If you like pickles and snacks that come with a little punch of personality, Vlasic Pickle Balls from Costco might just become your new favorite guilty pleasure. These dill pickle–flavored corn puffs are crunchy, bold, and surprisingly hard to put down once you open the bag.
We first grabbed a bag out of curiosity (okay, mostly for the kids), but now they’ve earned a spot in our pantry right next to the pretzels and popcorn. They’re totally over-the-top in the best way.
What Exactly Are Pickle Balls?
Despite the name, they’re not actual pickles or anything close to a traditional “ball.” Vlasic Pickle Balls are puffed corn snacks—similar to cheese balls or puffed Cheetos—but instead of cheese, they’re coated in bright green dill pickle seasoning. The packaging alone screams snack-time adventure: big, bold, and pickle-powered.
The bag you’ll find at Costco is large (of course), weighing in at 14 oz, which is plenty for sharing… or hoarding, if you’re like us and keep “accidentally” eating half the bag in one sitting.
How Do They Taste?
If you’re someone who loves a cold, crunchy pickle straight out of the fridge, this snack is going to hit all the right notes. The dill flavor is strong—think tangy vinegar, garlic, and dill with a touch of saltiness. It tastes like a Vlasic pickle, just in crunchy puff form.
The corn puffs themselves are light and airy, with that satisfying melt-in-your-mouth crunch that makes it hard to stop snacking. There’s no cheese or extra grease, so they don’t feel heavy even though they’re full of flavor.
And yes, they’re very green. Like, cartoon pickle green. Kids think it’s hilarious, and honestly, we kind of do too.
Snack Pairing Ideas
These aren’t exactly a dinner side, but they’re definitely a fun snack to have around for:
- Movie nights
- Road trips (yes, we brought them in the car)
- Lunchbox surprises
- Game day snack boards
- Random mid-day cravings
Are They Kid-Approved?
Yes—and that’s both a good and bad thing. Our kids love them, but they now ask for “pickle balls” every time we pass the snack aisle. The bold flavor, fun color, and crunch factor make it a hit with little snackers. Just keep in mind that the seasoning is strong, so it might not be for super picky eaters.
Pros and Cons
What We Love:
✔️ Huge flavor for dill pickle fans
✔️ Super crunchy and light
✔️ No artificial dyes (despite the color!)
✔️ Gluten-free and fun to eat
✔️ Big Costco-sized bag = great for sharing
What Could Be Better:
❌ If you don’t like pickles, run far away
❌ The flavor lingers—so maybe not right before a Zoom call
Where to Find Them in Store
We found these in the snack aisle at Costco, right around where you’d usually see the giant bags of popcorn, chips, and other puffed snacks. Look near the big bins of seasonal or novelty snacks too—they sometimes show up there if they’re part of a limited-time promo.
If you don’t see them with the chips and puffs, check the center section of the warehouse—especially the big promotional snack displays near the front or middle of the store. And if all else fails, ask someone in the snack aisle where the neon green pickle balls are. They’ll probably know exactly what you mean.
Final Thoughts
These aren’t your everyday corn puffs, but if you’re a pickle person—or just like trying something bold and different—Vlasic Pickle Balls from Costco are totally worth grabbing. They’re crunchy, tangy, and a little bit ridiculous in the best way. Not everyone will love them, but for the right snack mood, they totally hit the spot.
We’ll keep buying them for road trips, parties, and just-for-fun snack breaks. They’re definitely one of the most memorable snacks we’ve tried lately.
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