Why does one can of anchovies cost €3 and another €15? The answer lies in a small number written on the label: the size. In this guide, we explain what 00, 0, 1, or 2 means, how much each should cost in 2026, and when it's worth paying for a premium one.
Warning: after reading this, you'll never buy anchovies blindly again.
2026 Price List by Cantabrian Anchovy Size
Reference prices for artisanal Cantabrian anchovies in olive oil (standard 48-50g can):
- Size 00 (8-10 fillets/can): 11-16 €/can → 220-280 €/kg
- Size 0 (10-12 fillets/can): 9-12 €/can → 170-220 €/kg
- Size 1 (12-16 fillets/can): 7-9 €/can → 120-160 €/kg
- Size 2 (16-20 fillets/can): 4-6 €/can → 80-110 €/kg
- Industrial Mercadona/Lidl: 2-4 €/can → 40-80 €/kg
The price progression is not linear. Jumping from size 1 to 0 means a +50% price increase, and from 0 to 00 another +40%. The reason: as you move up a category, fewer fillets meet the cut in each batch.
What Sizes 00, 0, and 1 Really Mean
Sizes do not measure the live fish, but rather the cured fillet, already cleaned and canned. They are classified by the number of fillets that fit into a standard 48-50g can. The fewer the fillets, the larger each one is.
Size 00 — The Pinnacle
8 to 10 fillets per can. Fillets weighing 7-10g each. These are the largest anchovies caught during the April-May fishing season, which, after 10-14 months of maturation and manual cleaning, retain an impressive size. Out of 100 kg of anchovies caught, only 2-3 kg meet the 00 caliber. That's why they are so expensive.
Size 0 — Accessible Premium
10 to 12 fillets. Fillets weighing 5-7g. High quality, far superior to industrial anchovies. If you don't want to spend €15 on a can but are looking for a top-tier product, this is the optimal size. Excellent value for money.
Size 1 — Quality Standard
12 to 16 fillets. Fillets weighing 3-4g. Small caliber but always from the Cantabrian Sea and well-cured. This is the size most gourmet fishmongers use as a daily reference. Ideal for recipes where flavor matters but presentation does not.
Size 2 and Mercadona — Industrial
More than 16 fillets per can. Small fillets (<3g). Most supermarket products fall into this range or worse. It's not necessarily bad anchovy, but the curing process is fast (3-5 months) and the flavor is flatter.
Why Such a Price Difference
1. Yield per Fish Batch
Out of every 100 kg of Cantabrian anchovy, only 2-3% meets the 00 caliber, 8-12% is caliber 0, and the rest is mostly size 1 and 2. Less supply means higher price.
2. Curing Time
The best Cantabrian anchovies mature for 10-14 months in salt barrels. Industrial ones, 3-4 months. Long curing develops the characteristic umami flavor and creamy texture. Each extra month means space, inventory, and financial cost.
3. Manual Cleaning
Artisanal anchovies are cleaned fillet by fillet with tweezers, removing all bones without damaging the flesh. An experienced worker cleans about 5-8 kg/day. In industrial processes, cleaning is mechanical, faster, and more aggressive (and it shows).
4. Oil Quality
Premium anchovies are packed in EVOO (extra virgin olive oil). Supermarket anchovies use olive oil or even refined sunflower oil. EVOO adds an extra 15-25% to the cost of the can.
When Is It Worth Paying for a Size 00 Anchovy?
- It's worth it: toast with good bread and butter, premium gilda with piparra and olive, appetizer before a special dinner, gourmet gift.
- It's not worth it: anchovy pasta, pizza, warm salad, cooked sauces. For these uses, size 1 gives the same result at a fraction of the cost.
Supermarket vs. Artisanal: Real Comparison
After blind tasting Mercadona Hacendado, Lidl Ostia, Ortiz, Baymar, Codesa, and an artisanal size 00:
- Supermarket (2-4€): small anchovy, quickly cured, high salinity, somewhat fibrous texture. It works.
- Ortiz / Baymar (5-8€): significant jump. Larger fillets, balanced salinity, better oil.
- Artisanal 00 (11-16€): a different league. Thick fillets, deep umami flavor, buttery texture on the palate.
The difference between "good" (Ortiz) and "exceptional" (artisanal 00) is large in comparative tasting. For toasts, it makes all the difference. For cooking, it doesn't.
Where to Buy Cantabrian Anchovies Without Being Fooled
- Demand a label with the size. If 00/0/1 is not present, it's a sign it's not premium.
- Origin: Cantabrian Sea. Check that the anchovy is caught during the fishing season (April-May), not Asian or South American.
- Minimum 10 months maturation. Some labels indicate this. If not, ask.
- Oil: EVOO. Avoid refined and sunflower oil.
- Store in the cold if you have it at home (refrigerator 4-8°C). Out of refrigeration, anchovies start to lose texture in 2-3 months.
At Bacalalo, we work directly with salting companies from Santoña and Laredo to offer 00 and 0 Cantabrian anchovies. You can see our entire selection with refrigerated shipping.
Related Guides
- How to Recognize Authentic Cantabrian Anchovies
- Anchovy vs. Boquerón: Real Differences
- Buying Cantabrian Anchovies Online
- Mercadona Anchovies: Complete Analysis
Conclusion: Which Anchovies to Buy for Each Occasion
If it's for yourself or a serious gift, go for an artisanal size 00. If it's for an appetizer without spending a lot, size 0. If it's for cooking, Cantabrian size 1 and save 60% without losing flavor.
Only avoid industrial anchovies from Mercadona/Lidl if you're serving them raw: that's where the difference is noticeable. For pizza, pasta, or sauces, it's fine to buy supermarket anchovies.
Want to get straight to the point? Explore our selection of Cantabrian anchovies: sizes 00, 0, and 1 with full traceability from Santoña.
