Summary: Mercadona is where most Spaniards buy cod. Its Hacendado brand offers several types of desalted cod at competitive prices. But what exactly are you buying? We analyze the origin, processing, packaging, and when it's worth looking for alternatives.
Mercadona is where most Spaniards buy cod. Its Hacendado brand offers several types of desalted cod at competitive prices. But what exactly are you buying? We analyze its origin, processing, packaging, and when it's worth looking for alternatives.
Content
Hacendado desalted cod: what's in the tray
The most common types of desalted cod sold at Mercadona include loins, chunks, and flakes. The brand is Hacendado, and the main supplier has historically been Angulas Aguinaga (also the manufacturer of Gula del Norte). The cod is usually Gadus morhua , of Atlantic origin, and is industrially desalted.
| Usual reference | Approx. weight | Indicative price | €/kg approx. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desalted cod loins | 300-400 g | 5-7 € | 15-20 €/kg |
| Salt cod tacos | 300 g | 4-5 € | 13-17 €/kg |
| Crumbs of desalted cod | 200-300 g | 3-4 € | 12-15 €/kg |
| Dried cod (not desalted) | Variable | Variable | 18-25 €/kg |
Industrial vs. artisanal process: what changes
Industrial desalting (like that used by Mercadona) employs pressurized water injection and rapid 24-48 hour cycles. The result is functional cod, with a slightly softer and less flaky texture than traditionally desalted cod.
Artisanal desalting (like that done at market fishmongers) is slower: 48-72 hours in cold water, changing it every 8 hours. The result has a better texture, a finer flaking, and a more controlled salt level.
| Criterion | Industrial (Mercadona) | Craftsman (specialist) |
|---|---|---|
| Desalination time | 24-48h (accelerated) | 48-72h (traditional) |
| Texture | Softer, less laminated | Firm, laminated, "opens in sheets" |
| Salt point | Standard (uniform) | Customized by cut |
| Conservation | MAP (modified atmosphere) | Fresh, consume within 3-5 days |
| Price €/kg | €13-20 | €32-55 |
Which recipes DOES work well with Mercadona cod?
- Croquettes and fritters : the cod is crumbled and mixed with béchamel sauce, the texture matters less
- Stews and soups : Lenten stew, cod with tomato, garlic and bread soup
- Salads : esqueixada, warm salad
- Fillings : empanadas, Galician empanada
Related products of Cod
Which recipes are worth looking for alternatives for?
- Pil-pil : you need skin with gelatin and a firm texture. The selected agave leaves give the best results.
- Confit : a quality thick loin makes all the difference
- Grilled : if the cod is thin or soft, it falls apart.
- Celebration dishes : when cod is the sole star of the dish
Alternatives to Mercadona's cod
| Alternative | Approx. price €/kg | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Market fishmonger | €28-45 | Custom cut, personalized advice |
| Specialized online store | €32-55 | Selected origin (Iceland), shipped with refrigeration |
| El Corte Inglés gourmet | €25-40 | More variety than Mercadona, premium brands |
| Dried cod (desalinate at home) | €18-30 | You control the desalting, more flavor |
Conclusions
- Hacendado desalted cod: what's in the tray: The most common references to desalted cod at Mercadona include loins, chunks and crumbs.
- Industrial vs artisanal process: what changes: Industrial desalination (like that of Mercadona) uses pressurized water injection and rapid cycles of 24-48h.
- Alternatives to Mercadona cod: Yes, the references for Hacendado desalted cod are Gadus morhua.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mercadona cod authentic Gadus morhua?
Yes, the Hacendado brand of desalted cod is Gadus morhua . It is not ling or pollock (which are sold separately as "salted fish").
Why is cod at Mercadona so cheap?
Bulk purchasing, rapid industrial desalination, modified atmosphere packaging, and in-house distribution. The cost chain is highly efficient.
Does Mercadona sell cocochas or cod snout?
Rarely. These premium cuts are found in market fishmongers or specialty stores like Bacalalo.com.
Can you make pil-pil sauce with cod from Mercadona?
It's worth trying, but the gelatin in the skin of commercially produced cod is less abundant. For a pil-pil sauce that binds well, a selected cod fillet from a specialty shop yields better results.
Which is the best desalted cod?
Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). It is fished mainly in northern Europe, in areas such as Iceland, Norway, and the Faroe Islands. It is the most common variety and the most highly valued gastronomically for salting.
Does desalted cod contain anisakis?
Is salted cod healthy?
Salt cod is an excellent source of lean protein, low in fat, and rich in essential nutrients. It is especially known for its high omega-3 fatty acid content, which helps improve cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering cholesterol levels.
Comparison based on publicly available information (February 2026). Prices are indicative and may vary depending on the establishment and season. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
→ See our selection of desalted cod from Iceland
Discover our selection at Bacalalo.com
