Epiphany, celebrated on January 6, is one of the most significant festivities in Spain. It marks the culmination of the Christmas season with family gatherings, gift-giving, and the much-loved tradition of the roscón de Reyes. This sweet bread wreath, adorned with candied fruits and often infused with orange blossom, is a staple on Spanish tables during this festive time.
But where does this tradition come from, and which supermarkets sell the best roscón de Reyes?
Origins of the roscón de Reyes
The roots of the roscón de Reyes can be traced back to the Roman festival of Saturnalia. Romans celebrated mid-winter with round cakes made from honey and nuts, often hiding a dried bean inside. The lucky person who found the bean would be named “king of the day,” a lighthearted inversion of social roles during the festivities.
As Christianity spread, this custom was adapted to fit Epiphany, the day commemorating the arrival of the Three Wise Men (Reyes Magos) in Bethlehem to honour the newborn Jesus. The hidden figure in the roscón came to symbolise baby Jesus, reflecting the search for Christ and the blessings brought by the Wise Men.
Today, the roscón de Reyes is central to Epiphany celebrations in Spain. A small ceramic or plastic figure (representing a king or baby Jesus) and a dried bean are hidden within the wreath:
- The person who finds the figure is crowned “king” for the day, echoing the Wise Men.
- The one who finds the bean often faces the humorous obligation of buying the roscón the following year.
The round shape of the roscón symbolises a crown, and the candied fruits represent the jewels adorning it, making it both a culinary and cultural emblem of the season.
Supermarket rankings and which roscón is best?
To guide consumers, the Spanish Consumers and Users Organisation (OCU) recently analysed 15 supermarket roscones to determine which offer the best quality and value for money. Supermarkets included in the study ranged from El Corte Inglés and Carrefour to Lidl and Aldi.
The top choice
The roscón from El Corte Inglés emerged as the best option. Made with whipped cream and butter, it earned 70 points, the highest score in the taste test. At €20.58 per kilogram, it’s also the priciest, but its superior flavour and quality justify the cost.
Best value for money
OCU highlighted three supermarket roscones for their balance of quality and affordability:
- Lidl (La Cestera) – 68 points
- Dia (Horno Real) – 66 points
- Ahorramás (Obrador) – 64 points
These options, priced between €11 and €12 per kilogram, offer great value without compromising taste.
Quality and nutritional concerns
While some roscones impressed, others fell short. Nine out of 15 tested failed to meet acceptable quality standards. Key issues included:
- Filling quality: Many producers used vegetable fat blends (such as palm, coconut, or rapeseed oil) instead of cream.
- Excessive additives: High levels of dyes, preservatives, emulsifiers, and texturising agents were common.
- Poor nutrition: Many roscones received poor or very poor ratings due to processing and additives.
OCU’s top 10 roscón de Reyes rankings
- El Corte Inglés – 70 points
- Lidl (La Cestera) – 68 points
- Dia (Horno Real) – 66 points
- Ahorramás (Obrador) – 64 points
- La Despensa – 53 points
- Eroski – 50 points
- BM – 47 points
- Aldi – 44 points
- Alcampo – 44 points
- Mercadona – 43 points
Choosing the right roscón
When selecting a roscón de Reyes, consider both quality and tradition. For those prioritising taste and authenticity, investing in a premium option like El Corte Inglés is worthwhile. Alternatively, budget-friendly choices from Lidl, Dia, or Ahorramás provide good quality without the hefty price tag.
The roscón de Reyes is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of Spanish culture, history, and celebration. Whether you opt for a top-tier roscón or a budget-friendly version, this beloved treat is sure to bring joy to your Epiphany festivities.
Also read: Three Kings Day in Spain is a celebration of tradition and family