In just five years the cost of the classic cream bun has increased by 30 per cent and the average price is now SEK 50-60 in the bakeries in Sweden’s three largest cities according to Nordea’s semla index.
According to the semla index Stockholmers have to pay SEK 59 for a bakery semla which is ten kronor more expensive than Gothenburg. In Malmö the average price is SEK 47.
Higher rent costs and a higher price of raw materials is the explanation for the price increase.
According to the industry association Sveriges bagare och konditorer about eight million semlor are sold just on Shrove Tuesday.
The tradition to eat semla ahead of the 40 day long Lent period prior to Easter started in the 16th century.