Cockles in their natural state: A guide to brands and sizes

Lalo González Rodríguez
2026-03-03T14:21:27+01:00

Natural cockles: 50/60 vs 30/40 pieces, premium Galician brands, difference with Dutch cockles and how to serve them correctly.

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Summary

At Bacalalo, from Barcelona's Mercat del Ninot, natural cockles are one of our best-selling canned products and also one of the most frequently asked about. In this guide: What natural cockles are, The numbering system: what 50/60, 30/40, 20/30 means, Galician cockles vs. Dutch cockles: the real difference.

Natural Cockles: Brand and Size Guide

At Bacalalo, from Barcelona's Mercat del Ninot, natural cockles are one of our best-selling canned products and also one of the most frequently asked about. What does "30/40" mean? Why does one can cost 4 euros and another 14? Is there a real difference between Galician and Dutch cockles? This guide answers all these questions with concrete data and practical criteria so that next time you're in front of the supermarket shelf or our online store, you'll know exactly what you're buying.

What natural cockles are

Natural cockles (Cerastoderma edule) are steamed cockles packed in their own juice, without added oil or sauces. Preservation is done solely with salt and the mollusk's own liquid released during cooking. The result is a product that maintains the pure marine flavor of the cockle without interference.

The "natural" denomination is contrasted with other presentations such as cockles in olive oil or pickled. Natural cockles have a cleaner, more iodized flavor, and are the best-selling format in Spain in terms of both volume and value.

From a nutritional point of view, natural cockles are one of the most complete seafood: they provide high-quality protein (16-18g per 100g), iron (11.9mg/100g, more than meat), zinc, iodine, and vitamin B12. The fat content is minimal (less than 2g/100g), making them a highly nutritious, low-calorie appetizer.

The numbering system: what 50/60, 30/40, 20/30 means

The number on natural cockle cans indicates how many pieces there are per can (usually referring to the drained content, although sometimes it refers to the total content). It is the most important size indicator to choose by:

50/60 pieces: Small cockles. These are the most common in supermarkets. The size of each piece is approximately 1-1.5 cm. Decent flavor but softer texture. Price: 2-6 €/can of 60-80g net.

30/40 pieces: Medium-large cockles. The balanced size for flavor and texture. Pieces are approximately 2-2.5 cm. This is the preferred format for enthusiasts. Price: 6-10 €/can.

20/30 pieces: Very large cockles. Pieces can measure 3 cm or more. Firmer, meatier texture, more pronounced flavor. These are the most highly valued and also the most expensive. Price: 10-18 €/can.

10/20 pieces: Premium format of exceptionally sized cockles. Very difficult to find and reserved for the best Galician brands. Price: 15-25 €/can.

The general rule is: the lower the number, the larger the size of each piece and the higher the perceived quality. A large cockle takes longer to grow, has had more time to develop its flavor, and is more difficult to catch under optimal conditions.

Galician cockles vs. Dutch cockles: the real difference

The Spanish market consumes cockles from two main origins: the Galician Rías (mainly Rías Baixas) and the Netherlands (North Sea coasts). The difference between the two is significant:

Galician cockles

Raised in the Galician estuaries (rías), in Atlantic waters rich in phytoplankton and minerals. Water temperature ranges between 12°C and 20°C depending on the season, which favors slower growth and a more developed flavor. Brands with the "Rías Gallegas" designation are regulated and must certify their origin. Flavor: intensely marine, with iodized and sweet notes. Texture: firm and meaty. Premium price: up to 50-100% more expensive than Dutch cockles.

Dutch cockles

Come from the Wadden Sea in the Netherlands, a protected area with strong tidal movement. Dutch cockles are generally smaller and have a more neutral and less pronounced flavor than Galician ones. Many economical brands in the Spanish market use Dutch cockles because they are more abundant and cheaper. They are not bad, just different and with less intense flavor.

To identify the origin on the can, look for "fishing area: FAO 27" (Northeast Atlantic, including Galicia and the Netherlands) or the specific mention "Rías Gallegas" on the label. Some brands directly indicate "product of Spain" or "product of the Netherlands."

Bacalalo Products

Fresh Coastal Sardines - Pack of 4 Pieces | ...

€2.95

Whole Cured Tuna Loin Gourmet Extra Artisan...

€95.00

Natural Cockles 30/40 Pieces - 111g | Ba...

€7.95

Northern White Tuna Loins in Olive Oil Ja...

€13.95

Refrigerated shipping 24-48h throughout the Iberian Peninsula

Guide to natural cockle brands

The canned cockle market ranges from large industrial brands to artisan producers. These are the benchmarks by category:

Premium category: large Galician cockles

BayMar El Gigante: One of the most recognized brands in the 30/40 format from Rías Gallegas. The pieces are large and uniform, the cooking liquid is clean, and the flavor is intensely marine. We sell them at Bacalalo because of their consistent quality. Price: 7-9 €/can.

Paco Lafuente: A family business from O Grove specializing in extremely high-quality preserves. Their 20/30 format cockles are extraordinary. Price: 12-18 €/can.

Real Conservera Española: From Cambados. They exclusively work with cockles from the Rías Baixas, steam-cooked without additives. The finish is artisanal, and the flavor is a benchmark. Price: 10-15 €/can.

Mid-high category: good quality, better price

Ortiz: The best-known Basque brand produces consistently good quality cockles, although they are not Galician. Good price-quality balance for everyday consumption. Price: 4-7 €/can.

Dani: Galician brand with wide distribution. Their 30/40 and 50/60 size cockles are of decent quality at a competitive price. Available in most supermarkets. Price: 3-6 €/can.

Basic category: supermarket

Private labels (Mercadona, Lidl, Carrefour): Mostly use Dutch cockles or mixed origin in 50/60 or 60/80 formats. They are perfectly safe and decent for cooking or for those not seeking maximum flavor. Price: 1.50-3 €/can.

How to serve natural cockles correctly

Natural cockles do not need to be cooked: they are eaten directly from the can, cold or at room temperature. These tips make all the difference:

Serving temperature: Between 10°C and 16°C. A cockle that is too cold (fresh out of the refrigerator) loses aromas. Take them out 10 minutes before serving.

The can liquid: Don't throw it away. The cooking juice of natural cockles is salty and flavorful. It can be used to dress the tapa or added to pasta sauces.

Classic accompaniments: Freshly squeezed lemon, freshly ground black pepper, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Bread with butter also works very well.

Presentation: If serving at the table, transfer them to a small bowl with some of the liquid. Avoid serving them in the can itself in formal settings.

Pairing: Albariño, Txakoli, or any dry, crisp white wine. The bubbles of an Asturian cider also pair very well with the iodine of the cockle.

How to read a cockle can label

To avoid surprises when buying natural cockles, these are the details you should check on the label:

Net content vs. drained content: Net content includes the liquid. Drained content is what you actually eat. A 115g net can may only have 60-70g drained content. Always compare by drained weight.

Number of pieces: As explained above. Lower number = larger pieces.

Fishing area or country of origin: Look for "España" (Spain) or "Rías Gallegas" for Galician cockles.

Ingredients: Should only be cockles, water, and salt. If there are preservatives or additives, the quality is lower.

Best before date: Canned goods have a shelf life of 3-5 years, but the best cockles are consumed within the first 2 years for optimal flavor.

Bacalalo Products

Fresh Coastal Sardines - Pack of 4 Pieces | ...

€2.95

Whole Cured Tuna Loin Gourmet Extra Artisan...

€95.00

Natural Cockles 30/40 Pieces - 111g | Ba...

€7.95

Northern White Tuna Loins in Olive Oil Ja...

€13.95

Refrigerated shipping 24-48h throughout the Iberian Peninsula

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 30/40 and 50/60 in natural cockles?

The number indicates how many pieces there are per can. A 30/40 format has between 30 and 40 cockles, meaning each piece is larger. The 50/60 format has between 50 and 60 smaller pieces. For consumption as an appetizer or tapa, 30/40 are the right choice: larger size, better texture, and more intense flavor. 50/60 are more economical and work well for mixing in rice dishes or fideuás.

Are Galician cockles better than Dutch cockles?

In terms of flavor intensity and tradition, Galician cockles from the Rías Baixas have an advantage: richer phytoplankton water, slower growth, and more pronounced flavor. Dutch cockles from the Wadden Sea are of good quality but more neutral. The price difference reflects this quality difference. For a special tapa, go for Galician. For cooking in a rice dish or fideuá, Dutch cockles may suffice.

Can natural cockles be heated?

Yes, although it's not typical. If you add them to pasta or rice, incorporate them at the last moment (30 seconds before serving) to avoid overcooking. Excessive heat makes them rubbery and dry. In the microwave, 20-30 seconds at 50% power is enough to warm them without ruining them.

How long do natural cockles last once the can is opened?

Once opened, natural cockles last 24-48 hours in the refrigerator, covered in their own liquid. Do not leave them in the open can: transfer them to a glass container with their juice and cover. Beyond 48 hours, the flavor changes, and the texture deteriorates. Unopened cans last until the date indicated on the packaging (3-5 years normally).

What to do if natural cockles taste too metallic?

A metallic taste can appear if the cockles have been in an opened can for a long time, if the internal coating is deteriorated, or if the product is of low quality. To minimize it: transfer them immediately to a glass bowl when opening the can, add a squeeze of fresh lemon and olive oil, and serve without delay. With premium quality cockles and a can in good condition, this problem should not occur.

Are natural cockles good for anemia?

Yes, significantly. Natural cockles have one of the highest heme iron contents of all foods: 11.9 mg per 100g of drained product, which is almost 100% of the recommended daily intake. Furthermore, heme iron (from animal sources) is absorbed much better than vegetable iron. Nutritional doctors frequently recommend the consumption of cockles and other bivalve mollusks to patients with iron deficiency anemia.

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