Anchovies at Consum: Price, Available Brands and Gourmet Alternatives [2026]

What anchovies does Consum offer

Consum, the consumer cooperative with over 800 supermarkets in the Spanish Mediterranean arc, has a well-stocked canned goods section that includes several anchovy options. Its cooperative quality policy is reflected in a carefully selected range, both for its own brand and for manufacturer brands.

Consum private label

Consum's private label includes anchovies in olive oil in standard formats. These anchovies are usually of varied origin (Cantabrian, Mediterranean or imported) and offer a good quality-price ratio for daily consumption:

• Anchovies in olive oil: standard can of 45-50 g drained. Indicative price between 2 and 4 €.
• Family format: some references in larger formats for frequent use.

Manufacturer brands

Consum also distributes recognized brands in the canning sector:

• National brands: such as Consorcio, Lorea or similar, which offer Cantabrian anchovies in different sizes and formats.
• Regional brands: depending on the geographical area, prestigious local canneries may be found.

Variety of formats

• Round and octavillo cans (traditional format)
• Glass jars (allow product visibility)
• Different weights to suit needs

It is important to note that Consum, due to its cooperative model, tends to select suppliers who meet quality standards superior to the average. Its canned goods section reflects this commitment, with a more carefully curated offering than many conventional chains.

What are premium Cantabrian anchovies

Cantabrian anchovies are considered the best in the world by most gastronomic experts. But within the "Cantabrian anchovies" denomination, there is enormous variation in quality. Premium anchovies are distinguished by several factors:

Origin: the Cantabrian Sea as the birthplace of the anchovy

The Cantabrian Sea, with its cold, plankton-rich waters, produces an anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) with firm, pink flesh and a perfect balance of fat and protein. The most valued fishing areas are:

• Santoña (Cantabria): the world capital of anchovies, with over a century of canning tradition.
• Laredo, Castro Urdiales: Cantabrian ports with anchovy tradition.
• Bermeo, Getaria (Basque Country): fishing ports with a long tradition.

Artisanal curing process

Premium anchovies are cured in salt for a minimum of 6 to 12 months (the best, up to 18-24 months). This long process allows for:

• Full development of enzymes that transform texture
• Maturation of natural umami flavor
• Dark pink color characteristic of a well-cured anchovy
• Firm yet melt-in-the-mouth texture

Manual selection and kneading

In premium canneries, each anchovy is cleaned, deboned, and filleted by hand. "Sobado" (manual kneading of each fillet) is an artisanal technique applied by anchovy masters to give the final texture. This manual process is slow and costly, but produces an incomparable result.

Size and caliber

Anchovies are classified by caliber (number of fillets per can). The smaller the number, the larger each fillet:

• Caliber 00 (double zero): extra-large fillets, the most valued. Only obtained from the largest anchovies of the season.
• Caliber 0: large fillets, excellent quality.
• Caliber 1-2: medium fillets, good but less spectacular.

Comparative table by criteria

The curing process: key to quality

The fundamental difference between supermarket anchovies and premium anchovies lies in the curing process. It is not simply a matter of time, but of how that time transforms the product:

Industrial curing (3-6 months)

Anchovies produced on an industrial scale are cured for a shorter period to speed up production. The result is a correct product that meets the expectations of most consumers:

• Predominantly salty taste, with fewer nuances
• Firmer texture, sometimes slightly fibrous
• Lighter, brownish color
• Long shelf life thanks to oil preservation

Artisanal curing (6-24 months)

Premium anchovies are cured for as long as they need, not as dictated by production efficiency. This long and patient process results in a profound transformation:

• Complex flavor with umami notes, slightly sweet and unctuous
• Melt-in-your-mouth texture that dissolves on the palate
• Intense dark pink color, a sign of complete maturation
• Deep aroma without saline aggressiveness

The salting master periodically controls the process, pressing the anchovies, renewing the salt, and deciding the optimal moment to open each barrel. It is an artisanal trade that requires experience and patience.

Manual kneading

Once cured, each anchovy is opened, deboned, and filleted by hand. "Sobado" is a technique exclusive to artisanal canneries: each fillet is gently massaged with the fingers to smooth the flesh and give it its final texture. The master kneaders can process hundreds of anchovies a day, but each one receives individual attention.

Price per fillet: the real metric

To compare anchovies fairly, the price per can is not enough. The most useful metric is the price per fillet, as the size of the fillets varies enormously:

At Consum

• Private label can (~50 g drained, ~10-12 fillets): 2-4 € → 0.20-0.35 €/fillet
• Standard manufacturer brand (~50 g, ~10 fillets): 4-8 € → 0.40-0.80 €/fillet
• Premium brand if available (~50 g, ~8 fillets): 8-12 € → 1.00-1.50 €/fillet

At a specialty store

• Selection 00 Anchovies (~14 fillets, extra-large size): 35-40 € → 2.50-2.85 €/fillet
• Standard 0 Anchovies (~20 fillets, large size): 25-30 € → 1.25-1.50 €/fillet

Each premium fillet weighs 2-3 times more than a standard fillet, which reduces the price difference per gram. But beyond the weight, the difference in taste experience is substantial.

Related Bacalalo Products

Cantabrian Anchovies 00 Selection

38.90 €

View product →

When to buy anchovies at Consum

Consum is a good option for anchovies in several situations. Its cooperative model guarantees a careful selection that surpasses many conventional chains:

• Use in cooking: for pizzas, Caesar salads, puttanesca pasta, or quick toasts, Consum's own-brand anchovies are perfectly suitable.
• Informal appetizer: for a midweek vermouth or a casual snack, you don't need double zero caliber anchovies.
• Controlled budget: if you consume anchovies frequently, Consum's options allow you to enjoy them without excessive expense.
• Discovery: if you have never tried canned anchovies, starting with a supermarket brand is a good way to introduce yourself before investing in premium.
• Recognized brands: Consum includes quality manufacturer brands in its assortment, allowing you to find a middle ground without going to a specialized store.

When to choose premium anchovies

Premium anchovies justify their price in situations where the product is the star:

• Pure tasting: when anchovies are eaten alone, on a slice of bread with tomato and oil, premium quality makes an abysmal difference.
• Gourmet appetizer platter: on a table of selected products (cured cheese, Iberian ham, premium olives), 00 anchovies are on par.
• Gastronomic gift: Cantabrian anchovies of caliber 00 are one of the most appreciated gourmet gifts in Spain.
• Hospitality and catering: pintxos bars and high-level restaurants work exclusively with premium anchovies.
• Special occasions: an important dinner, a celebration, or simply a personal treat that deserves the best product.
• Gastronomic collecting: each cannery has its flavor profile. Trying different premium brands is a gastronomic experience in itself.

Conclusion

Consum offers an honest and well-curated selection of anchovies for its segment, consistent with its cooperative model that prioritizes member-consumer satisfaction. For everyday use in cooking and informal appetizers, its anchovies are a reliable and accessible option.

Premium Cantabrian anchovies, like those offered by Bacalalo, represent another universe: extra-large fillets artisanally cured for months, hand-kneaded by master canners, with a flavor and texture that can only be achieved with time, patience, and craftsmanship. They are a product to be enjoyed with all five senses.

It is not about one option being inherently better than the other, but about choosing the right one for each moment. Both have their place in a well-stocked pantry.

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