Pickle Candy Canes: A Holiday Treat Nobody Asked For
Peppermint is a tradition. Dill pickle is a statement.
The candy cane has been a symbol of holiday cheer for generations, usually tasting of refreshing peppermint. Archie McPhee looked at that tradition and decided it needed more brine. Enter pickle candy canes, a box of green-and-white striped canes flavored like dill pickles.
They are weird, bold, and absolutely perfect for pranking your family at the holidays.
They also have a surprising fan base among people who genuinely love pickles.
What are pickle candy canes like?
Each box contains six candy canes, each about 5 1/4 inches long, with green and white stripes, according to the product details we checked. The box weighs 3.8 ounces. The flavor is dill pickle, which is exactly as surprising as you might imagine when you are expecting peppermint.
Some people find them delicious in a salty-sweet way. Others take one lick and immediately reach for a glass of water. That split reaction is the whole point.
Archie McPhee makes a range of odd candy canes, and the pickle version has become one of its most recognizable. Availability can be seasonal, and the official shop sometimes shows them sold out, so it is worth checking the Amazon listing early in the holiday season.
They make great stocking stuffers, white elephant gifts, or tree decorations for a truly unusual holiday look.
If you are a pickle superfan, they may even become your new favorite holiday candy.
Pair them with a normal peppermint cane on the same tree and let guests discover the difference for themselves. Just be ready for dramatic reactions.
Pickle-flavored everything has had a real moment in recent years, from chips to popcorn seasoning to sodas, so these canes are riding a genuine wave of briny enthusiasm. What makes them special is the setting: the holidays are full of familiar flavors, and one sour, garlicky surprise tucked among the peppermint is the kind of thing people still talk about next December.
Keep the box sealed until you are ready to hand them out, since hard candy can get sticky in humid rooms.
Pickle candy canes: who they’re for (plus gift ideas)
Pickle candy canes are ideal for pickle lovers, pranksters, office gift exchanges, and families with a strong sense of humor. They are also a fun addition to holiday gift baskets.
They are perfect for anyone who thinks the holidays need a little more weirdness.
- The pickle superfan in your family
- Holiday pranksters
- White elephant gift exchanges
- Anyone who hides a pickle in the tree every December
Pros and cons
What we like
- Hilarious, unexpected flavor
- Six canes per box
- Great stocking stuffer
- Fun holiday decoration
- Conversation starter
What gives us pause
- Flavor is polarizing
- Availability can be seasonal
- Not a replacement for traditional candy canes
- Some people may find them genuinely hard to eat
FAQ
What do pickle candy canes taste like?
They are flavored like dill pickles.
How many candy canes come in a box?
Each box has six candy canes, according to the product details.
How big are pickle candy canes?
Each one is about 5 1/4 inches long.
Who makes pickle candy canes?
They are made by Archie McPhee.
Final thoughts
Pickle candy canes are a hilarious holiday tradition waiting to happen. For more festive weirdness, check out bread in a can and the Snuggie for cozy holiday movie nights.