The Swedish Tradition of Saturday Sweets

Saturdays in Sweden are for godis (sweets!)!! Parents take their kids to a candy store for a bag of candy. This Swedish tradition, called "Lördagsgodis" in Swedish, started as a way to encourage kids not to eat sweets everyday but instead just have them once a week. This tradition started in the 1950s according to Wikipedia. 

This probably explains why bulk candy is super popular in Sweden, it's in 7eleven, Pressbyrån (Swedish corner store), and even all the grocery stores. When we first moved here, we really didn't get it. Now that we know about "Saturday Sweets" or Lördagsgodis, it makes sense why they are so popular. There are also so many different candy stores around the city. One of the candy shops in Gothenburg with a grand selection of treats is called, Sega Gubben (not affiliated with the video game maker Sega).

This is an older photo and the bear isn't out there right now.

Sega Gubben, a candy store in Gothenburg. "Gubben" is like a term of endearment for an old man, or even a little child. I'm not sure if there is an english equivalent.

Sega Gubben can get quite busy during the weekend. Now during the Pandemic, there is usually a line-up outside of the shop on weekends since only a few are allowed in at a time. It's nice to have a store with not only candy but other treats like ice cream, different soda and drinks and even chips. It's a great place to stop by for some weekend (or weekday) movie snacks! *Update: Now more people are allowed into Sega Gubben since Covid cases have been down in the city and some restrictions have been lifted.

Sega Gubben also stocks Snus, which is popular in Sweden. "moist powder smokeless tobacco product originating from a variant of dry snuff in early 18th-century Sweden." from Wikipedia. And Sega Gubben is also one of the pick-up places for DHL. Pick up your package and some snacks!

Grab a shovel and start shoveling into your bag ;) you weigh it at the cashier.

So much candy to choose from!!! 

We haven't actually started this Swedish Candy Tradition with our family. The kids are a bit young for that many sugary sweets (although I've seen friends' kids getting their Saturday treats when they were 3 years old). We don't want them having a whole bag of sweets each week. Once in awhile, the older one gets a gummy or chocolate but we don't want her having so much sugar every single Saturday. It's her teeth I worry about and I find it makes her a little hyper as well.

But it's not like Swedes don't care about their kids teeth. In Sweden, Dental is free for kids until age 25. Kids go to the Dentist as soon as they turn one. They actually mail a toothbrush and toothpaste around 6 months to encourage parents to start the brushing routine.

During the very first Dentist visit, the dentist will start by just counting their teeth and talking to the parents about their meals and habits. It's not until they turn 3 years old, that they sit in the Dentist chair and the dentist actually really looks at the health of their teeth. They also apply fluoride if you want. 

In Sweden, they say parents should continue to help kids brush their teeth until they are older. We have been brushing our daughter's teeth, but recently she started to want to do it herself. She understands about germs on her teeth, and is willing to use toothpaste now. It's such a HUGE improvement. She used to hate the taste of any toothpaste and make a fuss about brushing. Kids grow up so fast!

Have a Friday and remember, don't forget your snacks!

Sega Gubben
Övre Husargatan 10, 413 14 Göteborg, Sweden
Check out their website

And my past blog on Sega Gubben