Spanish supermarket classics you have to try

You can get to know Spain in restaurants. But you can also do it in the supermarket aisle – it’s cheaper, more honest, and requires waiting for a waiter much less often.

If you want to know what Spain eats on a daily basis, the best thing to do is look into the shopping carts of the locals. That is where you’ll find what families put on the table as tapas in the evening, what they need for pan con tomate in the morning, and for café con leche at four in the afternoon. We have picked out the classics you should try – and which you can all find at WOW MART.

Sobrasada: Mallorca's red temptation

If there is one product that tastes like Mallorca, it is this spreadable paprika sausage. Sobrasada is spread on toasted bread, briefly fried in a pan, or served with a few drops of honey. It sounds like an experiment, but it’s a classic. In our range, you can find it in the classic version, as Ibérica, and in a spicy variety under Sausage & Cold Cuts.

Ensaïmada: the island's breakfast

A snail-shaped pastry made of fine yeast dough, dusted with powdered sugar. On Mallorca, the ensaïmada is as much a part of breakfast as the pretzel is to Bavaria. A tip: don’t eat it wearing dark trousers. The powdered sugar has a mind of its own. Available individually or in a multipack under Bread & Bakery Products.

Jamón, Chorizo, Fuet: the sausage platter as a worldview

Air-dried ham is not just a cold cut in Spain; it is a cultural asset. At WOW MART, you will find Jamón Serrano and Jamón Ibérico, some of it already sliced into bite-sized pieces. Add some mild and spicy chorizo and the slender fuet, which, when sliced, is the quickest aperitivo there is. All under Sausage & Cold Cuts.

Manchego and his friends

Manchego is the best-known cheese in Spain: made from sheep's milk, matured, and with a protected designation of origin. It is also worth trying the different degrees of maturity – from the mild tierno through the semicurado to the robust curado. If you’re curious, try the matured version with truffles or the sheep’s cheese with orange cream. Under Cheese.

Olives and Pimientos del Piquillo

Spanish olives are a universe unto themselves. Stuffed with anchovies, pickled "homemade" style, or dressed "gazpacha" style – add a cold beer, and the aperitivo is officially underway. Also a must: Pimientos del Piquillo, small red peppers from a jar that can be eaten plain, stuffed, or served with meat. You can find both under Canned Goods & Ready-to-eat.

Tortilla and Ajoblanco from the refrigerated section

The tortilla de patatas is the Spanish national dish for people who don't feel like cooking. You can get them ready-made in the supermarket – with or without onions. It tastes just as good cold as it does warm, and as a snack by the pool, it is unbeatable. Less well-known but worth a try is gazpacho blanco, the white version with almonds and garlic, served ice-cold straight from the fridge.

Alioli: garlic as a way of life

On Mallorca, this garlic cream sits next to almost every bread basket. It goes with grilled meat, potatoes, fish, or simply with bread. A jar of alioli in the fridge is insurance against boring dinners. Under Oil, Sauces & Spices – right next to our own-brand extra virgin olive oil.

Leche Condensada and the Café Bombón

A shot of sweetened condensed milk in a glass, topped with an espresso – that is the Café Bombón, the sweet coffee drink you can get in many bars in Spain. Back at the finca, all you need is coffee and a carton of leche condensada. Both under Coffee & Tea and Dairy & Eggs.

Tinto de Verano: what locals really drink

While sangria is sold in buckets at beach bars, Spaniards prefer to order Tinto de Verano: red wine with lemon soda, ice-cold, with lots of ice. Ready-mixed from a bottle, it is the ideal afternoon drink – and it’s also available alcohol-free. Under Wine & Cava. By the way, you’ll also find Cava and Rioja there for the evening when you want something a bit more elegant.

Helado de Horchata: something cool to finish

Horchata is a drink made from tiger nuts that is mainly at home in Valencia. You can find it in the freezer section as ice cream – sweet, nutty, and a pretty good way to end a hot day. Under Frozen Goods, right next to the lemon sorbet.

Try without having to search

You can find these classics in every larger supermarket on the island. You just have to find them, decipher the labels, and walk through the aisles on a hot afternoon. Or you can put together your own personal tasting box at WOW MART. We do the shopping, deliver to your finca, and put everything in the fridge. All you have to do is try them – and decide what to put on the list for next time.

Don't have a finca for your next holiday yet? You can find our houses on Mallorca under WOW F!NCAS.

Chillin’ like a millionaire. With Sobrasada on your bread.