Recently, due to a busy work schedule, I often need quick dinner solutions, so I started trying ready-made paella from various major supermarkets in Madrid. As someone with certain standards for paella, I spent two weeks systematically testing products from three main supermarkets and want to share my genuine taste experience with everyone.
The three brands tested were Mercadona’s own brand Hacendado, Carrefour’s classic series, and El Corte Inglés’ premium product line. For each product, I strictly followed the package heating instructions and tasted them under identical conditions.
Taste Comparison Analysis
Regarding rice grain texture, El Corte Inglés’ product clearly wins. The rice grains are distinct and separate, without being overly soft, and you can feel the right amount of chewiness when eating. Mercadona’s version is slightly moist but overall acceptable. Carrefour’s was somewhat disappointing, with rice grains being too soft and having an overcooked feeling.
The differences in seafood ingredients are even more noticeable. I created a detailed comparison table:
| Supermarket Brand | Shrimp Quality | Mussel Count | Squid Thickness | Overall Freshness |
|---|
| Mercadona | Medium | 6-8 pieces | Rather thin | Good |
| Carrefour | Small | 4-6 pieces | Medium | Average |
| El Corte Inglés | Plump | 8-10 pieces | Thick | Excellent |
Seasoning level is the most crucial evaluation criterion. Authentic paella should have a subtle saffron aroma and moderate salty-savory taste. El Corte Inglés performs best in this aspect, with the perfect amount of saffron that doesn’t mask the natural flavor of the seafood. Mercadona’s seasoning is on the lighter side, suitable for friends who don’t prefer heavy flavors. Carrefour’s product has rather monotonous seasoning, lacking depth.
From a value-for-money perspective, if you’re pursuing quality, El Corte Inglés is worth spending those extra euros. For daily fast meal needs, Mercadona is a good choice. I suggest everyone can choose based on their budget and taste preferences, as everyone’s expectations for paella are quite different.
