Mercadona offers desalted, salted, and frozen cod at competitive prices, but not all cod is created equal. After 35 years selling cod in Mercat del Ninot, I'll explain exactly what you'll find at Mercadona, how much it costs per kilo, and when it makes sense to buy it there versus from a specialist.
Content
- Types of cod at Mercadona
- Updated prices per kilo
- Mercadona's desalted cod: what to expect
- Salted cod at Mercadona
- Frozen cod: the economical option
- Comparison table: Mercadona vs premium cod
- When it makes sense to buy at Mercadona
- When to go to a specialist
- Common mistakes when buying cod at the supermarket
- Frequently asked questions
- Conclusions
Types of cod at Mercadona
Mercadona mainly works with its Hacendado brand to offer cod in three formats: desalted and refrigerated, salted in the cured fish section, and frozen. Each format has a distinct use, a different price, and, above all, a quality that varies greatly depending on its origin and processing.
The first thing to know is that Mercadona doesn't always label the specific species. The denomination "cod" in supermarkets can include Gadus morhua (the authentic Atlantic cod) but also species like Gadus macrocephalus (Pacific cod), which is cheaper and has a less firm texture.
Quick summary of formats
- Refrigerated desalted: ready to cook, vacuum-packed, short shelf life (5-7 days).
- Salted: pieces in the cured fish section, requires desalting for 24-48 hours.
- Frozen: ultra-frozen loins and portions, the most economical format.
Updated prices per kilo
Cod prices at Mercadona vary by season and format. These are the usual ranges in 2026:
| Format | Price/kg at Mercadona | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated desalted (loins) | 14-18 €/kg | Gadus morhua or macrocephalus, vacuum-packed |
| Refrigerated desalted (flakes/shredded) | 10-13 €/kg | Ideal for croquettes, fritters |
| Salted (whole piece) | 12-16 €/kg | Requires homemade desalting |
| Frozen (loins) | 8-12 €/kg | Softer texture after thawing |
| Frozen (portions) | 6-9 €/kg | Small pieces, practical for daily use |
These prices are indicative. Mercadona adjusts its prices regularly and they can vary by 10-15% between seasons. Lent and Christmas often bring price increases.
Mercadona's desalted cod: what to expect
Mercadona's desalted cod is, without a doubt, its star product in this category. It is sold vacuum-packed, ready to cook, and is the most convenient option for those who don't want to wait the 24-48 hours of traditional desalting.
What you need to know:
- Industrial desalting is a different process from homemade. A controlled immersion technique is used, which is faster but can affect the final texture. The result is a softer cod with less character than one desalted slowly at home.
- Preservation: being desalted, it loses the natural protection of salt. The shelf life is 5-7 days, and the cold chain is critical.
- Yield: a supermarket desalted loin retains more water than an artisanally desalted one, meaning part of what you pay for is water.
For quick weekday recipes, Mercadona's desalted cod is perfectly adequate. For a special dinner or a recipe where cod is the main ingredient (like bacalao al pil pil or confit cod), the difference with premium cod is noticeable.
Premium Desalted Cod from Bacalalo -- Gadus morhua, artisanally desalted 48h
Norwegian cod loins slowly desalted in our workshop at Mercat del Ninot. Firm texture, defined flakes, perfect salt point. The difference is noticeable with the first bite.
Salted cod at Mercadona
In Mercadona's cured fish section, you can find salted cod in different cuts: loin, center, tail, and flakes. It is the most traditional option and offers the best value for money if you are willing to dedicate time to desalting.
Advantages of salted cod over desalted:
- Longer shelf life (weeks in the fridge if salt is maintained).
- You control the final salt level.
- Better texture if desalting is done correctly.
- Lower price per kilo.
The main drawback is that you need to plan ahead: correct desalting requires 24-48 hours with water changes every 8 hours. You can consult our complete guide to desalting cod with exact times according to the thickness of the piece.
How to choose salted cod at Mercadona
Look for these indicators:
- Color: it should be uniformly white-yellowish, without dark spots or pinkish areas.
- Smell: it should smell of salt and sea, never of ammonia.
- Texture to the touch: it should be firm, not slimy or excessively hard.
- Thickness: thicker loins (3+ cm) come from larger fish, generally of better quality.
Frozen cod: the economical option
Mercadona's frozen cod is the most affordable format, with prices that can drop below 8 €/kg for portions. It is practical for daily use, especially in stews, soups, and dishes where the cod is shredded.
What you should know about frozen cod:
- It is usually Gadus macrocephalus (Pacific), not premium Atlantic.
- Ultra-freezing partially breaks muscle fibers, resulting in a softer texture.
- Glazing (protective ice layer) can account for 10-20% of the declared weight.
- Works well for stews, soups, and dishes with plenty of sauce.
For baked cod, confit, or pil pil, frozen is not the best choice. The texture after thawing does not withstand gentle cooking where the cod needs to maintain its structure.
Comparison table: Mercadona vs premium cod
| Criterion | Mercadona | Specialist / Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Gadus morhua or macrocephalus (not always specified) | Certified Gadus morhua, traceable origin |
| Origin | Variable (Norway, Iceland, Pacific) | Norway, Iceland (specified) |
| Desalting | Industrial (fast, more retained water) | Artisanal 48h (superior texture) |
| Loin thickness | 1.5-2.5 cm medium | 3-5 cm (selected large pieces) |
| Price/kg desalted | 14-18 € | 25-40 € |
| Texture | Correct, somewhat soft | Firm, defined flakes, gelatinous |
| Ideal for | Stews, croquettes, daily use | Pil pil, confit, baked, main course |
| Advice | None | Expert at point of sale |
When it makes sense to buy cod at Mercadona
I'm not going to tell you never to buy cod at Mercadona. That would be dishonest. There are situations where it is a perfectly valid option:
- Croquettes and fritters: when cod is shredded and mixed with béchamel, the quality difference is greatly diluted. Mercadona's desalted cod flakes work well here.
- Stews with lots of sauce: in a bacalao a la vizcaína or with tomato, the sauce takes much of the spotlight.
- Quick weekday meals: if you need quality protein in 15 minutes, desalted cod ready to cook is practical.
- Tight budget: frozen cod at 8-10 €/kg is an excellent source of protein compared to other options.
When to go to a specialist
There are recipes and occasions where the quality of the cod makes all the difference:
- Bacalao al pil pil: you need a thick loin (4+ cm) with natural gelatin to bind the sauce. You only get this with premium cod.
- Low-temperature confit cod: texture is everything. Thin, soft cod falls apart.
- Baked cod as a main course: when cod is the star, there's nowhere to hide.
- Special dinners or celebrations: the extra investment (10-15 € more for a piece for 4 people) is worth it.
- When you want advice: a specialist will recommend the exact cut and thickness for your recipe.
Extra Norwegian Cod Loins -- The star cut for recipes where cod reigns supreme
Hand-selected, desalted for 48 hours in our workshop. Thickness 4-5 cm, ideal for pil pil, confit, and baking. Delivered in 24-48h with guaranteed refrigeration.
Common mistakes when buying cod at the supermarket
1. Not checking the species
Not everything labeled "cod" is Gadus morhua. Gadus macrocephalus is legitimately cod, but of inferior gastronomic quality. If the label doesn't specify, ask or assume it's the more economical option.
2. Confusing net weight with glazed weight
In frozen cod, the glaze can account for 10-20% of the total weight. Always check the drained net weight.
3. Buying desalted cod too far in advance
Desalted cod has a short shelf life. If you're not going to use it within 2-3 days, it's better to buy it salted or frozen.
4. Using frozen cod for pil pil
Pil pil needs the natural gelatin of the cod, which is partially lost with freezing. This is the recipe where the difference in quality is most noticeable.
5. Not checking the origin
Norwegian and Icelandic cod are of the highest quality. If the label doesn't indicate origin or says "Pacific waters," adjust your expectations. You can read more in our complete guide to dry and salted cod.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mercadona's desalted cod good?
It's fine for daily use, croquettes, and stews. Industrial desalting produces a softer texture with more retained water than artisanal methods. For recipes where cod is the star (pil pil, confit, baked), premium cod makes a noticeable difference.
How much does a kilo of cod cost at Mercadona?
It depends on the format: frozen ranges from 6 to 12 €/kg, salted from 12 to 16 €/kg, and refrigerated desalted from 14 to 18 €/kg. Desalted flakes are the most economical refrigerated option, between 10 and 13 €/kg.
What is the difference between Mercadona's cod and that of a specialized store?
The main differences are the species (guaranteed Gadus morhua vs. possible macrocephalus), the desalting method (artisanal 48h vs. industrial rapid), the thickness of the pieces, the final texture, and personalized advice. The price reflects these differences: a premium loin costs 25-40 €/kg compared to Mercadona's 14-18 €/kg.
Can you make bacalao al pil pil with Mercadona's cod?
Technically yes, but the result will be inferior. Pil pil needs a thick loin (4+ cm) with abundant gelatin to emulsify the sauce. Mercadona's cod is usually thinner and has less gelatin, which makes it difficult to achieve the characteristic sauce.
Is Mercadona's frozen cod from Norway?
Not always. Economical frozen cod is often from Pacific waters (Gadus macrocephalus). To confirm the origin, check the label: it should indicate the FAO capture area. Area 27 is Northeast Atlantic (Norway/Iceland), Area 67 is Pacific.
When is cod cheapest at Mercadona?
Prices tend to be more stable at Mercadona than in traditional markets, but they tend to rise during Holy Week and Christmas, when demand spikes. The best prices are usually found between May and October, outside of peak consumption seasons.
Are Mercadona's cod flakes suitable for croquettes?
Yes, that is probably their best use. For croquettes and fritters, where the cod is mixed with béchamel or other ingredients, Mercadona's desalted cod flakes offer good value for money. Be sure to drain them well before adding them to the mixture.
Conclusions
Mercadona's cod is a valid option for certain uses: croquettes, fritters, stews, and quick weekday meals. Price is its main selling point, and for these uses, the value for money is reasonable.
But when cod is the star of the dish, when you're preparing a pil pil, a confit, or a baked loin to impress, the difference with premium cod is evident. It's not marketing: these are verifiable factors such as species, thickness, desalting method, and resulting texture.
The best strategy is to combine: Mercadona for everyday use, and a specialist for occasions that deserve it.
