Visiting Sweden during Christmas? You’ve got to try these Swedish Christmas foods!
Traveling during Christmas time is one of the best times to experience foods that you’re only get once a year. Check out our 5 Strange Swedish Christmas foods you’ve got to try on your visit.
My family moved to Sweden in 2021 and I grew up traveling here to visit relatives during the holidays.
I’ve become a bit obsessed with my heritage and some of the more unique food choices, especially the ones during jultid (“Christmas time”).
Strange Swedish Christmas foods
1. Pepparkakor and Blue Cheese
Swedes love the salty and sweet combination (like salty licorice), which may explain why the combination of pepparkakor and blue cheese is popular.
Pepparekakor are thin gingerbread cookies.
When you shop in the grocery stores around Christmas (Jul), you’ll often see ädelost (blue cheese) in tubes laying strategically next to pepparkakor, so you can easily take this flavor combination home with you.
Are blue cheese and gingerbread worth the hype?
It depends on who you’re asking. My husband would strongly disagree, but he also doesn’t like blue cheese. If you want a good laugh, you should watch the video where I surprise him with this pairing. I personally enjoy the combination of sweet with salty (and stinky).
I like to let the video do the talking – his reaction still brings a smile to my face.
2. Julmust
Julmust is a Christmas staple in every Swede’s household.
My cousin once told me that the sales of Coca-Cola drop drastically during the winter season and julmust sales spike.
Obviously, I don’t know how true the numbers are; however, it definitely feels true to me based on what I see in grocery stores and in homes that we visit during this time of the year.
There has been a renaissance of julmust – you can now find several brands or brewers that carry their own version of the soda.
I tried one that had been barrel-aged for 6 months in oak (ekfat), but I still prefer the good-ol’ classic.
What does julmust taste like?
The flavor reminds me of a spiced Coca-cola. It’s definitely got some citrus flavor with vanilla and spices like cinnamon and ginger. Depending on the brand, you may find more bubbles or less.
Eric tried some for his first time and approved, if you’re curious.
3. Julsemla
Swedes love their semla buns. They are most commonly seen around Easter, and they even celebrate the national “Semla Day” on Shrove Tuesday (Fettisdagen).
A semla bun is a leavened bun filled with a sweetened almond or marzipan paste on the bottom and unsweetened whipped cream on top.
A “julsemla” is extra special. Saffron is added to flavor the dough and sometimes a little cardamom.
During the Christmas season, you’ll see saffron added to a lot of baked goods in Sweden. If you’re American, you can relate the appearance of saffron in Swedish baked goods to the appearance of Christmas items right after Halloween.
Semla buns are a lot of fun to eat because it’s like opening a present and finding more and more inside the further you go. The bun isn’t very sweet, but the filling makes up for it.
Make Julsemla
If you want to make your own julsemla, here’s a recipe to follow.
4. Lussekatt
Lussekatt or Lussebulle is probably the most classic Christmas bread, and you’ll see them everywhere around the winter holiday.
It’s made of leavened bread infused with saffron and flavored with raisons or currents. It isn’t very sweet, except for the flavor pops from the dried fruit.
You’ll want to eat this with coffee while the bun is still warm from the oven! The smell of saffron is fantastic.
These are especially fun to make and share. The dough can be shaped into many shapes or braids, and it’s easy to work with. If you like baking, the kids would love this one.
Make Lussekatt
If you want to make them yourself, here’s a good recipe.
5. Glögg
I saved the best for last: Glögg!
Glögg is Sweden’s version of mulled wine, but better in my humble opinion.
You’ll want to heat up your red wine, sugar and spices and let them meld together.
The spices are usually star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, and orange zest Once ready to serve, put the warm wine in cozy mugs then add blanched almonds and raisons.
Once you finish the cup, find a spoon and you’ve got a slightly-boozy snack. You’re welcome!
Make glögg
Are you ready to make your own? Check out this recipe!
Have you tried any of these strange Swedish Christmas foods?
What are your thoughts on our 5 Strange Swedish Christmas foods you’ve got to try?
Have you been to Sweden at Christmas time and tried any of these foods? What are your favorites?
Do you like our Swedish trips?
Read about our Swedish adventures in Gävle and Sandviken!
Thanks for following our journey! – The HildeFam
