Here’s Why Only Some Pickles Have Ridges

If you’ve ever popped open a jar of pickles and noticed that some are smooth while others have wavy ridges, you’re not alone. It’s one of those oddly specific food mysteries that makes you stop mid-snack and think: Why do only some pickles have ridges? Is it just for looks, or is there a real reason behind the texture?

As it turns out, there’s more to those pickle ridges than meets the eye—or the taste buds.

It Starts with the Cucumber

Before a pickle is a pickle, it’s a cucumber—and the type of cucumber makes all the difference. Cucumbers used for pickling generally come in two varieties: slicing cucumbers (smooth) and pickling cucumbers (often bumpy or ridged).

Some cucumbers naturally grow with slight ridges or grooves, and when these are sliced into chips or spears, the ridges remain, giving that signature wavy texture. Others are sliced using a wavy blade to intentionally create ridges—which brings us to the next point.

Ridges Aren’t Just Aesthetic

Those wavy slices aren't just pretty—they serve a purpose:

• Better crunch: The ridges increase surface area, which can result in a crisper bite. That satisfying snap? The ridges help create it.

• Flavor boost: The uneven surface allows the brine to soak deeper into the pickle, giving it a more intense and even flavor throughout.

• Grippability: It might sound silly, but the texture makes ridged pickles less slippery—especially helpful on sandwiches and burgers.

Ridges by Design

Not all pickles come by their ridges naturally. Many manufacturers use crinkle-cut blades to slice pickles into that classic ridged shape. This isn’t just a marketing move—it also plays into the texture and flavor advantages mentioned above. It’s why "crinkle-cut pickles" are a supermarket staple.

You’ll also notice ridged pickles are often used for pickle chips—those thin slices that end up stacked on burgers and sandwiches. The ridges help them hold their shape and stay put under a bun.

So, Should You Choose Ridged or Smooth?

It’s really a matter of taste. If you love a bold crunch and more surface area for brine, ridged pickles are your friend. If you prefer a softer, classic bite, smooth pickles might be more your style.

Either way, you’re still getting that tangy, vinegary goodness that makes pickles such a beloved snack.

Final Bite

So the next time you find yourself crunching into a wavy little pickle slice, you’ll know it’s more than just a cute shape. Whether naturally grown or machine-sliced, those ridges are part of what makes pickles so irresistibly... pickled.