Several major pickle brands, including Vlasic, Claussen, and Mt. Olive, do not use the word "pickle" on the front labels of their pickle jars. Instead, they use terms like "dills," "spears," or "chips" to describe their products. This trend was brought to public attention through a viral TikTok video by Jesse Banwell. Some earlier Reddit posts and TikTok videos also noted this omission in the past.
The pickle companies explained that they focus on describing the variety and shape of their pickles rather than using the word "pickle." They argue that the use of clear glass jars allows consumers to identify the product inside easily. The term "pickle" is present on their websites, in advertisements, and in product descriptions. The companies claim that they are complying with regulations and that the word "pickle" isn't necessary on the label due to the packaging's transparency.
Online theories about this labeling choice range from the idea that "pickle" refers to the process of preserving the cucumber rather than the item itself, to the possibility that certain brands' pickles might not meet legal definitions. Some theories suggest that this labeling practice may be due to the specific use of "fanciful" names in branding. However, no definitive answer is provided.
Despite the labeling controversy, major pickle manufacturers assure consumers that their products are indeed pickles. They maintain that they choose not to label them as "pickles" on the front, focusing instead on shape and variety descriptors.
Source: MSN
Photo: Getty Images