The Pickled Guy Finally Admits His Top Pickle Picks

Ryan Lucas — aka “the Pickled Guy” — looked into his fridge during the pandemic, and where many of us saw stark boredom, he saw opportunity. This moment began years of Lucas reviewing every pickle product known to humankind, or at least as many as he could get his hands on for TikTok reviews. He’s tasted it all — and in this interview with The Pickled Guy, we dig into his favorite flavors and his origin story. Plus, we made him choose his top three pickle products out of more than 2,500. Sorry, buddy, we had to ask!

How did you become social media's OG pickle reviewer?

Back in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic had everyone stuck at home, I opened my refrigerator one day and noticed I had several different brands of pickles. I thought, "Why not start reviewing them?" I spent the weekend scouring the internet to see if anything like this was out there for pickles, and there was not. So, I recorded my first video, and what began as posting one review a week quickly grew into a daily routine. Over time, that consistency helped me build an incredible community of pickle lovers, and today I'm proud to be known as TikTok's original pickle reviewer.

Why pickles? What is it you love about those salty devils?

I've always loved pickles, and at first, I thought there were only a handful of brands based on what I saw at the grocery store. As I started researching, I was amazed by how many incredible pickle companies existed that most people had never heard of because they weren't on store shelves. That's what really hooked me. I realized I could use my platform to introduce people to these small businesses, showcase their products, and help pickle lovers discover brands they otherwise might never find. Being able to support those companies while sharing my passion for pickles has become one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

What's your favorite thing about being a pickle reviewer?

My favorite part is getting to try unique and innovative pickle products — often before they're released to the public. It's exciting to see what companies are creating and to be one of the first people to share those products with my audience. Just as rewarding is knowing that my videos provide fun, family-friendly entertainment. Whether someone is watching for the reviews, the laughs, or to discover a new favorite product, it's incredibly rewarding to create content that people of all ages can enjoy.

What's your least favorite thing about being a content creator?

The most challenging part is keeping up with all of the comments, messages, and emails that come in every day. I'm incredibly grateful that so many people take the time to engage with my content, and I do my best to respond to or acknowledge as many people as I can. As my audience has grown, though, it's become increasingly difficult to keep up with every interaction. I wish I had more time to personally connect with everyone who reaches out.

Can you tell us your favorite pickle and pickle-related product you've tasted?

That's always the toughest question because I've reviewed thousands of products over the years! My favorites have changed as I've discovered new companies, but if I had to pick a few that have really stood out, they'd be:

1. Pickled Green Tomatoes (A few different brands)
2. Green Kamikozee’s Crabby Chesapeake Pickles
3. Kevin’s Crazy Kitchen’s Hoagie Pickles

After reviewing more than 2,500 pickle and pickle-related products, narrowing it down is nearly impossible. There are so many incredible companies making amazing products today, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to try so many of them.

What words of wisdom do you have for other pickle lovers out there?

Don't be afraid to embrace what makes you different. If someone had told me six years ago that reviewing pickles would become what I'm known for, I never would have believed them. Sometimes the ideas that seem the most unusual are the ones that connect with people the most. Whether it's pickles or something completely different, be passionate about what you love, and don't worry about what others think. You never know where it might lead.