Every Saturday, children throughout Sweden have a little extra kick in their step. Not just because it’s Saturday and they don’t have to go to school, but because Saturday means lördagsgodis. Lördagsgodis is of course one of those fun compound words that we sometimes write about here (remember, you can read about the longest word in the Swedish language). Lördagsgodis, lördag = Saturday, godis = candy, lördagsgodis = Saturday candy!

Candy is a big deal in Sweden. Nearly every single grocery store will have a wall or entire section of bulk candy in various bins to choose from. They also have your classic candy bars and packages, but the fun is in picking and choosing. Gas stations have this. Convenience stores. If you can buy food, chances are there is a wall of candy somewhere nearby. Small children (and, let’s be honest, me) love this. Parents hate it. At least when their small children are in tow. Because as you walk to the front of the store to pay, you are faced with the temptation of scores of different candies to choose from.

This is one of those cultural traditions that I remember growing up with as a child in Sweden. When we moved to the US, I tried my best to keep the tradition alive and well. I failed. Turns out without the walls of Swedish candy at stores in the US, the logistics of lördagsgodis just weren’t practical.

This really is an incredible phenomenon to witness though. If you’re ever looking to buy some candy on a Saturday, get to the store early. By mid-afternoon the bins are picked over and you’re left with the dregs of Swedish candy. Of course, the dregs of Swedish candy are still delicious. Therein lies the problem. Your wallet and your teeth may be hurting if you aren’t strong-willed enough. As an adult, when I moved back to Sweden, I abided by the lördagsgodis rule. Usually. Some gummy candies are just too good to pass up.

What is your favorite type of Swedish candy? Do you partake in lördagsgodis if you are living abroad?