Mercadona's decline: quality concerns, additives, and political tension

Mercadona: Has it lost its touch? From artisanal horchata to milk with additives

When a retailer dominates 27% of the Spanish market, every change on its shelves becomes a social barometer. Among attentive consumers, there is a growing sense that Mercadona is no longer what it used to be. This is not mere nostalgia: concrete data and technical testimonies point to a palpable decline in quality and transparency.

Goodbye classics, hello to ultra-processed foods

For years, Mercadona's Russian salad or ali-oli potato tubs were local favorites. Today, those who try them describe a notable loss of flavor. “They are quite bland now,” consumer analysts summarize. Leading private labels (such as Pascual, Gullón, or La Lechera) have disappeared from its shelves, taking with them the quality standards that once set the chain apart. In parallel, the range of ready meals has skyrocketed: lamb burgers, teriyaki chicken, pulled pork… A shift towards fast food that some critics label as poor nutrition for children, though others argue that a burger with 98% lamb meat is a valid option.

Goat milk containing a questionable additive

One of the most technical debates surrounds Hacendado (the supermarket's private label) goat milk. Unlike cow's milk, which contains no additives, the goat milk version includes E339 (sodium orthophosphates) to extend its shelf life due to slower turnover. While the additive is harmless in small doses, high phosphorus consumption is linked to renal and cardiovascular issues. For those looking to avoid it, the only alternative is organic milk in glass bottles, which costs five times more (around 5 €/liter). The paradox is clear: a theoretically healthier product is penalized with an industrial additive not found in its best-selling version.

Politics and unions: the background noise

Mercadona's owner, Joan Roig, is no stranger to polarization. While some accuse him of “lawfare” and supporting the PP (People's Party) and Vox at the expense of workers' right to unionize, others defend the company as a model of efficiency, claiming that unions in Spain simply seek “to get paid for not working.” This ideological divide translates to the shopping cart: some shop there “just to spite the left-wingers,” while others boycott the chain due to its alleged lack of social commitment. Responsible consumption has thus become an identity battlefield.

Product origin: trust or distrust?

The presence of Segarro products (strawberries, vegetables) has alienated some customers. Arguments suggest that certain imported goods may be irrigated with wastewater or treated with pesticides banned in the EU. In contrast, traditional Spanish agriculture offers an “explosion of flavor,” though often at less competitive prices. Mercadona walks a tightrope between profitability and perceived quality.

Horchata, burgers, and an uncertain future

The removal of bottled tiger nut horchata (a seasonal local product) and Angus or Iberian pork burgers has frustrated more discerning palates. Meanwhile, the chain is betting on trendy international cuisine. Is this a deliberate strategy to attract a younger, less loyal demographic? Available data cannot provide a definitive diagnosis, but the question lingers in every aisle.

Mercadona's official narrative is one of constant improvement. However, the evidence from its critics shows a drift toward processed foods, additives, and the loss of classic staples. In a market where trust is the most fragile asset, how long can this balance be maintained?