11 Summer Foods from Mercadona Perfect for Valencia's Heat

Summer in Valencia is already in full swing: the heat has settled in outside, and familiar dishes suddenly feel far too heavy. You want something cold, light, and quick to prepare — ideally, something you can just pull straight out of the fridge.

The La Cotorra team has put together a selection of favourite summer foods from Mercadona — from light snacks to desserts and seasonal fruit that are best suited to the Spanish heat.

Ice cream in the form of a mochi dessert. It may be far from Japanese standards, but in terms of taste,e it's not at all inferior to the original. On the outside, a sticky, chewy shell; inside, ice cream. The dessert isn't overly sweet, with a slight tartness. In the store, re you can also find other flavours: coconut Mochi and another variation on the dessert — Dochi, in cheesecake and grandma's cake flavours.

What to drink in the heat, if not water? Vichy Catalan is a mineral water and a Catalan point of pride. These days, you can find this mineral water in practically any store across Spain, including Mercadona. Vichy Catalan is best drunk chilled, with a slice of lemon — that way the flavour opens up more fully.

One of the chain's most viral products — it's mentioned in most reviews of Mercadona. And deservedly so. The ice cream has an unusual shape: it's literally half a coconut filled with ice cream,m studded with pieces of coconut flakes. It's delicate in taste and melts quickly in your mouth. If you spot it in the freezer, grab it without hesitation and count yourself very lucky. It's often out of stock.

Aliñadas translates as "seasoned." These pitted olives are one of the best options for a light snack. They're flavorful, with a slight kick, but the taste of the olives themselves still comes through clearly. They pair well with cheese, jamón, or simply a glass of cold wine.

Another snack for the summer heat — a Middle Eastern dish that has become popular far beyond the region. Hummus is great for dipping cucumbers and carrots, as well as spreading on bread.

This Greek yoghurt is in many ways reminiscent of soft cottage cheese or skyr because of its dense texture. Its main advantage is that it's fat-free and high in protein: more than 12 grams per serving. In addition to the classic Greek yoghurts, the protein line includes yoghurts in strawberry, blueberry, coconut, and mango-passion fruit flavours, as well as several desserts.

One of the best options if you're looking for a healthy but filling summer dinner. Inside: shrimp, pieces of octopus, olives, pasta, and vegetables dressed in a light vinegar sauce. A maximally balanced dish that requires nothing extra.

An aged cheddar with a rich, slightly salty taste and a dense texture. It works both as a snack — with crackers, nuts, or a glass of wine — and as part of a cheese board.

A classic Spanish cheesecake in mini format — delicate, creamy, with a mild cheesy flavour that isn't overly sweet. It's perfect as an after-lunch dessert or an evening snack. That said, the choice doesn't end there: in Mercadona's fridges, you can also find a full-size Basque cheesecake and small portions of a blueberry dessert.

Dates on the branch — sweet, soft, with a rich caramel flavour. Dates are 60–70% natural sugars, which makes them a great alternative to candy when you're craving something sweet.

In summer, Spain turns into a paradise for fruit lovers, and Mercadona's selection is no exception. Among seasonal fruit, the strawberries