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Summary: Mercadona offers canned anchovies at competitive prices under the Hacendado brand and other private labels. Specialty stores work with artisanal Cantabrian anchovies, featuring larger fillets and longer curing times. We objectively analyze both options to help you choose the one that best suits you.
What anchovies does Mercadona offer?
Mercadona includes several canned anchovy references in its catalog, both under its Hacendado brand and from selected suppliers. The anchovy offering is one of the supermarket's most popular canned goods sections:
Hacendado Anchovies
Mercadona's own brand offers anchovies in olive oil in different formats:
- Anchovies in olive oil (standard tin): anchovy fillets in olive oil. Net weight format of 50-80 g. Approximate price between 2 and 4 euros depending on the format.
- Cantabrian Anchovies Hacendado: reference with indication of Cantabrian origin, generally at a higher price than standard anchovies, between 4 and 7 euros.
- "Banderillas" and prepared dishes: anchovies in "banderilla" format or combined with other ingredients (olives, pickles).
Supplier brands at Mercadona
Historically, Mercadona has worked with suppliers such as Conservas Codesa or Conservas Gomes da Costa for its anchovies. Suppliers may change according to commercial agreements. Some stores also offer specific references from recognized Cantabrian brands.
Available formats
- Tins of 50 g (drained net weight: ~30 g)
- Tins or trays of 80-100 g
- Economy size in a larger tin
- Anchovies rolled with capers (in some references)
Exact availability varies by store and season. Mercadona updates its catalog regularly, removing and adding references according to its inter-supplier strategy.
What are artisanal Cantabrian anchovies?
Artisanal Cantabrian anchovies represent a centuries-old canning tradition, mainly concentrated in the towns of Santoña, Laredo, and Castro Urdiales in Cantabria, as well as in Basque Country towns like Bermeo and Getaria.
Raw material: Cantabrian anchovy (boquerón)
Artisanal anchovies are made from anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) caught in the Cantabrian Sea during the spring fishing season (April-June). The fishing season determines the quality:
- Spring anchovies have higher fat content
- The size of the fish influences the final size of the fillet
- Only the largest anchovies are selected for premium anchovies
Artisanal process
The artisanal anchovy production process is significantly longer and more labor-intensive:
- Selection: the largest and freshest anchovies are chosen
- Salting: they are placed in barrels with layers of salt for a minimum of 6-12 months
- Maturation: during this period, natural enzymes transform the fish protein, developing the characteristic flavor
- "Sobado" (cleaning): bones and skin are removed manually, fillet by fillet
- Packaging: the fillets are placed in olive oil, hand-aligned
Classification by size
Artisanal anchovies are classified by the number of fillets per tin:
- 00 (double zero): extra-large fillets, the most valued. Less than 10 fillets per 50g tin.
- 0 (zero): large fillets, highly prized.
- 1 and 2: standard and small-sized fillets.
The larger the fillet, the rarer and more expensive, as it comes from larger anchovies.
Objective comparative table
| Criterion | Mercadona (Hacendado) | Specialized artisanal |
|---|---|---|
| Usual origin | Variable (Cantabrian, Argentina, Morocco) | Cantabrian Sea (spring fishing season) |
| Curing time | 3-6 months (generally) | 6-18 months |
| Fillet size | Small to medium | Medium to extra-large (00) |
| "Sobado" (cleaning) | Semi-automatic | Manual, fillet by fillet |
| Price per tin (50g net) | 2-7 € | 8-20 € |
| Oil | Olive oil | Extra virgin olive oil (generally) |
| Variety of formats | 2-4 references | Multiple (00, 0, 1, "pandereta", menu format) |
| Availability | +1,700 stores | Gourmet stores + online shipping |
| Texture | Firm, saltier | Buttery, melts in the mouth |
Note: prices are indicative based on public information and may vary by season and establishment.
The production process: industrial vs. artisanal
The fundamental difference between industrial and artisanal anchovies lies in time and human intervention:
Industrial production
Large canneries supplying supermarkets optimize the process to reduce costs and increase production:
- Anchovies may come from different fishing areas (not just the Cantabrian Sea)
- Curing time is shorter (3-6 months) to speed up production
- Part of the cleaning and filleting process is semi-automatic
- Fillets are sorted by size, but volume is prioritized
- The oil is usually olive oil (not necessarily extra virgin)
This does not mean that the product is bad. It is an efficient process that allows anchovies to be offered at an accessible price for the average consumer.
Artisanal production
Artisanal canneries in Cantabria follow a process that has barely changed in a century:
- Anchovies are bought at the fish market during the spring fishing season
- Salting lasts between 6 and 18 months (some premium canneries reach 24 months)
- Each fillet is peeled, deboned, and cleaned by hand by "sobadoras" (specialized female workers)
- Fillets are placed in the tin one by one, aligned
- They are covered with first-press extra virgin olive oil
This artisanal process explains the price difference: specialized labor, curing time, and raw material selection represent costs that do not exist in industrial production.
How to understand anchovy prices
Anchovy prices can seem confusing if you don't take into account what you're comparing:
Net weight vs. drained weight
An "80 g" tin of anchovies does not contain 80 g of anchovies. Net weight includes the oil. Drained weight (the actual amount of anchovy) is usually 50-60% of the net weight. Thus:
- An 80 g net tin contains approximately 40-48 g of anchovy
- A 50 g net tin contains approximately 25-30 g of anchovy
Price per kilo of real anchovy
If we calculate the price per kilo of anchovy (drained weight):
- Mercadona (basic range): approximately 60-100 €/kg of anchovy
- Mercadona (Cantabrian range): approximately 100-160 €/kg of anchovy
- Specialized artisanal: approximately 180-400 €/kg of anchovy
Anchovies are, by themselves, an expensive product per kilo, even the most economical ones. The difference between a supermarket anchovy and an artisanal one can be 2x to 4x, which is significant.
Number of fillets per tin
Another useful way to compare is the price per fillet:
- Mercadona: 0.15-0.30 € per fillet approximately
- Artisanal 00: 0.60-1.50 € per fillet approximately
Artisanal 00 fillets are considerably larger, so a single fillet can cover an entire slice of bread, whereas with standard fillets you would need 2-3.
When to buy anchovies at Mercadona
Mercadona anchovies are a perfectly valid choice in many contexts:
- Cooking with anchovies: for pizzas, salads, sauces, or dishes where anchovies are integrated with other ingredients, supermarket anchovies work well.
- Frequent consumption: if you like anchovies and eat them regularly, the supermarket price allows for more regular consumption.
- Limited budget: artisanal anchovies are a gastronomic luxury product. Supermarket anchovies allow you to enjoy anchovies without a high outlay.
- Informal appetizers: for a casual snack, Mercadona anchovies with bread and oil are a great option.
- To try if you like them: if you've never eaten anchovies, starting with supermarket ones makes sense before investing in artisanal ones.
When to choose artisanal anchovies
Artisanal Cantabrian anchovies stand out especially in:
- Gourmet tapas: served alone on a slice of bread with good olive oil, where the flavor and texture are the protagonists.
- Gastronomic gifts: a tin of Cantabrian 00 anchovies is a highly appreciated gift for gastronomy lovers.
- Special occasions: an important dinner, a celebration, or a gastronomic experience deserve top-quality ingredients.
- Wine pairings: artisanal anchovies pair exceptionally well with white wines (Albariño, Txakolí) or champagne.
- Gin and tonics and vermouths: as an accompanying tapa for an after-dinner drink or premium aperitif.
How to identify anchovy quality
Regardless of where you buy, these indicators will help you assess quality:
Quality signals
- Color: uniform pinkish-brown, without dark or reddish areas
- Texture: firm fillets that melt smoothly when chewed ("buttery" texture)
- Integrity: whole fillets, without breaks or fraying
- Aroma: clean sea and cured smell, without ammoniacal or rancid notes
- Oil: clear, without excessive turbidity or bone remnants
Signs of lower quality
- Broken or frayed fillets
- Very dark or grayish color
- Excess salt (flavor that masks the fish)
- Pasty or excessively soft texture
- Turbid oil or with a bad smell
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Frequently asked questions
Are Mercadona anchovies good?
Mercadona anchovies offer a correct quality-price ratio for their segment. They are suitable for cooking and for informal appetizers. If you are looking for the complete experience of an artisanal Cantabrian anchovy (buttery texture, long curing, large fillet), specialized stores offer a different product.
How much do anchovies cost at Mercadona?
Anchovies at Mercadona range from 2 to 7 euros depending on the reference and format. Basic Hacendado anchovies are around 2-4 euros, while references with Cantabrian origin indication can reach 5-7 euros. Prices are subject to seasonal variations.
Why are artisanal anchovies so expensive?
The price of artisanal anchovies reflects several factors: selected raw material (only large anchovies from the spring fishing season), curing for 6-18 months (vs 3-6 months industrial), manual cleaning and filleting fillet by fillet, and limited production. Each tin of 00 anchovies requires anchovies that represent less than 5% of the total catch.
What does anchovy 00 or double zero mean?
The 00 (double zero) classification indicates the largest fillet size. It is the most premium and scarce grade, as it comes from the largest anchovies of the fishing season. A 00 fillet can measure 8-10 cm and cover an entire slice of bread. The numbering goes from 00 (highest quality/size) to 2 (smallest size).
What is the best brand of anchovies at Mercadona?
Mercadona works with an inter-supplier system, so brands may vary. Generally, anchovies with the origin indication "Cantabrian" tend to be of higher quality than generic anchovies. Always check the labeling to verify the origin and species (Engraulis encrasicolus is the species of the true anchovy).
How to store anchovies once opened?
Once opened, anchovies should be consumed within 2-3 days. Transfer them to an airtight container (do not leave in the opened tin), cover them completely with olive oil, and store them in the refrigerator. If the fillets are exposed to air, they oxidize and lose quality quickly.
Conclusion: different anchovies for different moments
Anchovies are one of those products where the difference between the supermarket and artisanal versions is most noticeable, even for non-expert palates. However, this does not invalidate either option:
Mercadona democratizes access to anchovies. Its prices allow anyone to enjoy this product regularly, whether in a Caesar salad, a pizza, or a simple appetizer. Its network of stores ensures immediate availability, and the quality is correct for its price range.
Artisanal Cantabrian anchovies are a different product in gastronomic experience. The long curing, manual filleting, and raw material selection create fillets with a buttery texture and complex flavor that make them a true delicacy. They are ideal for enjoying alone, with good bread and oil, at times when you want to elevate the experience.
Many gastronomy enthusiasts keep both options in their pantry: supermarket anchovies for cooking and daily use, and a tin of artisanal ones for special occasions. This combination allows you to enjoy the product in all its dimensions without budget being an obstacle.
Informative comparison based on public data. Prices and availability may vary.
