Mercadona launches Italian guanciale to make authentic carbonara

Mercadona has responded to the growing interest in genuine Italian cuisine by introducing pork guanciale to its shelves. This product, previously found only in specialty stores or directly in Italy, is now accessible for the first time in Spanish supermarkets, and it’s not just any guanciale: it comes from one of the most renowned historic suppliers in Spain.

Guanciale, a key piece for an authentic carbonara, is pork jowl cured with salt and spices, providing an intense and unique flavor. The introduction of this product at Mercadona represents a qualitative leap for consumers wanting to prepare the original Italian recipe without substitutions.

Guanciale, the star ingredient arriving at Mercadona

What makes Mercadona’s guanciale special?

The guanciale distributed by Incarlopsa, Mercadona’s trusted supplier, stands out for its careful preparation and the intense flavor it adds to dishes like carbonara. This company from Tarancón, known as the king of cured pork cheeks in Spain, has now brought this gastronomic gem to the shelves.

Italian cooks highly value this product because its taste and texture cannot be replaced by any other cured meat. Guanciale adds a touch of fat and aroma that makes carbonara truly authentic, far from the clichés often found in homemade kitchens.

Where to buy guanciale at Mercadona?

Guanciale is now available in some Mercadona supermarkets, especially in the Community of Madrid, and it can also be purchased through their online sales platform, making it easier for more consumers to enjoy this exclusive product without leaving home.

This initiative comes after Mercadona confirmed important changes in its offer, demonstrating a constant commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

Authentic carbonara: more than a dish, a tradition

From Italian tradition to the Spanish table

Carbonara is a dish that has generated many interpretations and, often, controversies. For many, the secret lies in the guanciale. Without it, carbonara loses much of its soul. Mercadona now offers the possibility to cook it with the genuine product, moving away from substitutions like pancetta or bacon that are often used.

The quality of Mercadona’s guanciale, with its curing and flavor, resembles what is found in Italy, allowing this traditional dish to be enjoyed with its essence intact.

Tips for preparing the perfect carbonara

• Use guanciale instead of pancetta to achieve a richer and more authentic flavor.
• Reserve pasta water to bind the sauce and achieve the characteristic creamy texture.
• Do not add cream, the original carbonara only includes eggs, pecorino cheese, and guanciale.

These small tricks, together with Mercadona’s guanciale, can transform a homemade dish into an experience worthy of a real Italian restaurant.

Impact and consumer response

Enthusiastic reception among customers

Mercadona’s “jefes” have quickly shown interest in this product. The possibility of acquiring guanciale at an affordable price (€4.65 per pack) has generated a certain buzz among lovers of Italian gastronomy and amateur cooks.

According to company sources, guanciale is one of the most valued products by customers seeking authenticity and quality in the ingredients they use at home.

The future of guanciale in Spanish cuisine

The introduction of guanciale in supermarkets may mark a before and after in the way carbonara and other Italian recipes are prepared in Spain. At Mercadona, this bet is a further step towards diversification and quality of their products.

It is likely that other supermarkets will follow this path, but for now it is Mercadona offering this novelty that satisfies both the most demanding cooks and gastronomic curious alike.

The reality is that Mercadona’s guanciale opens the doors to a richer culinary world faithful to Italian tradition, putting within reach of everyone an ingredient until now reserved for a very select circle.