Goodbye to Paella: These Are the 2 Worst Supermarket Brands in Spain, According to the OCU

Bad news for regular consumers of paella. We know that it is one of the most emblematic dishes of Spanish cuisine. Its popularity extends throughout the country, being a classic in both celebrations and family gatherings.

Although homemade ones have always been the most appreciated, more and more Spaniards are opting for ready-to-heat paellas sold in supermarkets. Convenience and time savings are key factors that have driven the consumption of these products.

However, the quality of these industrial paellas is not always up to expectations. In an analysis by the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU), several brands of refrigerated paella available in supermarkets have been evaluated. The results are not encouraging for some of them.

In this study, the OCU has analyzed 5 individually packaged rice dishes from different brands, sold in the refrigerated section. It has focused its study on three essential aspects to determine the quality of these paellas. The nutritional value, the industrial ingredients and additives used, and the gastronomic aspect, evaluated by a panel of expert chefs.

In nutritional terms, the amount of proteins, fats, calories, and other elements affecting consumers' health have been considered. Regarding the ingredients, the quality of the products used has been analyzed, paying special attention to the presence of artificial additives that are not always beneficial for the body.

These Are the Worst Supermarket Paellas, According to the OCU

The seafood paellas from the brands Bo de Debo and Eroski are among the worst rated. In terms of taste, both paellas were criticized by the experts.

The most notable problems were overcooked rice and the presence of some hard grains, which severely affected the gastronomic experience. The taste also left much to be desired, with an artificial touch that was unappealing to many of the panelists.

In terms of quality, the ingredients of these brands did not convince. They failed to capture the essence of a good paella. This makes them a less recommended option for those looking to enjoy this traditional Spanish delicacy.

Although other brands, such as Carrefour's and Dia's mixed paellas, or Hacendado's rice with Iberian secret and mushrooms, received a more favorable rating. All of them managed to exceed expectations in terms of taste and quality, being considered more suitable for daily consumption.

The OCU has highlighted the improvement in the texture of the rice and the use of more natural ingredients compared to the more deficient brands. Hacendado's rice with Iberian secret and mushrooms also received good reviews, being valued for its acceptable taste and the use of fresh ingredients.