Anchovies at BonPreu: Brands, Prices and Comparison with Gourmet [2026]

Anchovies at BonPreu: What you'll find

BonPreu, true to its spirit as a Catalan cooperative with a commitment to quality, dedicates considerable shelf space to canned fish. The anchovy section is usually better stocked than in many national chains, reflecting the Catalan tradition of appreciating this product as an appetizer and a gastronomic ingredient.

In an average-sized BonPreu, you will typically find between 5 and 10 anchovy references, including:

• Anchovies in olive oil: The classic presentation, in 50g to 100g net drained weight cans
• Anchovies in sunflower oil: The most economical option, generally in larger formats
• Rolled anchovy fillets: With capers or olives, for a direct appetizer
• BonPreu brand anchovies: Their private label, generally offering good value for money

It is important to note that BonPreu makes a visible effort to include quality products in its canned goods, and its anchovy selection is a good example. This is not a supermarket that only offers the cheapest options on the market — there is an intention to offer variety and reasonable quality.

Available Brands and References

The anchovy brands you can find at BonPreu usually include:

Basic range (€4-8/can):

• BonPreu brand: Anchovies in olive oil, medium size. A decent product for cooking and casual consumption
• National preserves: Brands like Albo, Ortiz, or Consorcio usually have a presence with their more standard references

Mid-range (€8-15/can):

• Cantabrian brands: Occasionally, you will find references from Cantabrian or Basque canneries in medium-sized formats
• Anchovies in glass jars: Some premium references in glass format, allowing you to see the product

What you will rarely find at BonPreu are 00-sized anchovies (the largest and most coveted), artisanal selections of specific Cantabrian "sobaqueras" (hand-packed anchovies), or limited seasonal editions that specialists might offer. This is not a limitation of BonPreu in particular — it is inherent to the mass distribution model.

Price and Size Comparison

The price of anchovies varies enormously depending on the size, origin, and production method. Let's look at an honest comparison:

As we can see, in the basic and mid-range, BonPreu offers competitive prices and access to recognized brands. The main difference appears in the large sizes (0 and 00), which are practically exclusive to specialized stores and delicatessens.

An important point: the price per fillet is the most honest metric for comparing anchovies. A cheaper can with small, broken fillets can be more expensive per usable fillet than a premium reference with large, whole fillets.

What makes an anchovy premium?

To understand the difference between supermarket anchovies and gourmet ones, it's helpful to know the factors that determine quality:

1. The size (fillet size):

• Size 00 (double zero): The largest fillets, over 9 cm. Only 5-10% of the catch reaches this size. They are the juiciest anchovies, with more flavor and an unparalleled silky texture
• Size 0: Large fillets, between 7-9 cm. Excellent quality with an ideal balance of flavor and price
• Standard size: Fillets of 5-7 cm. The most common in supermarkets. Good, but with less presence and depth of flavor

2. The fishing area:

Anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea (coasts of Cantabria and the Basque Country) are the most highly valued. The temperature and currents of the Cantabrian Sea produce an anchovy with a specific fat content that gives it its characteristic flavor. Anchovies from other origins (Mediterranean, South Atlantic) are more economical but have a different sensory profile.

3. The maturation process:

The best anchovies mature in salt for 10 to 18 months before filleting. This slow and controlled process develops the complex umami flavors that characterize a premium anchovy. Accelerated industrial maturation (3-6 months) produces a decent product but with less depth.

4. Filleting:

Manual filleting, done by experienced "sobaqueras" (hand-packers), produces whole, clean, and uniform fillets. Mechanical filleting is more efficient but generates more broken and irregularly presented fillets.

5. The covering oil:

First-pressed extra virgin olive oil makes a difference in the final result. More economical anchovies use refined olive oil or blends, which affects the overall flavor.

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Comparative Tasting: Supermarket vs. Gourmet

If you put a standard supermarket anchovy side-by-side with a 00-sized Cantabrian anchovy selected by a specialist, the differences are evident even to an untrained palate:

This does not mean that supermarket anchovies are bad — on a pizza, a Caesar salad, or quick toast, they perform perfectly. But for an appetizer where the anchovy is the absolute star, served on a slice of bread with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, the difference is transformative.

When to choose BonPreu and when to go gourmet

Choose BonPreu when:

Choose a gourmet specialist when:

In Barcelona, the tradition of Sunday vermouth with good anchovies is deeply rooted. If you are in the Eixample or near the Mercat del Ninot, combining your usual shopping with a visit to a seafood specialist is a worthwhile experience.

Storage and Consumption Guide

Regardless of where you buy your anchovies, these tips will maximize your experience:

Storage:

• Unopened: In a cool place (15-18°C ideal) or in the refrigerator. Anchovies improve with time if stored correctly, like a good wine
• Opened: Consume within 3-5 days. Cover the remaining fillets with olive oil and store in the refrigerator
• Serving temperature: Take out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes beforehand. Cold anchovies lose flavor nuances

Optimal serving:

• Lightly toasted crystal bread with grated tomato
• Coca bread with a drizzle of Arbequina olive oil
• On roasted piquillo peppers
• Alone, as the first bite of an appetizer, accompanied by a good vermouth or cava

Common mistake: Do not cook premium anchovies. Heat destroys the nuances developed during months of maturation. Gourmet anchovies are eaten raw, directly from the can to the plate. For cooking, use standard supermarket anchovies — that's exactly what they are designed for.

Conclusion

BonPreu offers an above-average selection of anchovies for supermarkets, with recognized brands and good overall quality. For everyday use in cooking and informal appetizers, their anchovies perform perfectly and at a reasonable price.

The difference with gourmet anchovies selected by a specialist becomes evident in the large sizes, artisanal maturation, and the sensory experience of eating a whole 00-sized Cantabrian anchovy fillet. They are different products for different moments, and both have their legitimate place in your pantry.

The smart thing is to have both: a can from BonPreu for cooking and anchovies from the specialist for enjoyment. Your palate and your wallet will thank you.

Informative comparison based on public data. Prices and availability may vary.