I’ve always been the mom who gets excited about weird food combinations. My kids think I’m crazy when I dip french fries in my milkshake or add hot sauce to my ice cream. But that’s nothing compared to their faces when I told them I was making pickle-flavored gummy candy.
Here’s the thing though – dill pickle gummy worms are actually genius. They’re sour, salty, and chewy all at once. Plus, they’re way easier to make than you’d think. I use just a few simple ingredients and some basic candy molds. The hardest part is waiting for them to set because the smell is so good.
Want to freak out your friends at the next party? These little green worms will do the trick. Some people love them, some people hate them, but everyone remembers them. And honestly, that’s exactly what I’m going for.
Why You’ll Love These Dill Pickle Gummy Worms
- Fun and unique treat – These gummy worms combine the tangy, salty flavor of dill pickles with the chewy texture of gummy candy for a snack that’s totally different from anything you can buy at the store.
- Simple ingredients – You only need four basic ingredients, and you probably already have pickle brine sitting in your fridge that would otherwise go to waste.
- Great conversation starter – These quirky treats are perfect for parties, Halloween, or just surprising friends and family with something they’ve never tried before.
- Quick to make – With just 75-90 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a batch of these unusual gummies without spending all day in the kitchen.
What Kind of Pickle Brine Should I Use?
Any pickle brine will work for these gummy worms, but dill pickle brine gives you that classic tangy flavor that makes these treats so addictive. You can use brine from store-bought pickles or homemade pickles – both work great. The saltier and more flavorful your brine, the more intense your gummy worms will taste, so don’t be afraid to use brine from those extra garlicky or spicy pickles if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to strain out any pickle bits or spices before using the brine so your gummies come out smooth.
Options for Substitutions
This quirky recipe is pretty straightforward, but here are a few swaps you can make:
- Unflavoured gelatin powder: This is the key ingredient that makes your gummy worms actually gummy, so don’t substitute this one. You need the gelatin to get that perfect chewy texture.
- Pickle brine: Any pickle brine works here – dill, sweet, bread and butter, or even jalapeño pickle juice for a spicy kick. Just make sure it’s from a jar you actually enjoyed eating the pickles from!
- Honey: You can swap honey for maple syrup, agave nectar, or even regular sugar (use about 2 teaspoons). The honey just adds a touch of sweetness to balance the salty pickle flavor.
- Food coloring: This is totally optional – your gummy worms will be naturally pale from the pickle brine. If you want that classic green worm look, add a few drops of green coloring, or get creative with other colors.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake when making gummy worms is adding the gelatin powder directly to hot pickle brine, which will create lumps that won’t dissolve properly – always bloom your gelatin in a small amount of cold brine first, then gently heat it until smooth.
Another common error is using pickle brine that’s too salty or acidic, so taste your brine beforehand and dilute it with a little water if it’s overpowering, since the gummy texture will concentrate those flavors.
Don’t rush the setting process by putting your molds in the freezer instead of the refrigerator, as this can create a grainy texture rather than the smooth, chewy consistency you want.
For the best results, lightly oil your molds before pouring in the mixture, and let the gummies set for at least 2-3 hours before trying to remove them – patience here prevents tearing and gives you perfect worm shapes.
What to Serve With Dill Pickle Gummy Worms?
These tangy little treats are perfect for snacking on their own, but they really shine at parties or game nights where people love quirky foods. I like setting them out alongside other fun finger foods like cheese cubes, crackers, and maybe some regular gummy bears for people who want to compare the flavors. They’re also great to bring to potluck dinners or barbecues where everyone’s looking for something different and conversation-starting. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing them with a cold beer or even a pickle-back shot for the ultimate pickle lover’s experience!
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These quirky gummy worms will stay perfectly chewy when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure they’re completely set before storing, and you can layer them with parchment paper if you’re worried about them sticking together.
Freeze: You can freeze these pickle gummies for up to 3 months if you want to make a big batch ahead of time. Just pop them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready for a tangy snack.
Serve: These are best enjoyed straight from the fridge when they’re nice and firm. If they get too warm, they might get a bit soft, so keep them chilled until serving time. They make such a fun conversation starter at parties!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 75-90 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 50-70
- Protein: 0-1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12-15 g
Ingredients
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup plain gelatin powder
- 3/4 cup juice from pickles
- 1 tbsp liquid honey
- Food coloring, if desired
Step 1: Combine Gelatin, Pickle Juice, and Honey
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup plain gelatin powder
- 3/4 cup juice from pickles
- 1 tbsp liquid honey
In a small pot, whisk together the plain gelatin powder and the juice from pickles until no lumps remain.
Add the liquid honey and whisk again until the honey is well incorporated and begins to dissolve.
This ensures a smooth and evenly sweetened mixture.
Step 2: Dissolve Gelatin Mixture Over Heat
- food coloring, if desired
Heat the pot with the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Once dissolved, reduce the heat to the lowest setting to keep the mixture warm while you prepare for the next step.
If you want colored gummies, add food coloring to the mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Fill Gummy Molds
Working quickly to prevent the mixture from setting in the pot, use an eye dropper to transfer the warm gelatin mixture into clean gummy molds.
Fill each mold to the top for well-shaped gummies.
I like to let the filled molds sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before moving them to the fridge—this helps prevent spills and keeps your fridge clean!
Step 4: Set and Store Gummies
Allow the gummies to set fully.
They will firm up in about an hour at room temperature or 10–15 minutes in the refrigerator.
Once the gummies have set, carefully pop them out of the molds and transfer them to an airtight container or zipper bag to keep them fresh.
