Pickles are a quintessential part of Indian meals, adding a tangy, spicy kick to even the simplest dishes. Growing up in a family where pickle jars were as sacred as spice boxes, I’ve always loved mixed pickles for their unique blend of vegetables, spices, and oils. Recently, I decided to dive into some of the most popular mixed pickle brands available in India to find the perfect one for my palate. Here’s my review of well-known options.
1. Mother’s Recipe Mixed Pickle – If there’s one pickle that feels like home, it’s this. Mother’s Recipe is my go-to for mixed pickles, and for good reason. The flavors are bold yet balanced, with just the right amount of tanginess and spiciness. The blend includes mango, lime, carrot, and green chilies, making every bite a delightful explosion of flavors. What stands out is the oil-to-spice ratio. The mustard oil base is rich but doesn’t overwhelm the mix, while the spices coat each vegetable evenly. The texture is perfect—soft but not mushy—and it pairs beautifully with dal-chawal or parathas. The absence of an overly sour aftertaste makes it ideal for those who prefer moderate tanginess.
My Verdict: A must-have if you crave that authentic homemade pickle taste.
2. Tops Mixed Pickle – Tops is a brand I associate with school lunchboxes and quick meals. Their mixed pickle is a bit milder in terms of spice but makes up for it with a slightly sweeter profile. It’s a good option for those who are just getting into Indian pickles or prefer less heat. The variety of vegetables, including cauliflower and turnip, gives it a unique texture. The use of refined oil instead of mustard oil might not appeal to purists but works well for a balanced flavor. While it doesn’t feel as “traditional” as Mother’s Recipe, it’s a solid, affordable choice.
My Verdict: Great for beginners or those who want a pickle without the intense spice.
3. Pachranga Mixed Pickle – Pachranga is synonymous with pickling tradition in India, and its mixed pickle reflects years of expertise. This one’s a riot of flavors—sharp, tangy, and spicy, with a subtle bitterness from fenugreek seeds. The mango chunks in this pickle are particularly noteworthy, as they retain a slight crunch even after months in the jar. Unlike others, this pickle doesn’t shy away from using a liberal amount of mustard oil and spices, making it an authentic choice for pickle lovers. However, the high spice level might not suit everyone, especially those with a low tolerance for heat.
My Verdict: Perfect for traditionalists who enjoy bold flavors and a punch of spice.
4. Aachi Mixed Pickle – Aachi’s mixed pickle brings a Southern twist to the mix. With tamarind as one of its ingredients, it has a distinct tang that sets it apart. The spice profile is bolder, leaning heavily on chili powder and mustard seeds, which gives it a fiery kick. The pickle is oil-heavy, so it pairs exceptionally well with dry dishes like curd rice or idlis. However, the intensity of the flavors might be overwhelming for those who prefer milder options.
My Verdict: A great choice for those who love the intense, tangy, and spicy flavors of South India.
5. Dabur Hommade Mixed Pickle – Dabur is a trusted name in Indian households, and their Hommade mixed pickle doesn’t disappoint. This one is more on the tangy side, with lime and mango taking center stage. The use of refined oil gives it a lighter feel, but it still packs a punch in terms of flavor. The texture is soft, with small, evenly cut pieces of vegetables that are easy to pair with rotis or rice. While it may lack the boldness of Pachranga or Mother’s Recipe, it’s a safe, well-rounded option that caters to a wide audience.
My Verdict: Ideal for families where everyone has different taste preferences.
6. Priya Mixed Pickle – Priya is known for its Andhra-style pickles, and their mixed pickle is no exception. It’s fiery, bold, and unapologetically spicy. Tamarind, red chilies, and mustard oil dominate the flavor profile, while the vegetables are cut into larger chunks for a more rustic feel. This pickle is not for the faint-hearted—it’s intensely spicy and tangy, making it a favorite for those who enjoy bold flavors. However, the oiliness might be a bit much for some people.
My Verdict: A spicy delight for adventurous eaters and spice lovers.
My Top Pick & Recommendations
If I had to choose one pickle to always keep in my pantry, it would undoubtedly be Mother’s Recipe Mixed Pickle. It strikes the perfect balance between tangy, spicy, and savory, making it versatile enough to pair with any meal.
For those looking for a spicier option, Priya or Pachranga are excellent choices, while Tops is great for beginners or those who prefer milder flavors.
Mixed pickles are a versatile accompaniment that can transform any meal. Whether you’re someone who loves bold, spicy flavors or prefers a milder tang, there’s a mixed pickle out there for everyone. I hope this review helps you pick the one that suits your taste buds. Have you tried any of these brands? Which one’s your favorite? Let me know!
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i eat mixed pickles before but do not know much about the brand my sister bring from the market one time They has mango and lemon chili all together, and they are very tasty but also very spicy i do not eat too much spice so I not finish the whole bottle I think maybe some brand have less spice or more sweet do you know any brand like that also how to know pickle is fresh when buying in jar.
Many mixed pickles have bold spices, but there are definitely brands that balance the flavors better with a little sweetness or mild seasoning. You might enjoy Pachranga’s Mixed Pickle, which has a mix of tangy and mildly spiced flavors rather than extreme heat. Nilon’s also has a milder version compared to some of the traditional spicier ones.
If you’re looking for less spicy and more sweet flavors, you can try pickles with ingredients like jaggery or fenugreek, which help balance the spice.
Pickles are like time capsules of flavor, carrying the essence of spices, oils, and traditions from different parts of India. The way you describe the differences between these brands makes it feel like a journey through regional kitchens. But I’m curious—how do you think modern mass-produced pickles compare to homemade ones? Does any brand come close to that ‘grandmother’s jar’ taste, or is there always something missing in the store-bought versions?
That’s such a great way to put it pickles really do capture history and tradition in a jar! While brands like Mother’s Recipe and Pachranga come quite close to the authentic, homemade taste, I think there’s always a small difference, especially in the aging process and the intensity of hand-mixed spices. Homemade pickles tend to develop a richer depth of flavor over time, and the balance of oil and spices can be adjusted to personal preference. That said, some brands are doing a great job of preserving traditional methods, and for those of us who don’t have time to make our own, they’re the next best thing!
I always thought pickle is just mango or lemon till I stayed with a friend from haryana his mom sent this pachranga jar it had like 6 different things inside I could not even name few but it was addictive since then i am only buying that brand no idea how others compare maybe i am missing out but scared to waste money on bad ones u think any brand comes close in flavor to pachranga but is little less oily.
Pachranga really does set the bar high, especially with how bold and layered the flavors are it is like getting hit with nostalgia and spice at the same time. But if you are looking for something in the same ballpark that feels a bit lighter on the oil, you might want to try Mother’s Recipe. It keeps that traditional taste profile pretty intact, with a better oil-to-spice balance. Another option that might surprise you is Dabur Hommade it does not have that raw punch like Pachranga, but the blend of mango and lime is super clean and well-balanced. Not as heavy, but still flavorful enough that you will not feel like you are downgrading.