Mercadona vs Consum: ultimate price and quality comparison

The widespread rise in prices has turned weekly shopping into a strategic exercise. With inflation soaring, consumers scrutinize prices closely and wonder which supermarket offers the best value for money.

In this context, a young content creator on TikTok has decided to put two of the big chains to the test: Mercadona and Consum. The comparison, through a selection of basic items, promises to show which supermarket is the most competitive in Spain.

Detailed Comparison Between Mercadona and Consum

Basic Products and Prices

For this test, everyday products were selected: five kilos of potatoes, vine tomatoes, lettuce, bananas, chickpeas, ground beef, chicken, milk, fried tomato sauce, and yogurts. The first surprise comes with the potatoes, where Consum offers a price of €0.94/kg compared to Mercadona’s €1.23/kg. For bananas, a technical tie at €2.70/kg in both, guaranteeing Canary Islands origin.

The vine tomatoes also have the same price at both chains: €2.70/kg. Regarding lettuce, the two-pack costs €1.75 at Mercadona and €1.60 at Consum. Fried tomato sauce and chicken maintain equal prices: €1.40 and €3.50/kg respectively.

Differences in Ground Meat and Perceived Quality

Ground meat reveals the clearest price difference: Mercadona sells it for under €14, while Consum reaches €17. But this difference has an explanation: Consum’s meat is prepared on the spot, fresh and from their own butcher shop, while Mercadona’s is already prepared.

The content creator gives extra points to Consum for the quality of the meat and its butcher, deli, and fishmonger offerings. Mercadona, despite having a fish counter, is considering eliminating it, according to his opinion.

Conclusion and Final Assessments

Prices vs. Quality, the Balance That’s Worth It

The price difference between Mercadona and Consum is not large for most products. But meat is a key factor that tips the scale, with Consum offering superior quality at a higher price.

It is this quality that justifies the difference for many consumers who value freshness and care in meat and fish. In addition, the presence of specialized sections at Consum can be an attraction that Mercadona loses.

Current Context and Recommendations

In the face of economic uncertainty, the decision to shop at one supermarket or the other may depend as much on price as on perceived quality. This comparison helps to understand the real options beyond one-time offers.

For those who want to see more details on supermarket comparisons, we recommend exploring shopping at Mercadona, Carrefour, and Lidl, which offers a global view of prices and products.

Essential Characteristics of Mercadona and Consum

Product and Service Offerings

• Mercadona: wide offering with fishmongery sections, although at risk of removal.
• Consum: stands out for fresh butcher, deli, and consolidated fishmonger sections.

Prices and Product Origin

• Consum: slightly lower prices in potatoes and lettuce, with some local products.
• Mercadona: competitive prices in some basic products, with controlled origin in fruits like bananas.

The shopping landscape in Spain is changing rapidly, and this data serves to guide the consumer’s decision who seeks quality and good price.

The reality is that Mercadona and Consum have differentiated strengths, but quality in meat and the focus on fresh products give Consum a plus that does not go unnoticed.