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

BonPreu: A Leading Catalan Cooperative

BonPreu is one of Catalonia's most beloved supermarket chains. 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 generalist supermarket, the cod section has inherent limitations in terms of variety of cuts, control of specific origin, and the personalized advice that only a specialist can offer. This is not a criticism of BonPreu—it's 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 different 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 like 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, which ensures reasonable freshness in refrigerated products.

Where BonPreu falls somewhat short is in the variety of special cuts. Pieces like kokotxa (cod cheeks), thick tails for roasting, snouts for pil-pil, or extra-thick, first-grade loins are harder to find on a supermarket shelf. For these pieces, the expertise of a specialist who works directly with Icelandic cod makes a significant difference.

Price Comparison: BonPreu vs. Specialist

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

As we can see, BonPreu offers more competitive prices for 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, everyday purchases.

However, the price per kilo doesn't tell the whole story. From a specialist, cod usually comes with a more controlled salt and drying point, meaning that when desalted, you lose less weight in water and get more usable product. Furthermore, premium cuts are simply not available in the supermarket format.

Related Cod Products

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Cod Origin and Quality: Where Does it Come From?

The origin of cod is one of the most influential factors in 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 culinary professionals. The cold, clean waters of the Icelandic North Atlantic produce cod with white, firm flesh, 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 have a slightly 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 available cod 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's shop, like those in Barcelona's Mercat del Ninot, you can ask exactly which area 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're cooking for everyday meals: A midweek cod stew, croquettes for the kids, or a quick baked cod doesn'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're 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 hours and the possibility of doing 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 fresh product rotation 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 in the dish. These are the scenarios where investing a little more provides a clear culinary return:

A specialist makes a difference when:

• You are preparing dishes where cod is the star: A pil-pil, a confit cod, or a low-temperature 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 makes a difference.
• You need specific cuts: Cod cheeks, snouts, 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 are buying in bulk: For events, celebrations, or for storage, a specialist can prepare custom batches.

In Barcelona, Mercat del Ninot has been a benchmark 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 on a supermarket shelf, 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 uniform 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 ammonia or rancid.
• If you buy 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're preparing that special pil-pil, that brandade to impress, or simply want the best possible ingredients—a specialist offers an experience that a 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.