In just five years, the cost of the classic pastry has increased by 30 percent and the average price is now 50-60 kronor at bakeries in Sweden's three largest cities, according to Nordea's Semla Index.
According to the semla index, Stockholmers have to pay 59 kronor for a bakery semla, which is ten kronor more expensive than in Gothenburg. In Malmö, it costs an average of 47 kronor.
Higher rental costs and higher prices for raw materials are cited as the reason for the increase.
According to the trade association Sweden's Bakers and Confectioners, around eight million semlas are sold just on Shrove Tuesday.
The tradition of eating semla before the 40-day long Lent before Easter began in the 16th century.
