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Summary: Mercadona offers cod at affordable prices in frozen and salted formats under the Hacendado brand. Specialized stores like Bacalalo work with traditionally cured Icelandic cod. In this comparison, we analyze origin, format, price, and quality to help you choose according to your needs.
What cod Mercadona offers
Mercadona is the leading supermarket in Spain by market share, and its fish section includes several cod options under its own Hacendado brand, as well as some supplier brands. The offer is mainly divided into three categories:
Frozen cod
The most common option at Mercadona is frozen cod. It is presented in different formats:
- Frozen cod loins: individual portions, generally from the Pacific (Alaska pollock or Pacific cod). Approximate price between 8 and 12 euros per kilo depending on format and season.
- Frozen shredded cod: shredded cod already prepared for incorporation into dishes such as fritters, salads, or scrambled eggs. Practical 400-500 g format.
- Portions and fillets: cod in pre-cut portions, ready to cook. Sold in bags from 400 g to 1 kg.
Salted cod
Mercadona also offers salted cod in its refrigerated section:
- Salted cod in pieces: available in containers or cut at the counter (depending on the store). The origin is usually varied, including cod from Norway or Iceland in some references.
- Shredded salted cod: shredded salted cod to desalt and use in traditional recipes.
Canned cod and prepared dishes
- Cod al pil pil in a jar: ready-to-heat prepared dishes.
- Cod fritters: frozen prepared product.
It is important to note that Mercadona rotates its suppliers and references, so exact availability may vary between stores and seasons. The prices indicated are indicative based on available public information.
What a specialized store like Bacalalo offers
Specialized cod stores, such as Bacalalo (since 1990 at the Mercat del Ninot in Barcelona), work with a different approach focused on selecting the origin and the curing process:
Controlled origin: Iceland
The cod handled in specialized establishments generally comes from Iceland, considered the highest quality fishing area for Gadus morhua (Atlantic cod). The cold, clean waters of Iceland produce cod with firmer, whiter flesh and better texture after desalting.
Traditional curing
Unlike industrial frozen cod, traditional salted cod is cured with salt for weeks or months. This process:
- Concentrates the flavor and nutrients of the fish
- Provides a characteristic texture that flakes easily
- Facilitates natural gelling for dishes like pil pil
- Offers a long shelf life without the need for freezing
Specialized cuts
A specialized store offers specific cuts for each recipe:
- Loin: the thickest and juiciest piece, ideal for main courses
- Penca: thinner piece with more gelatin, perfect for pil pil
- Shredded cod: trimmings and shredded pieces from the same premium cuts
- Kokotxas: the bottom part of the head, considered a delicacy
- Callos: cod tripe, for traditional Basque and Galician recipes
Advice and tradition
The added value of a specialized store includes personalized advice: desalting times according to the thickness of the piece, cooking techniques for each cut, and recommendations for traditional recipes.
Objective comparative table
| Criterion | Mercadona (Hacendado) | Specialized store |
|---|---|---|
| Main origin | Pacific, Norway, variable | Iceland (Gadus morhua) |
| Species | Gadus morhua and other species | Exclusively Gadus morhua |
| Main format | Frozen (majority) | Traditionally cured salted |
| Approximate price/kg | 8-15 €/kg | 19-30 €/kg |
| Variety of cuts | Loins, shredded, portions | Loins, "pencas", shredded, kokotxas, tripe |
| Process | Industrial freezing | Traditional salt curing |
| Advice | Limited (self-service) | Personalized by experts |
| Availability | +1,700 stores in Spain | Physical store + online delivery |
| Convenience | High (buy alongside other products) | Requires specific order |
Note: prices are indicative and may vary depending on season, promotions, and availability.
Differences by origin of cod
Not all cod is the same, and the origin makes a significant difference in flavor and texture. It is important to understand which species are marketed under the generic name "cod":
Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua)
This is the true cod, the one that has been consumed in traditional Spanish cuisine for centuries. It is fished in North Atlantic waters, with Iceland, Norway, and the Faroe Islands being the most valued areas. Icelandic cod is considered top quality for:
- Colder, cleaner waters that concentrate flavor
- Sustainable fishing with strict quotas controlled by the Icelandic government
- Whiter, firmer flesh with better gelling capacity
Pacific Cod and other species
In the mass consumer market, it is common to find other species sold as "cod":
- Gadus macrocephalus (Pacific cod): milder flavor, less firm texture
- Theragra chalcogramma (Alaska pollock): technically not cod, but used for processed products
Legislation requires species and origin to be indicated on the label, so it is always advisable to check this information before buying.
The curing process: industrial vs traditional
The difference between frozen cod and cured salted cod goes beyond preservation; it directly affects the culinary outcome:
Frozen cod
Frozen cod is processed shortly after capture. It is cleaned, cut, and blast frozen at -40°C. Advantages:
- Preserves the fresh flavor of the fish
- Does not require desalting
- Quick preparation
Limitations:
- May lose texture upon thawing
- Releases more water during cooking
- Does not produce the gelling necessary for dishes like traditional pil pil
Cured salted cod
Salted cod is cured in salt for a period that can range from weeks to months. This ancestral process:
- Transforms the fish protein, creating a unique texture
- Concentrates the natural umami flavor
- Allows for gelling (the natural gelatin that emulsifies with oil in pil pil)
- Produces characteristic flakes when it breaks apart
Desalting is a necessary step (24-48 hours in cold water, changing the water every 8 hours), but many cooks consider it part of the gastronomic ritual.
When it makes sense to buy cod at Mercadona
Mercadona is an excellent option in several scenarios. Being honest about this is important so that each consumer can make the best decision according to their circumstances:
- Everyday shopping: if you need cod for a quick weeknight dinner, frozen is practical and accessible.
- Tight budget: the price per kilo of frozen cod at Mercadona is significantly lower, making it ideal for families who want to include fish in their diet regularly.
- Convenience: you can buy it along with the rest of your weekly groceries, without additional trips.
- Simple recipes: for dishes like battered cod, in salad, or grilled, frozen cod yields good results.
- Shredded cod for fritters: frozen shredded cod works well for everyday fritters and croquettes.
- Urgency: when you haven't planned ahead and need something immediate (no desalting time).
When to choose a specialized store
A specialized store provides clear added value in these cases:
- Traditional recipes: for a pil pil, bacalao a la vizcaína, or al ajoarriero, cured salted cod is essential to achieve the authentic result.
- Special occasions: Christmas dinners, family celebrations, or meals with guests where the quality of the ingredient makes a difference.
- Quality cooking: if you enjoy cooking and value premium ingredients, Icelandic cod offers a superior experience.
- Specific cuts: kokotxas, cod tripe, or pencas for pil pil are only found in specialized stores.
- Gastronomic gift: a batch of premium cod is an original and appreciated gift.
- Advice: if you don't have experience with salted cod, a specialist will guide you on desalting times and cooking techniques.
Real price per kilo analysis
The price per kilo is the most objective metric for comparison, but there are important nuances to consider:
At Mercadona
Frozen cod at Mercadona ranges from 8 to 15 €/kg depending on the format and species. This price includes the weight of the glazing water (the protective ice layer), which can represent 10-20% of the total weight. The real price of the thawed product is, therefore, slightly higher than indicated on the package.
In a specialized store
Salted cod in a specialized store is generally sold between 19 and 30 €/kg dry weight (salted). After desalting, the cod absorbs water and increases its weight by 20-30%, so the effective price per kilo of ready-to-cook product is proportionally reduced.
Real comparison
If we adjust both prices to the ready-to-cook product:
- Mercadona (unglazed): approximately 10-18 €/kg effective
- Specialized (after desalting): approximately 15-23 €/kg effective
The real difference is smaller than it appears at first glance, although supermarket cod is still more economical. The question is whether that price difference justifies the quality difference, and that depends on how you plan to use it.
Related products from Bacalalo
Frequently asked questions
Is Mercadona's cod good quality?
Mercadona's cod offers decent quality for its price range. It is suitable for daily consumption and simple recipes. For traditional recipes that require cured salted cod (pil pil, vizcaína), specialized stores offer a more suitable product.
What is the difference between frozen cod and salted cod?
Frozen cod is preserved by blast freezing and maintains a more neutral flavor. Salted cod is cured in salt for weeks, which transforms its texture and concentrates its flavor. Salted cod requires prior desalting (24-48h) but offers unique texture and flavor, especially for pil pil's gelling.
How much does cod cost at Mercadona?
The price of cod at Mercadona varies by format: frozen cod ranges from €8 to €15/kg, while refrigerated salted cod can be between €12 and €18/kg. Prices may vary depending on the season and current promotions.
Can you make pil pil with frozen cod from Mercadona?
Technically you can try, but the result will not be the same. Traditional pil pil requires the natural gelatin that develops during the salt-curing process of cod. Frozen cod has less gelatin, which makes it difficult to achieve the characteristic emulsion of pil pil sauce.
Is it worth paying more for cod from Iceland?
It depends on the use. For everyday consumption, supermarket cod is a perfectly valid and more economical option. For special occasions or traditional recipes where cod is the star, cod from Iceland offers an appreciable difference in flavor and texture that many chefs consider worth the investment.
Is everything sold as cod actually cod?
Not always. True cod is Gadus morhua (Atlantic) or Gadus macrocephalus (Pacific). Some processed products may use other species such as Alaska pollock. Legislation requires the species to be indicated on the label, so it's advisable to read the fine print before buying.
🛒 Products mentioned in this article
⭐ 4.9/5 · 24-48h refrigerated shipping · Since 1990 at Mercat del Ninot
Conclusion: two valid options for different needs
The choice between cod from Mercadona and a specialty store is not a question of "better or worse" in absolute terms, but rather of suitability for each situation:
Mercadona offers convenience, accessible price, and immediate availability. It is a sensible option for regular consumption, quick recipes, and tight budgets. Its network of over 1,700 stores in Spain makes it the most accessible option for most consumers.
A specialty store offers selection by origin, artisanal process, and a variety of specific cuts. It is the recommended option for traditional recipes where cod is the protagonist, special occasions, and for those who value complete product traceability.
Many gastronomy lovers combine both options: supermarket cod for everyday use and specialty store cod for recipes that deserve a premium ingredient. There is no single correct answer; the best option is the one that suits your needs, budget, and the recipe you have in mind.
Informative comparison based on public data. Prices and availability may vary.
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