The independent Spanish consumer organisation OCU has conducted research into the price and quality of fresh and frozen fish in Spanish supermarkets. With a very clear goal: to find out where to find the best fish at a good price without compromising on quality.
Fish is an important source of protein, vitamins, minerals and polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as omega 3. In Spain, fish consumption is 19 kilos per person per year. This is twice as much as the world average. The most commonly eaten species in Spain are hake, whiting, salmon, sardines and anchovies.
9 supermarket chains examined
For the study, the OCU visited 103 branches of 9 supermarket chains in 10 Spanish cities. In total, 15 analysed fish products, both fresh and frozen.
The OCU’s verdict is compelling. Alcampo is crowned the cheapest chain to buy fresh fish products, closely followed by Mercadona. At the other end of the spectrum, the supermarket chains with the highest prices are Supercor, El Corte Inglés and Hipercor. Covirán is the worst supermarket to buy fish in Spain, according to the OCU.
Quality
The OCU didn’t just look at the price. Recognising that quality is a crucial factor when choosing seafood products, the study also assessed the freshness, labelling and sustainability of the fish in the various supermarkets.
The results have shown that the quality of fresh fish in Spain is generally good. The average score is 74 out of 100. In terms of labelling, most chains comply with the regulations. However, the information about the origin is not always clear, the OCU discovered.
Durability
In terms of sustainability, the research highlights that there is still a long way to go. Only a third of the products analysed have a certification that guarantees responsible fishing.
The OCU encourages consumers to use this information to make informed purchasing decisions. In doing so, the organisation advises not only to look at the price, but also to choose supermarkets that are committed to sustainable fishing.
Here’s what to look out for when buying fresh fish products
When buying the best fish, it is important to look at the clarity and shine of the eyes. But also the colour of the gills and the gloss of the scales. The abdomen should feel soft to the touch and have no tears. In addition, the gills should be moist to the touch and the scales should have visible relief. If you buy fillet, take a good look at the shine. Low shine and a strong odour may indicate that it is not fresh.
Also read: Fish and seafood recipes