American Hot Pickle takes over British TikTok

Forget opening a packet of crisps when you’re hungry on the go, or a chia seed bar for the more health-conscious, the latest must-have snack comes in a plastic pouch of lurid green liquid. 

The huge American ‘Hot Pickle’ made by Wisconsin-based company Van Holten’s, has been slowly but surely popping up in UK stores over the past few months.

While it still appears to be hard to find in shops – especially outside of London – social media is filled with people desperate to order the viral import treat, which is sold on Amazon. 

Google Trends showed a huge increase in searches for ‘American pickle UK’ as far back as 2019 – and now, the tangy snack is being tried by Britons all over TikTok. 

And given the pouch says the snack is low carb, gluten-free, fat-free and vegan, it could soon be the unlikely go-to for trendsetters chasing after the latest health food craze, even though they don’t have much nutritional value. 

‘I don’t normally do these videos… but like, I wanted to see what the trend was all about,’ TikToker Leah (@_llcw_), who appears to be based in Staffordshire, said in a video from earlier this month. 

‘It’s not bad but it’s not good, d’you know what I mean… I don’t like the texture.’

Elsewhere last month Manchester-based Sandra (@sandra_neo) made her own reaction clip too.

‘It smells alright,’ she appraised. ‘Gigantic.’

After taking a bite, she admitted it’s ‘definitely got a kick to it’ but ‘won’t sucker punch you’. 

A third TikTok from November sees UK-based Lay (@itzlayy1) try two versions – the ‘hot and spicy’ and ‘zesty garlic’ flavour.

‘Guys, I’ve followed with the trend,’ she told viewers. ‘I’m really excited.’

However, she appeared less than pleased with the result, looking pained after one bit.

‘Hot and spicy is a no from me,’ she said. The zesty garlic, however, earned a 5.5/ 10 from her.

Even celebrities are getting in on the hype. 

Earlier this year actress Florence Pugh went viral as she sampled the – nearly neon green in colour – pickle on camera for LADbible TV.

‘That doesn’t look healthy…oh, mate,’ she observed, while fishing the slippery cucumber out.

‘I’m confused about the shape though. But hey all cucumbers come in all shapes and sizes.’

However, odd shapes and shades aside, Florence dubbed the snack ‘quite nice’. 

‘Just looks weird,’ she added. ‘Look how much juice is dripping out of it.’

And it’s not just the cucumber itself.