Best chorizo: PGI chorizo vs industrial chorizo compared
In short: the best dry chorizo is one with an official label, a short ingredient list (pork, paprika, garlic, salt) and no additives. On these criteria our PGI Chorizo Riojano chorizos, mild and hot, are no. 1 of our selection, ahead of industrial chorizo and cooking chorizo.
PGI chorizo, supermarket “Spanish recipe” chorizo, fresh cooking chorizo: these are not the same products. Here is how to compare them, criterion by criterion, with SaucBack's ratings.
The comparison at a glance
| Criterion |
Our no. 1 pick SaucBack PGI Riojano chorizo |
Industrial dry chorizo | Fresh cooking chorizo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Label | PGI Chorizo Riojano, checked by an independent body | Usually none | None |
| Ingredients | Pork, paprika, garlic, salt (+ cayenne pepper for the hot one) | Often a long list: flavourings, colourings, preservatives | Variable |
| Additives | None | Frequent | Frequent |
| Meat content | 163 g of pork per 100 g of finished chorizo | Rarely stated | Fresh product, not dried |
| Drying | Slow, in La Rioja | Often accelerated | No drying: must be cooked |
| Use | Raw as an aperitif or cooked (paella, eggs, lentils) | Raw or cooked | Cooked only |
| Mild / hot choice | Mild or hot, 280 g | Depends on the brand | Depends on the brand |
Why our chorizo is no. 1 in this comparison
- The PGI Chorizo Riojano guarantees the origin (La Rioja) and a traditional method, checked against a European specification. Our guide: PGI, TSG, PDO explained.
- Four ingredients for the mild, five for the hot. No additives, no flavourings, no colourings: the paprika gives the colour.
- 163 g of meat per 100 g of product: slow drying concentrates the aromas.
- No declared allergens and gluten-free.
This ranking is our own, based on the label: certification, ingredients, additives. Compare with any chorizo on the shelf; the ingredient list speaks for itself.
Mild or hot?
The mild relies on sweet paprika, with no heat: the safe choice for the whole table and for cooking. The hot adds cayenne pepper: it warms frankly without burning. The undecided take both in the Gourmand Aperitif Box. Our full guide: mild or hot chorizo, which to choose?
Frequently asked questions
What is the best chorizo?
A dry chorizo under an official label, with a short ingredient list and no additives. Our PGI Chorizo Riojano chorizos tick all three boxes: they are no. 1 of our selection.
Does PGI chorizo contain additives?
Ours does not: pork, paprika, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper for the hot one.
Does PGI chorizo need cooking?
No, it is a dry chorizo, ready to eat. It is also excellent cooked.
Discover our two chorizos: mild PGI chorizo and hot PGI chorizo, or the whole PGI chorizo selection.