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The most popular grocery stores in Finland are 🟠 K-Supermarket, 🔵 S-Market, 🟢Prisma, 🟡 Alepa and 🟡 Lidl.

There are only two grocery stores on campus, both located in A-Bloc:

1. 🟠 K-Market
2. 🟡 Alepa

Note that the prices in these stores are slightly inflated, so most people choose to do their groceries off campus in larger stores where prices are lower. Such are in:

1. Ainoa shopping mall, Tapiola

   🟠 K-Supermarket, 🔵 S-market

   (get here by metro)

2. Sello shopping mall, Leppävaara

   🟢 Prisma, 🟠 K-Citymarket, 🟡 Lidl

   (get here by Jokeri tram)

3. Iso Omena shopping mall, Matinkylä

   🟢 Prisma, 🟠 K-Citymarket, 🟡 Lidl

   (get here by metro)

4. Kamppi shopping mall

   🟡 Alepa, 🟠 K-Supermarket, 🟡 Lidl

   (get here by metro)

5. Rautatientori (central railway station)

   🟠 K-Supermarket, 🟡 Lidl, 🔵 S-Market

   (get here by metro)

Pro tips:

• Lidl and Prisma tend to be the cheapest :p
• Because the supermarkets on campus are in A Bloc and so is the metro station, you can just ride one stop to Tapiola and get cheaper stuff. (account for the HSL single/season ticket too) </aside>

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Loyalty cards

🟠 K-Plussa (K-Group: K-Market, K-Supermarket, K-Citymarket)

K-Group is a traditional retail network with independent store owners.

• Student K-Plussa is completely free when you register with a student status.
• Benefits:
  • Student Perk: If you spend over €75 in a calendar month at K-stores, you get 5% back as Plussa money.
  • Instant Discounts: Access to weekly Plussa offer prices in-store (orange tags).
  • K-Ruoka App: Provides personal discounts (OmaPlussa), customized based on what you frequently buy.
• Is it worth it for students? Absolutely. Since Student K-Plussa is free, there is no reason not to have it, even if you only occasionally shop at K-Stores.

🔵 S-Etukortti (S-Group: Alepa, S-Market, Prisma)

S-Group operates as a co-operative, meaning cardholders are "owner-members".

• How it works: You pay a €100 membership deposit.
• Flexible payment option: You do not have to pay the full €100 upfront! You can opt to pay a €20 partial payment to start. The remaining €80 is automatically paid off over time using the monthly cashback/bonuses you earn from your grocery purchases.
• Crucial note: This is not a fee! When you permanently close your bank account, you can cancel your membership and get the full €100 back.
• It comes with a full Finnish bank account (S-Bank). Could be useful for authentication, receiving money, or just as a backup!
• Benefits:
  • Bonus (Cashback): Tiered cashback (up to 5%) paid directly into your S-Bank account on the 10th of every month.
  • Member Discounts: Lower prices on specific items in store (look for the green/blue price tags).
• Is it worth it for students? Maybe. If you regularly shop at Alepa, S-Market, or Prisma, the €100 deposit usually pays for itself in cashback within a few months.

🟡 Lidl Plus (Lidl)

Unlike S-Group and K-Group, Lidl uses a 100% mobile, app-only loyalty program. There are no physical cards or bank account requirements, making it the easiest app to start using immediately.

• How it works: It is completely free. You simply download the Lidl Plus app on your phone, set your location to Finland, and scan your digital customer card at self-checkout or the cashier.
• International Perks: If you travel across Europe, you can change the country setting in the Lidl Plus app to use local coupons in any country that has Lidl.
• Is it worth it for students? Yes, 100%. Since Lidl is already one of the cheapest options in Finland, combining Lidl Plus coupons on top of their low base prices makes it the most budget-friendly choice for routine grocery shopping. </aside>

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Glossary list

Maito — milk

Laktoositon — without lactose

Piimä — buttermilk (fermented dairy)

Kermaviili — sour cream

Kerma — cream

Juusto — cheese

Leipä — bread

Ruisleipä — rye bread

Sämpylä — bun

Naudanliha — beef

Sianliha — pork

Broileri — chicken

Jauheliha — minced meat

Kinkku — ham

Lohi — salmon

Vehnäjauho — wheat flour

Sokeri — sugar

Suola — salt

Kananmuna — egg

Öljy — oil

Mehu — juice (often concentrate)

Täysmehu — 100% juice

Vesi — water (hiilihapollinen = carbonated)

Suklaa — chocolate

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