Cod at BonPreu: Prices, Quality and Specialized Alternatives [2026]

BonPreu: A Leading Catalan Cooperative

BonPreu is one of the most beloved supermarket chains in Catalonia. Founded in 1974 in Manlleu, this Catalan cooperative has grown to over 200 establishments across the Catalan territory. Its philosophy is based on offering local and quality products, with a strong commitment to local producers.

What distinguishes BonPreu from large national chains is its dedication to Catalan products. Its own brand includes a wide range of fresh and prepared products that reflect the region's gastronomic tradition. In the fish section, BonPreu usually offers a reasonable selection of both fresh fish and salted and preserved products.

However, as with any general supermarket, the cod section has inherent limitations in terms of variety of cuts, specific origin control, and the personalized advice that only a specialist can offer. This is not a criticism of BonPreu — it is simply the nature of the supermarket format versus the specialized store.

BonPreu's Cod Offering

In a typical BonPreu, you will find several cod options that cover the basic needs of Catalan cuisine:

• Salted cod: generally loins and pieces of various sizes, vacuum-packed or in trays
• Desalted cod: ready-to-cook portions, a convenient option for those who don't want to go through the desalting process
• Frozen cod: ultra-frozen fillets and loins, usually of Norwegian or Icelandic origin
• Flakes and shredded cod: shredded cod for fritters, croquettes, and other preparations

BonPreu usually includes brands such as Pescados Rubio, Bacalao Irmãos, or its own brand in its assortment, which offer a decent product for everyday use. Product rotation at BonPreu is good, ensuring reasonable freshness in refrigerated products.

Where BonPreu falls somewhat short is in the variety of special cuts. Pieces such as kokotxa (cod cheeks), thick tails for roasting, maw for pil-pil, or premium extra-thick loins are harder to find in a supermarket aisle. For these pieces, the expertise of a specialist who works directly with Icelandic cod makes a notable difference.

Price Comparison: BonPreu vs Specialist

One of the key factors in purchasing decisions is price. Let's see how the options compare:

As we can see, BonPreu offers more competitive prices on standard formats, which is expected given its purchasing volume and business model. The price difference for standard loins and portions is around 15-25%, which can be significant for regular daily purchases.

However, the price per kilo does not tell the whole story. In a specialist store, cod usually comes with more controlled salt and drying levels, meaning that when desalting, you lose less weight in water and get more usable product. Furthermore, premium cuts are simply not available in the supermarket format.

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Origin and Quality of Cod: Where Does It Come From?

The origin of cod is one of the factors that most influences its final quality. Not all cod is the same, and its provenance determines the texture, flavor, and culinary versatility of the piece.

Icelandic Cod: Considered the best in the world by most gastronomy professionals. The cold, clean waters of the North Atlantic around Iceland produce white, firm-fleshed cod with large flakes and a clean, delicate flavor. It is preferred for dishes such as pil-pil, brandade, or simply confit.

Norwegian Cod: Also of excellent quality, though with distinct nuances. It tends to be slightly more fibrous and has a somewhat more pronounced flavor. It is the most common option in supermarkets across Europe.

Faroese Cod: A lesser-known but remarkably high-quality alternative, with characteristics similar to Icelandic cod.

At BonPreu, the cod available is usually of Norwegian or, occasionally, Icelandic origin, but the specific catch area or processing method (natural air-drying vs. industrial drying) is rarely specified. At a specialist like those at Barcelona's Mercat del Ninot, you can ask exactly which part of Iceland the cod comes from, how it was dried, and how long it has been cured.

This traceability is not a gastronomic whim: it directly affects the result on the plate. Cod dried naturally in the air for months develops flavors and textures that accelerated industrial drying simply cannot replicate.

When Buying Cod at BonPreu Makes Sense

Let's be honest: BonPreu is an excellent option in many situations. You don't always need premium Icelandic cod, and recognizing that is part of being a smart consumer.

BonPreu is ideal when:

• You cook for everyday meals: A weekday cod stew, croquettes for the kids, or a quick baked cod don't require the most premium piece on the market.
• You need quick desalted cod: BonPreu's ready-to-cook desalted portions are very practical when you haven't planned ahead.
• You are looking for flakes or shredded cod: For fritters, croquettes, or salads, supermarket flakes work perfectly.
• You value convenience: BonPreu is in your neighborhood, with long opening hours and the ability to do all your shopping in one place.
• Your budget is tight: The 15-25% savings on standard formats is real and legitimate.

BonPreu also has the advantage of its commitment to Catalan and local products, which translates into generally good rotation of fresh products and a guaranteed minimum quality level that surpasses many national chains.

When a Specialist is Worth It

There are times when the difference between supermarket cod and specialist cod is truly noticeable on the plate. These are the scenarios where investing a little more brings a clear gastronomic return:

A specialist makes a difference when:

• You are preparing dishes where cod is the star: A pil-pil, a confit cod, or a slow-cooked loin needs premium ingredients to shine.
• You are cooking for a special occasion: Christmas dinner, an important family meal, or when you want to impress, premium quality stands out.
• You need specific cuts: Kokotxas (cheeks), maw, thick tails, or extra-thick loins that simply don't exist in the supermarket.
• You value advice: A specialist tells you exactly how much cod you need, how to desalt it for your specific recipe, and which cut is best for each preparation.
• You want guaranteed Icelandic cod: With complete traceability, natural drying, and controlled curing.
• You buy in bulk: For events, celebrations, or for storage, a specialist can prepare custom batches.

In Barcelona, the Mercat del Ninot has been a reference for seafood products for over 90 years. The experience of buying cod from a professional who works exclusively with this product, who smells it, touches it, and knows it, is difficult to replicate in a supermarket aisle, no matter how good it is.

Practical Cod Buying Guide

Regardless of where you buy your cod, these tips will help you choose better:

Visual aspects:

• The color should be uniformly white-yellowish, without dark spots or greenish areas.
• The flesh should be firm to the touch, not soft or sticky.
• The flakes should be visible and well-defined, a sign of good drying.

Smell:

• Good salted cod smells of salt and sea, never of ammonia or rancidness.
• If buying desalted, the smell should be mild and fresh.

Correct desalting:

• Thick loins: 48-72 hours in cold water, changing every 8-12 hours.
• Medium pieces: 36-48 hours.
• Flakes: 12-24 hours.
• Always in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
• The trick: taste a small piece before cooking to check the salt level.

Storage:

• Salted, well-wrapped in film: up to 3 months in the refrigerator.
• Desalted: consume within 2-3 days or freeze immediately.
• Frozen: up to 6 months without significant loss of quality.

Conclusion

BonPreu is a Catalan cooperative that deserves recognition for its commitment to quality and local products. Its cod offering is adequate and more than sufficient for everyday cooking, with competitive prices and the convenience of a well-stocked neighborhood supermarket.

However, when cod is the star of the dish — when you prepare that special pil-pil, that brandade to impress, or simply want the best possible raw material — a specialist offers an experience that the supermarket cannot match: complete traceability, custom cuts, professional advice, and the guarantee of working with naturally dried Icelandic cod.

The practical recommendation is clear: use BonPreu for your daily cod and turn to a specialist when the occasion calls for it. Both options have their place in a well-organized kitchen.

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