No snack screams viral food trend quite like Chamoy Pickles. They’re colorful, bold, wildly flavorful, and all over TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. But beyond the hype, these punchy pickles are an irresistible blend of salty, spicy, tangy, and sweet—thanks to a magical ingredient from Mexican cuisine: chamoy.
Whether you’re here to learn how to make chamoy pickles at home or simply curious about what they actually taste like, this guide walks you through every crunchy, flavor-packed detail. So let’s dive into the sweet and spicy world of this iconic snack.
Chamoy Pickles
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 whole dill pickles
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- ½ cup chamoy sauce such as Chamoy Mega Original or I Love Chamoy
- 1 teaspoon Tajín seasoning
- 2 to 3 teaspoons chamoy candy powder
- 2 to 3 teaspoons sweet & sour mango powder
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Tapatío hot sauce optional, adjust to taste
Instructions
- Remove the pickles from their jar and poke each several times with a fork to help the marinade absorb better.
- Place the pickles into a Mason jar or sealable container.
- Add the dill pickle juice, chamoy sauce, Tajín, chamoy candy powder, mango powder, and hot sauce (if using) to the jar.
- Seal the jar tightly and shake well until all ingredients are combined and the pickles are coated.
- Refrigerate the jar for 5 to 7 days, shaking once daily to ensure even flavor distribution.
- After marinating, serve the pickles cold with optional toppings like extra Tajín, crushed candy, or sour belts.
Notes
What Is a Chamoy Pickle?
A chamoy pickle is a dill pickle soaked in a flavorful brine made with chamoy sauce, chili seasoning, sour candy powders, and sometimes a splash of hot sauce. The end result? A juicy, crave-worthy snack with layered heat and sweetness.
Chamoy itself is a popular Mexican condiment made from pickled fruit (like apricots or plums), lime, chili powder, and salt. It’s commonly used in fruit snacks, candies, and beverages across Latin America and the U.S. Now, it’s giving pickles a spicy glow-up that’s caught the internet’s attention.
Fun fact: These pickles are so popular that people search for “chamoy pickle near me” and even buy full chamoy pickle kits online.
Benefits of Making Chamoy Pickles at Home
Sure, you could order one online, but making chamoy pickles yourself gives you full control over spice level, sweetness, and presentation.
- Personalize the Flavor – You decide how much Tajín or mango powder goes in.
- Control the Heat – Add Tapatío or skip it for a milder taste.
- No Weird Additives – Homemade versions skip the artificial dyes and preservatives.
- Easy to Make – All you need is a jar, some seasonings, and a week.
Looking for more punchy flavor pairings? Try this Creamy Cucumber Salad alongside your chamoy pickles for a cool contrast.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Pickles
Whole dill pickles work best. The firmer and crunchier, the better. Kosher dill or Big Tex pickles are popular choices.
Chamoy Sauce
Choose a flavorful chamoy like Chamoy Mega Original or the sugar-free version from I Love Chamoy. You can find them online or in Latin grocery stores.
Additional Seasonings
- Tajín: Tangy chili-lime seasoning
- Chamoy candy powder: For sweetness
- Mango powder: Adds fruity sourness
- Hot sauce: Optional but ideal for spice lovers
Want to add a health-focused twist? Our Anti-Inflammatory Sweet Potato Salad is the perfect wholesome contrast to this sweet-and-spicy treat.
How to Make Chamoy Pickles
Here’s the full recipe broken down step by step:
Ingredients:
- 6 to 8 whole dill pickles
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1/2 cup chamoy sauce
- 1 tsp Tajín seasoning
- 2 to 3 tsp candy chamoy powder
- 2 to 3 tsp sweet & sour mango powder
- 1 to 2 tsp Tapatío (optional)
Directions:
- Prep the Pickles: Remove the pickles and poke each one several times with a fork to help the flavors absorb.
- Add Liquids & Spices: Place the pickles in a Mason jar. Add pickle juice, chamoy, Tajín, powders, and hot sauce.
- Seal and Shake: Seal the jar and shake well until evenly mixed.
- Refrigerate: Let marinate in the fridge for 7 days.
- Serve: After a week, remove the pickles and enjoy with toppings like crushed candy or extra Tajín.
Still thirsty for a unique twist? This Pickle Lemonade might just blow your mind—yes, it really works!
Tips for the Perfect Flavor
- Use high-quality pickles for maximum crunch.
- Let the pickles marinate at least 5–7 days.
- Add extra chamoy or powders before serving for boldness.
Best Methods for Serving Chamoy Pickles
There’s no wrong way to eat a chamoy pickle, but these serving ideas will level up your snack game:
- Slice & Stuff: Cut the pickle and stuff it with sour belts or Gushers.
- Roll It: Roll it in powdered candy or fruit chamoy.
- Cocktail Garnish: Add a spicy pickle to your michelada.
- Party Platter: Serve alongside chips, ceviche, and our Cebolla Ensalada.
Finding the Right Chamoy Pickle Kit
The search for the perfect chamoy pickle kit can feel like hunting for treasure—but it’s worth it.
Chamoy Pickle Kit Near Me
Major retailers like Walmart and Five Below often carry these kits. Check your local Hispanic markets as well.
Online Options
Sites like Amazon and TikTok Shop offer full kits that include the pickle, chamoy, seasoning powders, and hot sauce.
Popular Variations of Chamoy Pickles
While making your own Chamoy Pickles is a fun, customizable process, several well-known variations have helped turn this snack into a full-blown trend. Here are two of the most iconic versions that fans can’t stop talking about:
Big Tex Chamoy Pickles
Big Tex Chamoy Pickles are the go big or go home version of this beloved snack. These colossal pickles are known for their extra-large size, bold crunch, and the vibrant red chamoy coating that covers every inch. Each pickle is soaked in a blend of traditional chamoy sauce, Tajín, and bright candy powders that deliver an unforgettable punch of flavor. Whether sold individually or as part of a chamoy pickle kit, Big Tex pickles are often featured in TikTok taste tests and challenge videos because of their sheer intensity—both in size and taste.
They’re also frequently paired with sweet extras like sour belts, fruit roll-ups, and tamarind candy, making them a go-to choice for anyone who loves maxed-out flavor experiences.
Alamo Candy Chamoy Pickles
Straight out of San Antonio, Alamo Candy Company has built a cult following around their unique lineup of Mexican-inspired sweets and snacks—and their Chamoy Pickles are no exception. These pickles come pre-soaked in a bold chamoy brine and are often rolled in their signature sweet-and-sour candy powder, resulting in a mouthwatering balance of heat and sugar.
Fans love the authentic street-snack vibe these pickles deliver, often combining them with Alamo’s spicy gummy bears or tamarind ropes. If you’re looking to sample authentic Tex-Mex chamoy flavors, Alamo Candy’s version is a must-try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Chamoy Pickles Recipe?
A Chamoy Pickles recipe is a viral snack sensation that takes classic dill pickles and transforms them into a bold, sweet, sour, and spicy treat. The process involves soaking whole dill pickles in a tangy brine made from chamoy sauce, Tajín seasoning, chili powders, and fruity candy flavors like mango powder and sweet chamoy dust. After marinating in the refrigerator for about 5 to 7 days, the pickles absorb all the flavors—resulting in a juicy, bright red snack with a flavor profile that’s part candy, part heat, and 100% addicting. This pickle with chamoy trend is especially popular in Mexican snack recipes and has exploded in popularity thanks to TikTok and YouTube. Want to try your own? Our easy Chamoy Pickles recipe walks you through each step.
What Does Chamoy Taste Like?
Chamoy delivers a bold, unforgettable flavor that’s tangy, spicy, salty, and sweet—all at once. Its base, often made from pickled fruit like apricots or plums, brings a subtle fruity sourness, while lime juice adds zing and chili powder brings the heat. The result is a complex, mouthwatering sauce with a slightly syrupy texture and a flavor profile similar to a spicy-sour candy. You’ll first notice a bright tang, followed by a salty punch and a slow-building chili warmth that lingers on your tongue. This unique combination makes chamoy the perfect complement to juicy pickles, tropical fruits, and even snacks like Cebolla Ensalada or Pickle Lemonade.
Does Chamoy Pickle Taste Like Pickle?
Chamoy pickles still maintain the classic crunchy texture of a dill pickle, but their flavor is completely transformed. While you’ll get hints of that familiar salty, vinegary base, the soak in chamoy sauce, Tajín, and candy powders turns the pickle into a bold, sweet-and-spicy treat. The brine infuses it with tangy fruitiness, chili heat, and a sugary candy-like twist—making it taste more like a spicy fruit snack than a traditional pickle. It’s a unique blend of flavors that surprises your taste buds and explains why this snack has taken over TikTok. If you love unusual flavor combos or Mexican candy, this one’s for you!
What Happened to I Love Chamoy After Shark Tank?
After appearing on Shark Tank, I Love Chamoy skyrocketed in popularity, becoming a standout brand in the world of chamoy products. Their sugar-free chamoy sauce, created by a Mexican-American family aiming to provide a healthier option, quickly became a fan favorite—especially among those looking for diabetic-friendly or low-sugar snacks. Thanks to the national exposure, the brand expanded its reach and is now widely available online and in select retail stores. I Love Chamoy has since launched new flavors and limited-edition versions, cementing its place as one of the best chamoy brands for health-conscious snack lovers.
Conclusion
Chamoy Pickles are more than just a TikTok trend—they’re a culinary experience that hits all the flavor buttons in one crunchy bite. Making your own is easy, fun, and totally worth the wait.
Whether you’re building a snack board, packing lunch, or hosting friends, chamoy pickles bring the wow factor. Try them alongside a Brazilian Mounjaro Drink for a full flavor boost.
Curious about their health value? Check out Are Pickles Good for You?