The Rise of Homemade Pickles: A Response to Price Hikes and Sustainability

On October 30, coinciding with the 'Food Loss Reduction Day,' Cookpad released findings revealing that searches for homemade pickles, particularly cucumber pickles, have surged by 2.1 times compared to the previous year. The escalating prices of commercially available pickles have prompted many families to opt for homemade solutions, demonstrating a clear shift in consumer behavior.

Key Findings

- The search volume for cucumbers on Cookpad increased by 2.1 times year-on-year, while searches for pickled myoga surged by 2.8 times.
- User comments highlight that the simplicity of preparation, customizable flavors, and the use of leftover vegetables are key motivations behind this trend.
- Seasonal searches indicate peak interest in cucumber pickles during summer and in quick pickles during both summer and winter.
- As the prices of commercial pickles continue to rise, the preference for homemade options grows.

Rising Commercial Pickle Prices

Looking at the Consumer Price Index published by the Statistics Bureau of Japan, the prices of various pickles, including umeboshi and kimchi, have shown a clear upward trend. In 2025, for example, umeboshi is expected to reach 110.4, while daikon pickles and kimchi will see prices of 134.1 and 112.5, respectively. Additionally, the production of commercially available pickles is projected to decline from 802,000 tons in 2023 to 740,000 tons in 2024.

The Appeal of Homemade Pickles

The analysis of the latest comments from around 5,000 users on Cookpad's pickle recipes revealed compelling reasons for the growing popularity of homemade pickles.

1. Convenience and Time Efficiency (33%)

Many users express their appreciation for the ease of making pickles, with comments like, "It’s super easy to whip up a batch. Just mix and wait!" Pickles require minimal hands-on time, allowing busy families to prepare a healthy side dish effortlessly.

2. Refreshing Taste and Texture (28%)

People love the crisp and refreshing taste of pickles, especially during hot summer days. Comments such as, "The crunchiness is just perfect," resonate with many. Pickles add a delightful texture to meals, making them a sought-after side dish.

3. Family-Friendly (22%)

Numerous comments highlight how homemade pickles have become a beloved addition to family meals. For instance, one user mentioned, "My daughter loved the cucumber pickles I made!".

4. Customizable Flavors (7.3%)

Users enjoy tweaking recipes to their personal tastes, adapting salt levels or adding specific seasonings to make the pickles their own.

5. Using Leftover Vegetables (Approx. 4%)

A notable number of users cited utilizing excess vegetables from their gardens or local markets as a reason for making pickles. This practice not only reduces waste but also lends creativity to meals, as noted in comments like, "I made pickles using extra eggplants from my garden,".

The Wisdom of Preservation

Analyzing the search trends from November 2024 to 2025 shows that quick pickles peak during the winter and summer months, while cucumber pickles see a surge in summer. This reflects seasonal availability as well as the versatility of various vegetables used in pickling throughout the year.

Homemade pickles also serve as an effective way to manage food surplus. Seasonal produce, such as eggplant in summer and napa cabbage in winter, can be transformed into delicious preserved dishes that last for days or even weeks.

The simplicity of preparing pickles—just chopping vegetables and letting them marinate—allows busy individuals and families to manage their time efficiently while preserving seasonal flavors for future enjoyment.

Cookpad's Role in the Movement

As October is celebrated as Food Loss Reduction Month, the data obtained during this period emphasizes the growing importance of homemade pickles in addressing food waste. With an estimated 5.23 million tons of food waste generated annually in Japan, homemade pickles emerge as a practical solution for reducing this waste, as indicated by the notable percentage of users who utilize leftover vegetables.

By encouraging the exploration of flavor variety and family-favorite recipes, Cookpad continues to support culinary traditions while ensuring the responsible enjoyment of seasonal produce.

About Cookpad

Founded on October 1, 1997, Cookpad Inc. aims to make cooking a fun and everyday experience for everyone. We facilitate a recipe-sharing platform that operates in 67 countries and employs 26 languages, promoting the joy of cooking around the world. Our initiatives extend to AI coaching through 'moment' and online fresh produce shopping via 'Cookpad Mart', aiming to create a better future for people and the planet through culinary pursuits.