancing desserts. Try pickled plums today.
Product spotlight: Fermented jalapeño hot sauce
For spice lovers, this fermented sauce adds heat to BBQ meats. Six weeks of fermentation intensify the flavor.
Ingredients: Fermented jalapeño pepper, vinegar, garlic, salt, xanthan.
Vegan and gluten-free: Yes.
By-products upcycled into flakes. Add this hot sauce to your BBQ.
Tips for using zero-waste pickles at your BBQ
Start by layering pickles on burgers for extra tang. Mix relishes into salads for crunch, or use fermented varieties as dips. Don't forget to reuse the jars—Roots Radicals encourages that zero-waste habit.
- Pair bread & butter pickles with grilled cheese for a melty treat.
- Add kimchi to rice for an Asian-inspired side.
- Use fermented lemons in marinades for citrus zing.
Explore more ideas in our relishes and pickles collection or fermented foods section.
Product comparison table
| Name | Key Ingredients | BBQ Pairing | Spice Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bread & butter pickles | Cucumber, onion, vinegar | Burgers, sandwiches | Mild |
| Bread & butter pickles relish | Cucumber, jalapeños, spices | Hot dogs | Medium |
| Piccalilli | Cauliflower, mustard | Sausages | Mild |
| Fermented lemons | Lemons, salt | Marinades | Tangy |
| Sauerkraut | Cabbage, apple | Brats | Mild |
| Cauliflower leaf kimchi | Cauliflower leaf, chili | Rice bowls | Spicy |
| Kohlrabi kimchi | Kohlrabi, garlic | Grilled veggies | Spicy |
| Kimchi di rapa | Rapa leaves, ginger | Salads | Medium |
| Pickled plums | Plums, cinnamon | Cheese platters | Sweet-sour |
| Fermented jalapeño hot sauce | Jalapeño, garlic | Meats | Hot |
Benefits of these zero-waste pickles
| Product | Probiotics | Rescued % | Vegan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bread & butter pickles | No | 80% | Yes | |
| Bread & butter pickles relish | No | 80% | Yes | Yes |
| Piccalilli | No | 60% | Yes | |
| Fermented lemons | Yes | 95% | Yes | |
| Sauerkraut | Yes | 95% | Yes | |
| Cauliflower leaf kimchi | Yes | 60% | Yes | |
| Kohlrabi kimchi | Yes | 60% | Yes | |
| Kimchi di rapa | Yes | 60% | Yes | |
| Pickled plums | No | 100% | Yes | |
| Fermented jalapeño hot sauce | Yes | High | Yes |
FAQ
- What makes these zero-waste pickles great for BBQs?
- They provide bold, probiotic-rich flavors with upcycled ingredients, adding sustainability to your grilling.
- Are all Roots Radicals pickles vegan and gluten-free?
- Yes, all featured varieties are, making them accessible for everyone.
- How do fermented varieties benefit health?
- They contain probiotics from lactic acid bacteria, supporting gut health during summer feasts.
- Can I reuse the pickle jars?
- Absolutely, it fits our zero-waste ethos—refill them or repurpose for storage.
- Where can I find more pickled options?
- Check our savoury preserves collection or hot sauces for variety.
Conclusion
These 10 best zero-waste pickle varieties will make your summer BBQs unforgettable, blending taste with eco-conscious choices. From classic picks to spicy fermented ones, Roots Radicals delivers on flavor and sustainability. Ready to upgrade your gatherings? Browse our full range and stock up today.