Summary: Discount supermarkets (Lidl, Aldi, Dia) have greatly improved their fish selection. What cod can you find in each? Is it suitable for a pil-pil or just for croquettes? We analyze the real offer.
Discover our entire catalog at Bacalalo, cod specialists since 1990.
Discount supermarkets (Lidl, Aldi, Dia) have greatly improved their fish selection. What cod can you find in each? Is it suitable for a pil-pil or just for croquettes? We analyze the real offer.
Contents
What cod is available at each chain
| Chain | Main format | Typical origin | Approx. price €/kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lidl | Desalted loins, frozen cod | Norway, North Atlantic | 14-22 €/kg |
| Aldi | Desalted loins and pieces | Atlantic (variable) | 13-20 €/kg |
| Dia | Basic desalted, frozen | Variable | 12-18 €/kg |
Note: Lidl stands out for its "Deluxe" range which, in season (Christmas, Easter), includes higher quality cod at a competitive price.
Lidl: the discount surprise
Lidl has made a strong commitment to quality in its fish section. Its standard desalted cod is acceptable, and the Deluxe range offers Norwegian cod loins that compete with traditional supermarkets. Limitation: the offer is not constant — it depends on weekly rotation.
Aldi: functional and affordable
Aldi maintains a small but practical assortment. Its desalted cod is suitable for daily cooking. Don't expect a variety of cuts or advice, but the value for money is fair.
Related products from Bacalalo
Dia: the neighborhood option
Dia has the most basic cod offering of the three. It works for urgent purchases or simple recipes. For quality cod, it's not the first choice.
When to buy cod at a discount supermarket
- Limited budget: the best value for money for everyday use
- Recipes where cod is mixed: croquettes, fritters, stews, salads
- Quick purchase: without going to the market or waiting for delivery
- Try new recipes: without investing much if it goes wrong
When to look for an alternative
- Signature dish: pil-pil, confit, grilled — cod is the main course
- Special cuts: kokotxas, snout, flank — you won't find them at Lidl
- Event or celebration: Christmas, Easter, an important dinner
- Dried cod to desalt yourself: more control over flavor, available at markets or online stores
Alternative: specialized online store
An online store like Bacalalo.com offers all cuts (loin, snout, kokotxa, flank, flakes), dried cod for home desalting, and ready-made preparations. The price is higher than a discount supermarket, but the quality, variety, and advice are incomparable.
💡 The premium alternative that costs less than you think
The real difference between discount cod and premium cod is ~€0.80 per serving when you calculate the shrinkage. For recipes where cod is the star, it's worth it.
⭐ 4.9/5 · Chilled delivery 24-48h · Since 1990 at Mercat del Ninot
Conclusions
- What cod is available at each chain: Note: Lidl stands out for its "Deluxe" range which, in season (Christmas, Easter), includes higher quality cod at a competitive price.
- Lidl: the discount surprise: Lidl has made a strong commitment to quality in its fish section.
- Alternative: specialized online store: Depends on the specific product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lidl cod better than Mercadona cod?
It depends on the specific product. Lidl's Deluxe range can outperform standard Hacendado, but it's not a constant in the assortment. Hacendado is always available.
Is Aldi's frozen cod worth it?
For stews and croquettes, yes. It's economical and does the job. For dishes where texture matters, fresh or artisanal desalted cod is better.
Which is cheaper, Aldi or Lidl?
What is the name of the fish that is not cod but is similar?
Pollock, a white fish low in cholesterol and very similar to cod. With a smooth texture and fine flesh, it is a light and healthy fish for our diets.
Are Aldi and Lidl the same?
Comparison based on public information (February 2026). Indicative prices that may vary by establishment and season. Brands are property of their respective owners.
→ See our selection of desalted Icelandic cod
Discover our selection at Bacalalo.com
What cod each chain offers: specific products
Each discount chain has its own strategy with cod. Here's what you'll find in each:
Lidl
- Frozen cod (loins and portions): Nixe brand, 400g portions. Origin: North Atlantic (generic). Good value for money for grilling.
- Refrigerated desalted cod: appears during thematic weeks (Flavors of Portugal, Sea Week). It's not a fixed product — if you see it, buy it because it might take weeks to return.
- Breaded/battered cod: frozen format, convenient for children. Acceptable quality.
- Dried cod (salted): only during Christmas and Easter in some Lidls.
Aldi
- Frozen cod fillets: own brand, 400g bag. Similar to Lidl's in quality and price.
- Cod in sauce: frozen ready meals (cod à la Vizcaína, with tomato). Convenient but industrial taste.
- No fresh or salted cod: Aldi usually does not have a fish counter or salted products.
Dia
- Frozen cod: Dia and Pescanova brands. The private label is more economical; Pescanova offers more size guarantee.
- Salted cod: in some Dia Market stores with a deli section, you can find salted cod. Variable origin, average quality.
- Cod flakes: economical format, useful for croquettes. Good option if budget is a concern.
Price analysis: is it really cheaper?
| Product | Lidl (€/kg) | Aldi (€/kg) | Dia (€/kg) | Specialist (€/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen loins | 12-14€ | 11-13€ | 10-15€ | Not comparable |
| Frozen portions | 10-12€ | 10-12€ | 9-13€ | Not comparable |
| Desalted cod | 15-20€ (seasonal) | — | 14-18€ | 35-55€ |
| Salted cod | 18-22€ (seasonal) | — | 16-22€ | 25-40€ |
Price conclusion: for frozen products, the three chains are competitive with each other (difference of 1-2€/kg). The real difference lies in comparing discount frozen cod (10-15€/kg) with premium desalted Icelandic cod (35-55€/kg). These are completely different products.
Quality vs. price: when a specialist is worth it
The key question isn't "is Lidl cod good?" but "what do I want it for?":
- Quick weeknight dinner (grilled cod with vegetables): frozen cod from Lidl, Aldi, or Dia works perfectly. It's not worth paying 3x more.
- Croquettes or fritters: Dia or Pescanova flakes are sufficient. The cod mixes with béchamel, and the difference is softened.
- Pil-pil or confit cod: here, discount frozen cod fails. You need cod with natural gelatin (only salted/desalted cod has it). Look for quality: Icelandic cod.
- Dinner with guests or celebration: premium cod makes a difference. The extra investment is noticeable in every bite.
- Traditional Basque or Catalan recipes: tradition calls for salted cod, desalted artisanally. Industrial frozen cod is no substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lidl cod Gadus morhua or macrocephalus?
Most of Lidl's frozen cod (Nixe brand) is Gadus macrocephalus (Pacific cod). It's indicated on the label in small print. Gadus morhua (Atlantic) is what is used in traditional Spanish cuisine and has better flavor, but it is more expensive and rarely appears in discount chains.
When does Lidl offer desalted cod?
Lidl usually includes refrigerated desalted cod in its thematic weeks: "Flavors of Portugal" (2-3 times a year), the week before Easter, and sometimes at Christmas. It is not a fixed product. Check Lidl's weekly flyer or app so you don't miss it.
Is private label cod safe?
Completely safe. All cod marketed in Spain complies with food safety regulations (traceability, anisakid control in frozen products, allergen labeling). The difference with premium brands is not safety but organoleptic quality (flavor, texture, origin).
Can I use supermarket cod for traditional recipes?
You can, but the result will be different from what you expect. Traditional Basque and Catalan recipes were developed with salted/desalted cod, which has its own gelatin, texture, and flavor. Using industrial frozen cod gives a "correct" but not authentic result. For your first time, try with the appropriate product.
Where can I buy quality cod online if there isn't a specialized store nearby?
At Bacalalo.com, they ship premium Icelandic and Norwegian cod throughout Spain in 24-48 hours, with isothermal packaging. Ideal if you live in an area where your cod options are limited to Lidl, Aldi, or Dia and you want to upgrade your quality.
