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Supermarket tortillas fail major Spanish consumer taste test as homemade versions remain favourite

Madrid / 12 May 2026

A nationwide taste comparison by Spanish consumer organisation OCU has found that most ready-made supermarket tortillas sold across Spain fail to meet expected quality standards, reinforcing the long-standing belief that homemade tortilla de patatas still offers the best flavour and texture.

The study analysed 33 packaged potato tortillas sold in supermarkets and hypermarkets throughout Spain, examining taste, texture, ingredients and overall quality.

Only four supermarket tortillas rated “good quality”

According to the OCU findings, only 11 of the 33 tortillas tested passed the organisation’s overall evaluation, while just four products achieved a “good quality” rating.

The most common complaints included:

Dry or sandy texture
Hard or undercooked potato
Poor flavour balance
Lack of integration between egg and potato

The report also highlighted concerns over salt content and the use of preservatives such as sodium benzoate (E211) in some products.

Best-rated supermarket tortillas

Among tortillas containing onion, OCU named Mercadona’s “Preparados” tortilla as the highest-rated option, although the organisation noted the presence of preservative E211.

As an additive-free alternative, OCU recommended “Al Punto de Día”.

For tortillas without onion, “Corral de Monegros Fresca” achieved the best overall score, while Auchan’s Alcampo version was highlighted as a lower-cost option without E211.

The consumer body advised shoppers to look closely at ingredient lists, reheating instructions and salt levels rather than relying solely on branding or price.

Why tortilla is difficult to industrialise

Food experts note that tortilla de patatas remains deceptively difficult to mass produce due to its simple ingredient structure.

Traditional Spanish tortilla relies heavily on texture and timing, with soft potato, balanced egg consistency and careful cooking essential to achieving the creamy centre many Spaniards prefer.

Unlike homemade versions, packaged tortillas must also withstand refrigeration, transport and reheating, often affecting texture and freshness.

A national debate that never ends

The report has also revived Spain’s famous “with onion or without onion” tortilla debate — one of the country’s most enduring culinary arguments.

While OCU tested both varieties, the study concluded that homemade tortillas generally continue to outperform industrial alternatives in taste and texture.

Despite this, ready-made tortillas remain hugely popular across Spain due to convenience for work lunches, beach trips, picnics and quick family meals.

Industry analysts say demand for prepared Spanish foods continues to grow as supermarkets expand convenience product ranges aimed at busy households and tourists.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Regional overview: steady pre-summer momentum

Across the Costa Blanca, including Benidorm, Altea, L’Alfàs del Pi (Albir), La Nucía and Finestrat, the region is entering a strong early-season phase with increasing visitor numbers, expanding nightlife, and a growing calendar of small cultural and leisure events ahead of the main summer period.

Markets, live music, coastal tourism and community events continue to dominate activity this week, alongside ongoing infrastructure improvements such as new sustainability and mobility projects.

BENIDORM – Markets, nightlife and tourism growth

Weekly street markets in Benidorm remain a key attraction, including Wednesday and Sunday general markets offering food, clothing and local goods.

The Old Town continues to host craft stalls and informal street entertainment, while evening activity is increasing as the summer season approaches.

Live music is now a nightly feature across main entertainment zones, with tribute acts, DJs and bar performances contributing to strong visitor activity.

Tourism officials also note continued preparation for upcoming seasonal events, including the build-up toward traditional spring and early summer festivals.

ALTEA – Culture and coastal leisure

Altea continues to focus on cultural tourism and relaxation, with art galleries, artisan shops and small exhibitions operating throughout the Old Town.

Live acoustic performances and low-key entertainment are taking place across seafront bars, while boat excursions from Altea harbour are operating regular coastal and sunset sailing routes depending on weather conditions.

ALBIR / L’ALFÀS DEL PI – Community events and live music

L'Alfàs del Pi and the Albir area maintain a steady mix of expat and local activity.

Weekly Friday markets remain popular, while Irish pubs and live music venues continue to host regular bands and acoustic performances.

The Casa de Cultura is also hosting community exhibitions, theatre and social events throughout the week.

LA NUCÍA – Sports and weekend activity

La Nucia continues to centre around sports tourism, with its major sports complex hosting training camps and competitive events.

The Sunday rastro flea market remains a key attraction, drawing visitors from across the region.

FINESTRAT – Coastal leisure and markets

Finestrat is experiencing growing beachfront activity as beach bars and restaurants reopen for the warmer season.

Markets in La Cala continue on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering local produce and artisan goods, while sunset dining and relaxed evening entertainment are becoming more frequent.

VILLAJOYOSA – Culture, coastline and local life

Villajoyosa is experiencing steady early-season activity, supported by its historic old town, colourful seafront and growing cultural tourism offer.

Local markets and small artisan trading continue throughout the week, while the seafront promenade is seeing increased footfall as warmer weather returns.

The town also maintains its reputation for traditional fishing heritage, chocolate production history, and quiet beach tourism, offering a more relaxed contrast to nearby resort centres.

INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE – Benidorm EV expansion

Alongside tourism growth, Benidorm is also continuing its sustainability rollout, including new electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the Levante area as part of its broader mobility and climate strategy.

The project forms part of EU-backed funding aimed at supporting low-emission transport across major Mediterranean destinations.

REGIONAL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest hub with nightlife, markets and entertainment growth
Altea: cultural, scenic and relaxed
Albir / L’Alfàs del Pi: balanced social and live music scene
La Nucía: sports-led and residential
Finestrat: beach-focused and seasonal lifestyle
Villajoyosa: coastal heritage, relaxed tourism and local culture

The Costa Blanca continues its gradual transition into peak tourist season, with activity levels rising steadily across all major towns.

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Supermarket tortillas fail major Spanish consumer taste test as homemade versions remain favourite

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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