A Mercadona approach to product innovation
Mercadona is known for continually updating its lineup by watching market trends and listening to customer feedback. When a new product doesn’t meet expectations, the retailer has no hesitation about pulling it back. This cautious, data‑driven method helps Mercadona stay relevant while limiting risk for the business.
To reduce risk further, new items are often tested in a subset of stores first. If the initiative resonates with shoppers, it can be rolled out to all locations. This strategy creates initial momentum and builds consumer excitement before a broader rollout.
A new coffee to go
Across several markets, grabbing coffee on the go has become a staple. Mercadona echoed this trend by introducing a range of ready‑to‑drink, chilled coffees that have already appeared in multiple markets for several years.
Among these offerings, a coffee made with oats was added. This provides a dairy‑free option for consumers who avoid animal milk, ensuring they can enjoy a convenient drink without compromising dietary needs.
Currently, this product is not present in every physical store, but it is available on Mercadona’s website. This means shoppers can try it even if it hasn’t reached their local area yet.
Mercadona has introduced another dairy‑alternative beverage to complement the growing coffee to go trend. The goal is to provide more choices for customers seeking convenient, on‑the‑move drinks that fit modern dietary preferences.
Healthier than traditional coffee choices
The oat‑based chilled coffee comes in a 250 ml bottle and is priced competitively at around 0.90 euros, making it more affordable than many coffee options from large international chains. The product is also positioned as a lighter choice, with a lower sugar content compared with some popular global brands.
Each serving delivers roughly 125 calories, which is modest next to coffees that feature high‑calorie additions like sweeteners, creams, and chocolates. This makes the oat coffee an option for daily consumption without the heaviness associated with other flavored drinks.
Mercadona’s oat coffee is designed for practical daily use. Its compact bottle shape and size fit well in a car cup holder, and the secure lid minimizes spills during bumps or rough roads. The package is designed to be portable, allowing consumers to enjoy a ready‑to‑drink coffee without special equipment or preparation.
The combination of oat milk as a dairy alternative and a focus on portability reflects a broader trend toward convenient, healthier beverages that do not compromise taste or convenience. This aligns with consumer preferences for quick, nutritious options that travel well from home to work or a road trip, all while keeping an eye on price and caloric intake.
Observers note that Mercadona’s approach to product testing and category expansion demonstrates how a large retailer can respond quickly to shifting tastes while maintaining a consistent value proposition. By offering tested lines online and gradually expanding physical availability, the retailer balances experimentation with reliability, ensuring customers can rely on familiar quality even as the assortment evolves. The oat coffee choice fits within this framework by delivering a simple, appealing option that complements existing coffee offerings and supports a broader shift toward dairy alternatives in everyday beverages.
The ongoing expansion of chilled coffee options, including oat‑based varieties, mirrors consumer interest in convenient, on‑the‑go beverages that sustain taste, nutrition, and affordability through daily routines. In markets where demand grows, Mercadona may extend shelf presence, warehouse distribution, and online availability to meet the needs of a diverse customer base. This strategy emphasizes accessibility, value, and practical choices for modern shoppers seeking faster, healthier drink options without sacrificing flavor or habit.