10 Things to Know About Grocery Stores in Finland

Shopping for groceries in Finland may differ from what you’re used to, especially if you're new to the country. Here are some key things to know about Finnish grocery stores to make your experience easier and more enjoyable.

1. Self-Service Culture

In Finland, grocery shopping is very much a self-service experience. You'll bag your own groceries and return your shopping cart without assistance. Most stores have automated checkout stations where you can scan and pay for your items. Even at traditional cashier lines, expect to bag your items yourself.

2. Store Chains

Finland’s grocery market is largely dominated by three major chains:

• S Group (Prisma, S-Market, Alepa): Known for their broad selection and competitive prices, S Group stores cater to different budget levels.

• K Group (K-Citymarket, K-Supermarket, K-Market): Offers a wide range of products and is known for high-quality groceries.

• Lidl: The German discount chain is very popular for its affordable products. While its selection may be smaller, Lidl has earned a reputation for good deals.

3. Recycling Culture

Finland is big on recycling, especially for bottles and cans. Many grocery stores have pantti machines, where you can return empty bottles and cans for a small refund. The pantti system encourages recycling, as you’ll get a deposit (usually 10 to 40 cents per bottle or can) when returning these items.

4. Plastic Bags

Most grocery stores in Finland charge for plastic bags. To save money and help the environment, many locals bring their own reusable bags or backpacks. You’ll also find that eco-friendly paper bags are available, often placed near the checkout.

5. Store Hours

Finland’s grocery stores generally have reliable opening hours, and many remain open throughout weekends and public holidays, though the hours may be slightly reduced. On weekdays, most stores close around 10 PM, while on Sundays, they may close earlier. Even on public holidays, it’s common for grocery stores to operate, though with shorter hours, so you can still shop most of the day.

6. Organic and Local Products

Finnish consumers value locally-produced and organic food, and many grocery stores prominently feature these items. You’ll see labels like luomu (organic) and kotimainen (domestic) on products that are grown or made in Finland. If you want to try Finnish specialties, look out for local produce like berries, rye bread, or fresh fish.

7. Alcohol Sales

In Finland, strong alcoholic beverages (over 5.5% alcohol) are sold only in Alko  stores, a government-owned chain. Regular grocery stores sell lighter beverages, like beer, cider, and long drinks (low-alcohol cocktails), but even these are subject to strict regulations. Alcohol is sold in grocery stores only from 9 AM to 9 PM, and not at all on certain holidays.

8. Price Labels

Most price labels in Finnish grocery stores show the price per kilogram or liter (hinta/kg or hinta/l), which is a great way to compare prices between different brands and products. This feature helps you find the best deals when purchasing items in bulk.

9. Seasonal Products

In Finland, many grocery stores emphasize seasonal products. For example, you’ll find mämmi (a traditional Finnish Easter dessert) only around Easter, and fresh strawberries during the summer. Paying attention to seasonal produce can lead to fresher and often cheaper options.

10. Discount Stickers

Keep an eye out for yellow or red discount stickers (alennus or alennettu), which indicate products that are about to expire but are still perfectly good to eat. These items are usually offered at steep discounts and can be a great way to save money.

Grocery shopping in Finland might take a bit of adjustment, but once you get the hang of it, it’s an easy and efficient process. Whether you're looking for fresh local food, eco-friendly options, or just some great deals, Finnish grocery stores have you covered!