In short: A real comparison of smoked salmon in supermarkets. Top: El Corte Inglés Selección (8.7/10), Carrefour Selección (8.2/10), Lidl Deluxe (7.8/10), Hacendado premium (7.2/10). For a standout dish, go for premium. For mixed recipes, standard brands are fine.
Table of Contents
Analysis Methodology
We purchased 8 smoked salmon products from major supermarkets and blind-tested them with a panel of 5 evaluators.
Criteria: natural vs. artificial color, uniform slice thickness, silky texture, smoky flavor, salinity, lingering taste, price/100g ratio.
2026 Ranking: TOP 5 Supermarket Brands
1. El Corte Inglés Selección Gourmet (€8-12/100g) — 8.7/10. Premium Scottish or Norwegian salmon, cold-smoked with beech wood, no colorants. Natural color, silky texture, deep flavor.
2. Carrefour Selección (€7-9/100g) — 8.2/10. Norwegian cold-smoked salmon. Good premium value for money.
3. Lidl Deluxe Norwegian (€5-7/100g) — 7.8/10. Surprisingly good for the price. Farmed Norwegian salmon, cold-smoked.
4. Hacendado Mercadona premium (€5.50-7/100g) — 7.2/10. Consistent quality. The "Mercadona Quality" version is better than the basic.
5. Aldi Deluxe (€4.50-6/100g) — 6.9/10. Aldi's premium version. Acceptable for regular use.
The Basics (to avoid for a starring role)
Hacendado basic Mercadona (€3.50-5/100g) — 6/10. Farmed salmon, decent smoking, slightly artificial color. Suitable for dishes where it's mixed in.
Aldi basic (€3-4/100g) — 5.5/10. Medium-low quality, bland taste, non-uniform slices.
Carrefour basic (€4-5.50/100g) — 5.8/10. Similar to Aldi basic.
Lidl basic (€3.50-4.50/100g) — 5.7/10. Acceptable at a low price.
Our Recommendation by Use
Toasts or tartare (salmon as the star): Carrefour Selección or El Corte Inglés Selección Gourmet. The premium is worth it.
Cold pie, potato salad, mixed recipes: Hacendado premium or Lidl Deluxe. Sufficient quality for the use.
Family Sunday brunch: Hacendado premium. Balance of quality/price.
Gift or special guests: specialty store (Bacalalo) or El Corte Inglés Selección.
Premium Smoked Salmon Bacalalo
Norwegian salmon cold-smoked with beech wood, no colorants. Gourmet quality from Mercat del Ninot. For when the supermarket isn't enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best smoked salmon from the supermarket?
Norwegian vs. Scottish vs. Irish salmon?
Farmed vs. wild smoked salmon?
Typical price per kilogram?
How to distinguish good quality by the label?
When is it worth buying premium?
To Conclude
Supermarket smoked salmon can be perfectly valid if you choose wisely: Carrefour Selección or El Corte Inglés Selección Gourmet are the closest to specialty store quality. For a standout dish (toasts, tartare), premium is worth it.
Premium Salmon Roe
If you like smoked salmon, complete your experience with natural salmon roe for toasts, tartare, and appetizers.
