If there’s a supermarket capable of causing a WhatsApp queue over a snack costing 1.75 euros, it’s Mercadona. And this April does not disappoint: the Valencian chain arrives in the month with a mix of seasonal launches, returning classics, and some products that are already generating the kind of debate previously reserved for more important matters. Spoiler: there are torrijas, there are viral prepared dishes, and there are changes worth knowing before you head to the car park and find the shutters down.
Easter surprises in opening hours
April kicks off with Easter approaching, and Mercadona has adjusted its opening calendar according to the autonomous community and municipality. There is no single scheme for the entire country, which means you need to check the Mercadona store locator before leaving home.
The most relevant point: on Holy Thursday, April 2, Mercadona has decided to open during midday in many areas, which is an exception to its usual policy of closing on holidays. However, on Good Friday, April 3, stores will generally remain closed, with the exception of some located in tourist and coastal areas, where the chain will apply special hours from 9:00 to 15:00.
On Saturday, April 4, all supermarkets will resume their usual activity, while on Easter Sunday, April 5, they will close again. So, the Easter weekend makes sense, but it’s wise not to rely on memory and check beforehand.
The torrijas bread that is selling out
Few things mark the beginning of Easter with such certainty as Mercadona’s torrijas bread reappearing on the shelves. Mercadona is bringing back its special bread for torrijas with cinnamon and lemon, intended for the traditional preparation: soaking the slices in milk with sugar, coating them in egg, and frying them in oil until golden. The price is 1.35 euros.
For those who prefer to skip all that process, the frozen alternative is also back. Mercadona’s frozen fried torrijas are sold in a box of 4 units weighing 480 grams, priced at 6.20 euros. Four ready-made torrijas, ready to defrost: the invention of the season for those who love tradition but lack the time, the desire, or both.
Prepared dishes: the viral fish rice
Beyond the festive context, the main highlight of the first months of 2026 at Mercadona has been its range of prepared dishes. And within it, one stands out above the rest.
The new Hacendado fish rice combines pre-cooked rice with a selection of seafood ingredients and a sofrito that includes seafood broth, prawns, Pacific squid, and vegetables like choricero pepper, onion, and carrot juices. It is sold in an individual tray of about 280 grams, designed to go directly into the microwave, and its price is 4 euros.
Why has it been so successful? Basically because it solves a real problem: eating something decent at lunchtime without cooking, without mess, and without spending a fortune on takeout. It’s clearly aimed at people living alone, workers eating in the office, students with little time, or consumers looking to incorporate more fish and seafood into their diet without mastering marine preparations. Since its launch, it has accumulated reviews and videos on social media, becoming one of the most talked-about products of the year.
The vegan range continues to grow
Mercadona has expanded its vegan range with 12 new products, including desserts, drinks, and pastries without animal-derived ingredients. It’s not a new trend, but the speed at which this segment within the Hacendado brand is growing says a lot about how the Spanish shopping basket has changed. It’s no longer a niche: it’s a complete aisle.
Seasonal snacks and treats
With spring on the horizon, Mercadona has also made moves in the snacking products. The barbecue-flavoured potato snack comes in a 175-gram jar priced at 1.75 euros, betting on a smoky and slightly sweet flavour designed for sharing during the snacking months. Crunchy, easy, and with the adjusted price that characterises these launches.
In the frozen section, the Crispy Pops potatoes have also been added, a small rounded format in a 750-gram package, designed for preparation in the oven or air fryer. The type of product that ends up in the cart without being planned.
The signage for new products has changed
A detail that many customers may have already noticed but deserves mention: the classic yellow sign with the word “New” has disappeared, replaced by a greenish sign displaying the name and price of the product. The change means that some new items may go unnoticed at first glance, so it’s wise to keep an eye out in the aisles if you don’t want to miss the new launches.
Hacendado, the invisible engine behind it all
What stands out most about Mercadona’s strategy in 2026 is not a specific product, but the consistency of the model. Continuous improvement in product development, customer feedback, and the testing method with store employees ensure that each launch is finely tuned. That’s why many shoppers feel that the new products seem tailor-made.
Hacendado continues to be the umbrella under which almost all innovation takes shelter, from seafood dishes to frozen torrijas, including ginger shots and makeup palettes. A private label that has long ceased to be just the cheap option to become the chosen option.
April at Mercadona brings Easter, viral trends, and the eternal drama of whether you'll arrive in time before your desired items run out. The same recommendation as always: check the store locator on the official Mercadona website before you head out, especially on the holiday days of this week, and fill your cart in good time. Your fridge will thank you.
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