Wagamama Rainbow Pickles | Colourful & Tangy Veggie Side

The Wagamama Rainbow Pickles are a vibrant and tangy side dish on the Wagamama menu in the UK. They feature a colourful mix of mooli, cucumber, aubergine, and turnip, all pickled in a sweet and sour vinegar blend. These crunchy, zesty vegetables add a refreshing contrast to richer dishes, making them a perfect palate cleanser or light accompaniment to your main meal.

Nutritional Information

The Wagamama Rainbow Pickles are a colourful, tangy side dish that adds a burst of freshness and crunch to any meal. This vibrant mix features mooli, cucumber, aubergine, and turnip, all pickled in a sweet and sour vinegar that balances flavour with a refreshing zing. Explore the full Wagamama Rainbow Pickles nutritional information below to check calories, sugars, and other key details.

	Per Serving	Per 100 g
energy (kcal)	57	57
Energy (kj)	248	248
protein (g)	0.6	0.6
carb (g)	12.9	12.9
of which sugars (g)	12.2	12.2
fat (g)	0.2	0.2
sat fat (g)	0.0	0.0
sodium (g)	0.0	0.0
salt (g)	0.0	0.0
fibre (g)	1.1	1.1

Calories & Nutrition Insights

With 57 calories per 100g (which also matches the per-serving value listed), Wagamama Rainbow Pickles are very much a lighter-side dish. That low energy content means you can enjoy them generously without drastically impacting your daily calorie budget.

The sugar content is relatively high given the small size (about 12.2 g) — most of the carbohydrates here come from sugars in the pickling process. If you’re watching added sugar, this is something to be aware of.

Fat and saturated fat are negligible (0.2 g fat, 0.0 g saturated), so it’s practically fat-free, which is good if you’re aiming for low fat. Protein is also minimal (0.6 g), so this isn’t providing much in terms of building or repairing tissue. Fibre at 1.1 g per 100g gives a bit of benefit for digestion, though it’s modest.

Comparing with other Wagamama sides, Rainbow Pickles are much lighter than fried, creamy or starch-heavy sides (e.g. Bang Bang Cauliflower, Edamame Corn Fritters). They’re more similar to other fresh or pickled sides like Asian Pickles or simple vegetable sides in terms of caloric load and fat.

So if your goal is a lighter meal, or you want something crisp and tangy to accompany richer mains (ramen, katsu, etc.), Rainbow Pickles are a strong choice. If, instead, you’re seeking high protein, high fiber or low sugar, you might prefer pairing them with something more substantive or choose another side that better serves those goals.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair Rainbow Pickles with Sticky Rice to soften the sharp, sweet-sour flavour. The mild, comforting texture of rice balances the pickle’s tang.
Serve them alongside Asian Pickles for a double-pickle contrast—fresh vegetables in mellow vinegar meet the stronger sweet-sour punch, giving crunch and variety.
Try a drink like Fresh Lemon with Ginger to cleanse the palate. The zesty citrus and spicy ginger lift up the vinegar notes in the pickles without overwhelming your taste buds.
If you prefer something sweeter, pair with Fresh Orange Juice. The juice’s natural sugars contrast nicely with the pickles’ sharpness for a refreshing, complementary mix.
To make the meal more filling, combine Rainbow Pickles with a protein-rich main (for example, one of Wagamama’s curry or noodle dishes) and add a side of Brown Rice or Wok-Fried Greens. That way you get crunch + freshness + substance.

Taste & Texture

The Wagamama Pickles hit you first with a tangy, vinegary bite that wakes up the taste buds. The vegetables are crisp and crunchy, giving a fresh snap with every mouthful. Sweetness comes through from the pickling brine, balancing the sharp sour notes so it doesn’t feel too harsh. There’s a light juiciness as you chew, releasing bursts of flavour that keep it lively.

Unlike fried or heavy sides, the pickles feel clean and refreshing on the palate. The mix of colours also hints at subtle differences—some bites are sweeter, others more sharp, which adds variety. Overall, the texture is firm yet juicy, and the taste is bright, zesty, and full of contrast, making it the perfect side to cut through richer, heavier dishes.

Price Comparison

“Wagamama Rainbow Pickles” are priced at £3.50 in the UK for a side. Compared with other Wagamama side dishes, this puts Rainbow Pickles in the budget-to-mid-side range. For example, Rice and Steamed Rice sides cost about £2.00, which is cheaper, while more indulgent sides like Bang Bang Cauliflower cost roughly £6.00, which is significantly more.

So, Rainbow Pickles are more expensive than the simplest sides (plain rice, minimalist pickles) but much more affordable than heavier, richer or fried sides. That makes them a good value choice if you want something flavourful without splashing out.

Better Alternatives

If you find Rainbow Pickles a little too tangy and sweet, you can go lighter with Miso Soup. It’s warm, soothing, and has even fewer calories, making it a simple starter that won’t overwhelm your taste buds.
For those who prefer a spicier kick, try the Chilli Squid. It adds heat and crunch, giving you the same lively texture but with bold, fiery flavour that Rainbow Pickles don’t provide.
If you’re looking for something more filling, Bang Bang Cauliflower is a great option. It’s still a vegetable-based side but comes coated in a rich, spicy-sweet sauce that makes it far heartier and satisfying compared to the light crispness of Rainbow Pickles.
Another lighter alternative is Edamame with Salt. It’s fresh, protein-rich, and much less sweet, perfect for those who want a simple, clean snack alongside their main meal.
For extra substance, the Duck Gyoza works well. It offers more protein and a savoury richness, making it ideal if you want a side that feels more like a mini-meal.

To close out, Wagamama Rainbow Pickles is a must-try for those looking for fresh and flavorful food. I love how it brings together bold flavors and high-quality ingredients in every bite. If you love exploring dishes like I do, check out Wagamama’s full menu and discover even more tasty options you’ll definitely want to try!