Summary: Mercadona is where most Spaniards buy cod. Its Hacendado brand offers several desalted cod products at competitive prices. But what exactly are you buying? We analyze its origin, process, formats, and when it's worth looking for alternatives.
At Bacalalo, we have been selecting every piece of cod at Mercat del Ninot since 1990.
Mercadona is where most Spaniards buy cod. Its Hacendado brand offers several desalted cod products at competitive prices. But what exactly are you buying? We analyze its origin, process, formats, and when it's worth looking for alternatives.
Hacendado Desalted Cod: What's in the Tray
The most common Hacendado desalted cod products at Mercadona include loins, chunks (tacos), and flakes (migas). 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 from the Atlantic, desalted industrially.
| Common Product | Approx. Weight | Approx. Price | Approx. €/kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desalted Cod Loins | 300-400 g | 5-7 € | 15-20 €/kg |
| Desalted Cod Chunks | 300 g | 4-5 € | 13-17 €/kg |
| Desalted Cod Flakes | 200-300 g | 3-4 € | 12-15 €/kg |
| Dry Cod (unsalted) | Variable | Variable | 18-25 €/kg |
Industrial vs. Artisanal Process: What Changes
Industrial desalting (like Mercadona's) uses pressure water injection and rapid cycles of 24-48h. The result is a functional cod, with a slightly softer and less flaky texture than traditionally desalted cod.
Artisanal desalting (like that in market fishmongers) is slower: 48-72h in cold water, changing it every 8h. The result has more texture, better flaking, and a more controlled salt point.
| Criterion | Industrial (Mercadona) | Artisanal (Specialist) |
|---|---|---|
| Desalting Time | 24-48h (accelerated) | 48-72h (traditional) |
| Texture | Softer, less flaky | Firm, flaky, "opens in leaves" |
| Salt Level | Standard (uniform) | Customized by cut |
| Preservation | MAP (modified atmosphere) | Fresh, consume within 3-5 days |
| Price €/kg | 13-20 € | 32-55 € |
Recipes Where Mercadona Cod Works Well
- Croquettes and fritters: the cod is shredded and mixed with béchamel, texture matters less
- Stews and potages: lenten stew, cod with tomato, ajoarriero
- Salads: esqueixada, warm salad
- Fillings: empanadillas, Galician empanada
Related Products from Bacalalo
Recipes Where You Should Seek an Alternative
- Pil-pil: you need skin with gelatin and a firm texture. Selected "penca" (belly flap) gives better results
- Confit: a thick, quality loin makes all the difference
- Grilled: if the cod is thin or soft, it will fall apart
- Celebration dishes: when cod is the sole star of the dish
📊 Mercadona vs Bacalalo: Quick Comparison
| Criterion | Mercadona | Bacalalo |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Gadus morhua (variable) | 100% Icelandic Gadus morhua |
| Desalting Process | Industrial | Artisanal, no additives |
| Approx. Price/kg | ~14-18€ | ~40-50€ |
| Shrinkage when cooking | ~20% (added water) | ~5% (natural dry product) |
| Real Price/serving | ~4.20€ | ~5.00€ |
| For pil-pil/oven | Not ideal | Ideal (more gelatin) |
| Delivery | Go to store | 24-48h to your door |
The real difference per serving is only €0.80. For recipes where cod is the star (pil-pil, oven, confit), it's worth it.
Alternatives to Mercadona Cod
| Alternative | Approx. Price €/kg | Main Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Market Fishmonger | 28-45 € | Custom cut, personalized advice |
| Specialized Online Store | 32-55 € | Selected origin (Iceland), chilled delivery |
| El Corte Inglés Gourmet | 25-40 € | More variety than Mercadona, premium brands |
| Dry Cod (desalt at home) | 18-30 € | You control desalting, more flavor |
Want to taste the difference?
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Conclusions
- Hacendado Desalted Cod: What's in the Tray: The most common Hacendado desalted cod products at Mercadona include loins, chunks (tacos), and flakes (migas).
- Industrial vs. Artisanal Process: What Changes: Industrial desalting (like Mercadona's) uses pressure water injection and rapid cycles of 24-48h.
- Alternatives to Mercadona Cod: Yes, Hacendado's desalted cod products are Gadus morhua.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mercadona cod authentic Gadus morhua?
Yes, Hacendado's desalted cod products are Gadus morhua. It is not ling or pollock (which are sold separately as "salted fish").
Why is Mercadona cod so cheap?
Mass purchasing, rapid industrial desalting, modified atmosphere packaging, and its own distribution. The cost chain is very efficient.
Does Mercadona sell cod cheeks or cod jowls?
Rarely. These premium cuts can be found at market fishmongers or specialized stores like Bacalalo.com.
Can pil-pil be made with Mercadona cod?
It can be attempted, but the gelatin in the skin of industrial cod is less abundant. For a well-emulsified pil-pil, a selected "penca" (belly flap) from a specialized store yields better results.
What is the best desalted cod?
Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). It is mainly caught in Northern Europe, in areas like Iceland, Norway, and the Faroe Islands. It is the most common variety and the most gastronomically valued for salting.
Does desalted cod have anisakis?
Is salted cod healthy?
Salted cod is an excellent source of lean protein, low in fat, and rich in essential nutrients. It is particularly known for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which help improve cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering cholesterol levels.
Comparison based on public information (February 2026). Indicative prices may vary by establishment and season. Brands are property of their respective owners.
→ See our selection of desalted cod from Iceland
Discover our selection at Bacalalo.com
