Mercadona offers desalted, salted, and frozen cod at competitive prices, but not all cod is created equal. After 35 years selling cod at 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.
Types of Cod at Mercadona
Updated March 2026. After decades working with seafood products, we've learned that quality makes all the difference.
Mercadona primarily works with its Hacendado brand to offer cod in three formats: desalted and refrigerated, salted in the cured products section, and frozen. Each format has a different use, a different price, and, above all, a quality that varies greatly depending on its origin and processing.
The first thing you should 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 products 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 | Observations |
|---|---|---|
| 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 home 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 periods usually bring price increases.
Mercadona's Desalted Cod: What to Expect
Mercadona's desalted cod is undoubtedly 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 understand:
- Industrial desalting is a different process from home desalting. It uses a controlled immersion technique that is faster but can affect the final texture. The result is a softer cod with less character than one slowly desalted 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 desalted supermarket 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 works. For a special dinner or a recipe where cod is the star (like a cod al pil pil or confit), the difference from premium cod is noticeable.
Extra Cod Cheeks Desalted
Icelandic Gadus morhua · 900g · Ready to cook
44,90€
Salted Cod at Mercadona
In Mercadona's cured products 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 planning: 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 ammonia.
- Texture to the touch: it should be firm, not slimy or excessively hard.
- Thickness: thicker loins (3+ cm) come from larger pieces, 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 flaked.
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 al pil pil, frozen cod is not the best choice. The texture after thawing does not hold up to 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 dish |
| 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 flaked and mixed with béchamel, the quality difference is greatly diluted. Mercadona's desalted cod flakes work well here.
- Stews with a lot of sauce: in a bacalao a la vizcaína or with tomato, the sauce plays a large part.
- 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.
- Slow-cooked cod confit: texture is everything. Thin, soft cod falls apart.
- Baked cod as a main dish: 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 Dry Cod Piece
For stews and casseroles · 500g · Ideal for home desalting
19,97€
Common Mistakes When Buying Supermarket Cod
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, glazing 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 in 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 from the cod, which is partially lost with freezing. This is the recipe where the quality difference is most noticeable.
5. Not Checking the Origin
Norwegian and Icelandic cod are of the highest quality. If the label doesn't indicate the 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 is acceptable for daily use, croquettes, and stews. Industrial desalting produces a softer texture with more retained water than artisanal desalting. For recipes where cod is the star (pil pil, confit, baked), premium cod makes a significant 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 specialty store?
The main differences are the species (guaranteed Gadus morhua vs. possible macrocephalus), the desalting method (artisanal 48h vs. fast industrial), 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 Mercadona's cod be used for pil pil?
Technically, yes, but the result will be inferior. Pil pil needs a thick loin (4+ cm) with abundant gelatin to bind the emulsion. Mercadona's cod is usually thinner and has less gelatin, making it difficult to achieve the characteristic sauce.
Is Mercadona's frozen cod from Norway?
Not always. Economical frozen cod often comes from Pacific waters (Gadus macrocephalus). To confirm the origin, check the label: it should indicate the FAO catch 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 skyrockets. 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. Make sure to drain them well before adding them to the mixture.
Premium Seafood — Bacalalo
Since 1990, selecting the best from the sea at Mercat del Ninot, Barcelona. Refrigerated shipping 24-48h.
View Icelandic Cod →Conclusions
Mercadona's cod is a valid option for certain uses: croquettes, fritters, stews, and quick weekday meals. Its price is its main selling point, and for these uses, the quality-price ratio is reasonable.
But when cod is the star of the dish, when you're going to prepare 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 like the species, thickness, desalting method, and resulting texture.
The best strategy is to combine: Mercadona for everyday use, and a specialist for special occasions.
