The Art of Pickling: A Tangy Wisconsin Tradition

Before refrigeration and global food shipping, pickling was more than a method of preservation—it was survival. Today in Wisconsin, pickling remains not just relevant but revered. It's a culinary art that captures bold flavor, family tradition, and heritage in every jar.

The Wisconsin Pickled Egg Legacy: One of the state’s most iconic pickled foods is the humble egg. Pickled eggs are a staple snack across Wisconsin, particularly in bars, taverns, and road stops. At the heart of this tradition is Bay View Packing Company, a Milwaukee-based, family-run business that has been making pickled delicacies since 1923.

Bay View Packing: Flavor with Heritage: Bay View Packing continues the Old World pickling practices handed down through four generations. Their pickled eggs are made from fresh, Grade A Large eggs—carefully hard-boiled, peeled, and preserved in brine to lock in flavor and freshness.

What sets them apart? Flavor. Their line includes:

• Original (Salt & Vinegar)

• Sizzlin' Garlic

• Red Hot

• Grandpa Bruno's Garlic and Onion

Each batch is handcrafted and packed with pride. Bay View's process honors its roots while delivering shelf-stable, high-protein, low-carb snacks beloved by locals and visitors alike. You can even find them in multiple jar sizes, from single-serve to 36 oz options.

A Statewide Connection: Bay View may be iconic today, but pickled egg history in Wisconsin stretches back further. The town of Hingham, once dubbed the "Egg Capital of Wisconsin," played a pivotal role in commercializing pickled eggs. Innovators like S.D. Hyde developed preservation methods that allowed eggs to be shipped safely across the country—a technique that helped launch Wisconsin’s reputation for quality pickled products.

Pickling as Cultural Preservation: From Milwaukee to Hingham, the art of pickling represents more than just food. It's a story of resourcefulness, family heritage, and community pride. Whether you’re biting into a spicy Red Hot egg or savoring the subtle zing of Sizzlin' Garlic, you’re tasting a Wisconsin legacy.

In every jar, Wisconsin’s pickled foods tell a story—of resilience, of craft, and of enduring taste. So the next time you open a jar of Bay View pickled eggs, know that you're cracking open a piece of living food history.

It’s no surprise these boldly brined eggs are among WisconsinMade’s best-selling gifts. Loved for their unique flavor and lasting tradition, they’re a standout year-round—but especially now. Whether you're stocking your pantry or sending a care package to someone who loves a little heat, you can find Bay View's full pickled egg selection online.