Why does Sweden have so many products in tubes? What I have discovered is that Swedes appreciate things that are practical and functional. Think: IKEA! Packaging food in tubes is a great way to preserve the freshness of food for a longer time. Let’s use mayonnaise as an example. When you open a jar, the whole top is exposed to the air, which increases its chance of spoiling. With a tube, you are just removing a small screw cap and squeezing out what you need. In most tube designs, no air gets into the package, so there is no increased risk of spoilage.
I can think of many recipes that specify just a Tablespoon or two of tomato paste. In the States, I would open the smallest can and still throw away most of it since I didn’t need it immediately for anything, and it would go bad quite fast. Here in Sweden, I squeeze out a Tablespoon of tomato paste and screw the cap back on the tube. Then it goes back in the fridge, and it’s there the next time I need it. I love not wasting food!
Here are some examples of food you can get in a tube in Sweden.
Tomato paste in a tube:
Mustard in a tube:
Here is an assortment of flavoured mayonnaise tubes. (Pickled, Lemon, Dill, and Light)
Here is one flavor of American Dressing. This one is a copy of the McDonald’s special sauce
Flavored Cheese in tubes. (Flavors shown below include Shrimp, Saffron, Blue Cheese, and Blue Cheese with Pear):
Chorizo-flavored cheese in a tube:
Bell pepper-flavored cheese in a tube:
Ham-flavored cheese in a tube:
Bacon-flavored cheese in a tube:
Salami-flavored cheese in a tube:
Mushroom-flavored cheese in a tube:
Messmör is a product made from the whey which is removed in the cheese making process. The whey is boiled until it becomes a brownish color. It is mainly used as a sandwich spread.
Butter comes in many different flavors in tubes. The one pictured below is parsley-flavored.
Marzipan in a tube:
Apricot marmelade in a tube:
Caviar is the most iconic Swedish food found in a tube:
Kalles Original Caviar in a tube:
Soup in a tube. Below is vegetarian bean and pea soups:
Applesauce in a tube:
Many different meats are found in tubes. The one below is a very common sausage:
Ice cream toppings in a tube. Below are Chocolate and Salted Caramel flavors:
Horseradish in a tube:
Bubblegum in a tube:
If you find this tube packaging interesting, you can read the article below on packaging logistics. Food in tubes: A “retro cool” Swedish innovation — Industrial History and Consumers’ Perspective
You can also enjoy a YouTube video on Why Sweden Loves Food in Tubes.