Spanish Supermarkets Ranked by Consumers: Where Fresh Food Is Best and Worst

How Spain's Supermarkets Measure Up on Fresh Food

Spain's leading consumer organisation, the Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios (OCU), has published a major study ranking the country's supermarkets on fresh food quality. Based on surveys of approximately 7,600 shoppers across 48 supermarket and hypermarket chains, the research assessed satisfaction with freshness, quality and consistency across four key categories: meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, and bread.

The results make for interesting reading — and contain a few surprises.

The Rankings at a Glance

1. Meat — 76/100 (Highest Rated)

Meat comes out on top overall, scoring 76 out of 100. The highest-rated chains for meat include Costco, El Corte Inglés, Hipercor, Plus Fresc, BM Complet, Esclat, Froiz, Covirán and Unide.

Despite supermarket meat performing well, around 50% of consumers still prefer buying meat from traditional butcher shops or local markets, citing superior quality and more consistent cut selection. Old habits — and genuine quality differences — die hard.

2. Fish — 72/100

Fish scores 72 out of 100, with El Corte Inglés, Hipercor, Costco, Plus Fresc, Esclat and Gadis leading the category. As with meat, many shoppers continue to favour specialist fishmongers over supermarket counters for freshness standards.

3. Fruit and Vegetables — 69/100

Fresh produce scores 69 out of 100 overall, but with significant variation between chains. Scoring above 80 out of 100 are: Ametller Origen, Costco, El Corte Inglés and Hipercor — a notable gap above the average.

Around two thirds of consumers regularly buy their fruit and vegetables in supermarkets despite varying freshness perceptions — suggesting convenience often wins over quality concerns.

4. Bread — 63/100 (Lowest Rated)

Bread finishes last, scoring just 63 out of 100. The worst performer is Mi Alcampo, which failed to reach 50 points. Only 41% of consumers buy bread at supermarkets — the lowest of any category — with most preferring dedicated bakeries or traditional ovens (tahonas). Spain's deep-rooted bakery culture clearly has a strong pull.

Who Comes Out on Top Overall?

El Corte Inglés and its Hipercor banner feature in the top tier across all four fresh food categories — a consistent showing that reflects the premium positioning of both chains. Costco also features strongly across meat, fish and produce, which may surprise those who associate the warehouse retailer primarily with bulk dry goods.

How Spanish Shoppers Choose Where to Shop

The study also looked at shopping habits more broadly. Most Spanish consumers visit supermarkets weekly, and the primary factors driving chain choice are, in order: proximity, price, quality and product variety. Fresh food — particularly meat, dairy, oil and pasta staples — remains a significant proportion of household spending.

What It Means for Expats

For expats shopping in Spain, the study offers a useful guide to navigating the country's diverse supermarket landscape. If fresh produce quality matters most to you, the gap between chains is significant — and worth factoring into where you shop. And if you haven't yet tried your local tahona or carnicería for bread and meat respectively, the data suggests you may be missing out.

This article is based on reporting from Euro Weekly News, published April 23, 2026, drawing on OCU's consumer survey of 7,600 shoppers across 48 chains.