- Souvenir shops in tourist areas are so overpriced… it ruins the fun.
- I want cheap, cool, and authentic snacks to hand out to friends and coworkers, but I have no idea where to find them!
Don’t worry! Local supermarkets like Voli and IDEA have got you covered.
Supermarkets in the Balkans are a goldmine for unique food finds and retro, aesthetically pleasing packaging. Best of all, you can score the exact same delicious treats locals love for less than half the price of tourist-trap souvenir shops.
But before you grab your shopping cart and dive into Montenegro’s supermarket aisles, there is a fascinating insider secret you need to know.
Actually, Montenegro has very few large-scale snack factories of its own. Because of this, nearly 100% of the staple sweets and snacks filling the shelves are actually imported from neighboring countries like Serbia and Croatia—the legendary, iconic brands of the former Yugoslavia.
If you’re thinking, “Wait, it’s not made in Montenegro?!”—don’t be disappointed! The fact that these treats cross borders and are eaten by locals every single day makes them the truest taste of everyday local life.
In this guide, I’m breaking down the top 8 supermarket souvenirs that people genuinely love. From rare, authentic Montenegrin gems to the ultimate “must-buy-for-the-packaging” Balkan classics.
Let’s smart-budget your souvenir shopping so you can save your money for unforgettable travel experiences!
Local Treasures: The Only 100% Authentic Montenegrin Souvenirs You Can Find in Supermarkets
When hunting for souvenirs in Montenegro’s supermarkets, you absolutely must start with the holy grail: the rare, one-of-a-kind products that are actually made right here in the country!
Let’s dive into the ultimate local gems that you cannot afford to miss.
Honey (Med) — A Gift from Montenegro’s Wild Nature
The name Montenegro literally translates to “Black Mountain” (Crna Gora in the local language). As the name suggests, this is a country surrounded by rugged, breathtaking peaks and untouched wilderness. And tucked away in the jam and spread aisles of local supermarkets lies the ultimate, authentic taste of this landscape: honey.
Known locally as “Med”, honey is a staple in Montenegrin households, treated almost like a cure-all daily elixir.
If you head to a local supermarket like Voli, you’ll find high-quality honey sourced directly from local beekeepers at shockingly low prices. Unlike standard supermarket honey in Western countries or Japan, Montenegrin honey—especially those made from wild alpine flowers and herbs—boasts an incredibly rich aroma and deep, complex flavor profile.
⚠️ Souvenir Buyer Beware: The “Country of Origin” Trap!
Let’s take a closer look at the supermarket shelves, because there is a tricky detail you need to watch out for.
Since Montenegro imports a massive amount of goods from neighboring Serbia, the shelves are highly competitive. Take a look at this bottle from TIMOMED, for example. With its charming, retro illustration of a honeybee, it looks like the perfect souvenir. However, if you read the label carefully, you’ll see it’s produced in Knjaževac—a city in Serbia.
TIMOMED looks charming and retro, but check the label carefully—it’s actually imported from Serbia!
It’s cute, but it’s 100% Serbian.
If you are determined to bring home something that is 100% uniquely Montenegrin, you need to hunt for this bottle instead: “Maja med”.
Look for the brand “Maja med.” The word “Podgorica” on the label is proof of 100% authentic Montenegrin honey.
Look closely at the white box in the center of the label. You will clearly see the word Podgorica—the capital city of Montenegro. This is the real deal!
When browsing the shelves, look out for the words “CVETNI MED” (Polyfloral/Wildflower honey). You’ll notice a beautiful gradient of colors, ranging from light golden hues to the much darker “TAMNI” varieties on the right, depending on the flowers the bees visited. Pick the one that catches your eye!
Why Montenegrin Honey is the Ultimate Souvenir:
100% Authentic Local Product: In a supermarket ecosystem dominated by imported snacks, this honey is a rare, genuinely local product born entirely from Montenegro’s wild nature.
The Perfect Gift for Foodies & Health Nuts: It is brilliant for drizzling over yogurt, pairing with cheese, or spreading on morning toast. It’s practical, delicious, and always a hit with adults.
Note: The glass jars can be heavy and require careful wrapping in your luggage (wrapping them in sweaters or towels works like a charm!). But if you want a true, authentic piece of Montenegro from a local supermarket, this is easily your number one choice.
Domaća kafa — The Rich, Locally Roasted Traditional Coffee
Right alongside honey, the next “100% Product of Montenegro” you absolutely need to bag is known locally as “Domaća kafa”, which literally translates to “domestic/home coffee.”
Throughout Montenegro and the wider Balkan region, a deep-rooted coffee culture thrives. Inherited from Ottoman traditions, this coffee is made without filters. Instead, finely ground beans are boiled directly in a small, traditional copper pot called a Džezva. You let the grounds settle to the bottom and slowly sip the rich, dark brew from the top.
Insider Tip: This bitter, robust coffee pairs a full 120% perfectly with Ratluk (Turkish Delight), a chewy traditional sweet we’ll introduce later in this article. Alternating between a sip of intense coffee and a bite of sweet Ratluk is the ultimate local luxury.
While most sweets on the shelves are imported, Montenegrin local roasters are working incredibly hard to keep their coffee game strong! Here are 3 fantastic local brands to look out for on your supermarket run:
MMS KAFA
MMS KAFA: A classic, full-bodied local favorite roasted in Podgorica.
Featuring a classic logo on a bold red package, MMS KAFA is a true Montenegrin staple based right out of the capital, Podgorica. It is low in acidity, deeply full-bodied, and the absolute go-to morning brew for locals.
KAFA KONA
KAFA KONA: The cutest packaging on the shelf, making it a perfect casual gift.
KONA immediately catches your eye with its adorable mascot—a cute little coffee bean character sporting a sombrero. Roasted locally in Montenegro, this brand’s catchy, playful packaging makes it an instant winner for a fun, budget-friendly souvenir.
Bom Jaka Kafa
Bom jaka kafa: A powerful, extra-strong brew from the coastal town of Bar—perfect with sweets.
Wrapped in a distinct green package, this authentic blend is produced by a local company in the southern coastal town of Bar. True to its name—“jaka kafa” means “strong coffee”—it delivers a powerful, punchy bitterness and an intense aroma. It is, without a doubt, the ultimate partner for a sweet piece of Ratluk.
Why Domaća Kafa Makes the Perfect Souvenir:
Insane Value (Around €1 to €2 per pack): As you can see on the shelves, a 100g to 200g pack will only set you back around 1 to 2 Euros (and even cheaper if you catch a sale!). Your wallet will thank you.
The Ultimate “Cafe at Home” Combo: Pairing this intense, bitter coffee with the chewy sweetness of Ratluk creates a golden match that perfectly recreates the vibe of a cozy Montenegrin cafe right in your own living room.
Note: You don’t need a traditional pot to enjoy this at home! Even if you brew it using a standard French press or a regular coffee maker, it yields a rich, espresso-like depth. Make sure to scout the shelves next to the sweets and bring your favorite package home!
Balkan Classics: The Iconic Nostalgic Souvenirs Loved Across Montenegro
There is absolutely no need to feel discouraged thinking, “But wait, I came all the way to Montenegro—why should I buy souvenirs made in neighboring countries?”
In fact, these are the exact sweets and snacks that locals have grown up eating every single day. They cross modern borders and represent the true, shared cultural fabric of the Balkan peninsula.
Let’s dive into the ultimate crowd-pleasers that dominate the shelves of Montenegrin supermarkets—guaranteed hits that you can’t go wrong with!
Ratluk — The Chewy, Traditional Sweet with Ottoman Roots
When traveling through the Balkans, you’ll often be served a tiny, square sweet alongside your coffee at cafes or as a welcome treat at hotels.
This is Ratluk. It features a uniquely chewy, gelatinous texture—reminiscent of traditional Japanese yubeshi or mochi—and is generously dusted with powdered sugar.
Kraš Ratluk: A classic, chewy traditional sweet that pairs 120% perfectly with local coffee.
While its roots trace back to the famous Turkish Delight (Lokum), it has completely integrated into everyday life across the former Yugoslavia and remains a staple local treat. Walk into any supermarket’s sweets aisle, and you’ll be blown away by the massive variety available.
The most classic and popular flavors are Rose and Walnut. One bite, and a beautifully floral aroma or rich nutty crunch spreads across your palate.
Why Ratluk Makes a Fantastic Souvenir:
The Perfect Coffee Companion: Alternating between a sip of intense, unfiltered Domaća kafa and a bite of sweet Ratluk is the ultimate local luxury. Gifting a box of Ratluk together with a pack of local coffee makes for an incredibly thoughtful, authentic present for any coffee lover.
A Comforting, Nostalgic Taste: Unlike hyper-sweet, modern Western chocolates, Ratluk offers a gentle texture and a rustic, comforting sweetness. It is often a huge hit even with older generations who appreciate traditional, less sugary treats.
Incredibly Budget-Friendly: Boxes from legendary, historic brands like Kraš only cost around €1 to €2. You can toss multiple boxes into your shopping cart without a second thought.
Note: Since they are heavily coated in powdered sugar, just warn your friends to be careful not to get it on their clothes or office desks! It is an unmissable traditional treat that lets you experience the history and culture of the Balkan peninsula in the sweetest way possible.
Jaffa Cakes — The Perfect Harmony of Soft Biscuit, Orange Jelly, and Chocolate
If you look for the ultimate star of the sweets aisle in any Balkan supermarket, you will instantly run into Jaffa Cakes, produced by the historic manufacturer Crvenka. Despite having “cake” in the name, these are actually delightfully soft, bite-sized circular biscuits.
Crvenka Jaffa Cakes: A legendary Balkan staple featuring a heavenly combination of soft biscuit, tangy orange jelly, and dark chocolate.
Each biscuit is topped with a layer of tangy, juicy orange jelly and coated in a crisp shell of rich dark chocolate.
The contrast of the soft biscuit, the chewy jelly, and the snappy chocolate coating creates an incredibly addictive texture. The refreshing burst of orange paired with deep chocolate is an absolute match made in heaven—once you open a box, it is dangerously hard to stop eating them.
Why Jaffa Cakes Make a Fantastic Souvenir:
Perfect for Sharing: They come neatly lined up in a stylish, sturdy box, making them incredibly easy to open up in an office breakroom or pass around among a group of friends.
Fun Varieties to Explore: While the classic orange flavor is the undisputed king, if you scout the supermarket shelves closely, you’ll also find raspberry, sour cherry, and even white chocolate versions. Grabbing a few different flavors for a taste-test comparison is highly recommended.
In this region, Jaffa Cakes are a household staple that everyone—from kids to grandparents—keeps stocked in their pantry. They are as deeply ingrained in the culture as potato chips are in the West. You can buy these with absolute confidence, knowing they taste incredible!
Plazma — From Baby Food to Daily Snack: The Ultimate All-Purpose Biscuit
When browsing the sweets aisle in any Montenegrin supermarket, there is one bright red package you absolutely cannot afford to miss.
This is Plazma, manufactured by the iconic brand Bambi. At first glance, it might look like a simple, plain biscuit, but its status in the Balkan peninsula is unparalleled—it is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon.
Bambi Plazma: The undisputed king of Balkan biscuits and a true cultural staple loved by all generations.
Taste-wise, it offers a gentle, comforting sweetness with hints of honey and a rich, creamy milk flavor. It has a delightfully light, crunchy texture that melts smoothly in your mouth. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, it has earned absolute trust across the region as a nutritious, wholesome treat.
Why Plazma Makes a Fantastic Souvenir:
Pure Local Culture in a Box: In Montenegro, Plazma is woven into the fabric of daily life. It is the very first solid food babies eat (softened in warm milk), a staple topping for local crepes (palačinke), and the ultimate companion for a morning coffee. Buying a box is the closest you can get to experiencing the heart of local food culture.
A Gentle Taste Everyone Loves: Unlike many heavily sweetened Western snacks, Plazma has a rustic, nostalgic flavor profile. It is a foolproof gift for families with young children or anyone who prefers subtle, high-quality sweetness.
Endless Varieties to Choose From: Depending on your needs, you can pick up convenient, bite-sized mini packs, or indulge in the premium versions coated on one side with rich milk chocolate (Plazma Choco).
If you want to take home the single most loved snack in the entire region, grab this iconic red box without hesitation. It also pairs beautifully with the traditional coffee we covered earlier!
Karamela — Retro Packaging and Rich, Nostalgic Soft Caramels
If you are looking for the perfect “buy-it-for-the-packaging” item in the sweets aisle, keep an eye out for these small, square candies wrapped in charmingly retro, colorful paper.
This is Karamela, crafted by the legendary Croatian confectioner Kraš. While it falls into the caramel or soft candy category, it offers a slightly firmer, more satisfying chew than standard Western caramels, releasing a rich, deep sweetness that slowly unfolds in your mouth.
Kraš Karamela: Delightfully chewy soft caramels in retro packaging. The hazelnut flavor (Lešnik) is a massive local favorite.
While it comes in a few different flavors, the undisputed local favorite is Lešnik, which means Hazelnut (as shown on the package in the photo). It delivers that bold, satisfying sweetness you expect from international treats, yet it remains perfectly balanced without being cloying—making it dangerously easy to reach for “just one more.”
Why Karamela Makes a Fantastic Souvenir:
The Ultimate Casual Giveaway: Since each candy is individually wrapped in its own adorable paper, it is incredibly convenient for tossing into a bowl at the office or splitting up into cute little gift bags for a group of friends.
Stress-Free Packing: Unlike delicate biscuits or chocolates, you don’t have to worry about these crushing, breaking, or melting easily (unless it is the dead of summer). You can easily tuck them into any leftover nooks and crannies of your suitcase for a safe trip home.
This traditional soft caramel feels like the kind of comforting treat you’d always find waiting for you at a Balkan grandmother’s house. Whether as a sweet snack for your train or bus rides through the mountains, or as a lovely, budget-friendly gift, make sure to slip a few packs into your shopping cart!
Medeno Srce — Heart-Shaped Chocolate Gingerbread Laced with Honey and Spice
One of the most eye-catching items in the Balkan sweets aisle is a box decorated with a charming heart illustration. This is Medeno Srce, crafted by the historic Serbian confectioner Pionir. In the local language, the name romantically translates to “Honey Heart.”
Pionir Medeno Srce: Romantic, heart-shaped chocolate gingerbread biscuits with a spiced honey dough and fruit jam center.
This treat belongs to a beloved traditional category of sweets known as Medenjaci—Balkan-style honey cookies similar to spiced gingerbread—coated in a layer of smooth chocolate.
The standout feature of Medeno Srce is the aromatic burst of cinnamon and cloves that hits your senses the moment you take a bite, perfectly balanced by the gentle sweetness of honey.
Inside the moist, crumbly spiced dough hides a center of tangy fruit jam that melts beautifully into the dark chocolate coating. While the original version features apricot jam, you can also find refreshing orange versions (labeled as Narandža, as seen in the photo) or sour cherry versions (Višnja) from other local brands like Bon Gusto. Every single one is a guaranteed hit.
Look out for alternative brands like Bon Gusto, which offer fantastic variations like sour cherry (Višnja) alongside the classic flavors.
Why Medeno Srce Makes a Fantastic Souvenir:
The Ultimate Heart-Shaped Gift: Thanks to its lovely, rounded heart shape, this sweet makes for a wonderful, visually appealing gift for friends, family, or anyone you want to show a little appreciation to.
Accidentally Vegan-Friendly (Look for “POSNO”): Keep an eye out for the words “POSNO” or “LENTEN” on the packaging. This indicates that the recipe follows Orthodox Christian fasting traditions, meaning it is made without eggs, milk, or dairy. It’s an incredibly helpful find for vegan or dairy-free friends back home.
If you love European spiced cookies, herbal teas, or the aromatic warmth of a good chai, this masterpiece is bound to become your new favorite. Pair it with a cup of the rich, unfiltered local coffee (Domaća kafa) we mentioned earlier, and you’ve got the ultimate Montenegrin cafe experience ready to recreate at home!
Smoki — The Addictive Peanut Snack That Pairs Way Too Well with Beer
Moving away from the sweets, let’s talk about the undisputed, number-one salty snack in the entire Balkan peninsula: Smoki.
Štark Smoki: The ultimate savory peanut snack. At just €0.40 a bag, it’s a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser that doesn’t compromise on taste!
Manufactured by the legendary brand Štark, you cannot walk into a single supermarket in Montenegro without seeing walls of these bags. And in this era of rising travel costs, the price of this snack is an absolute lifesaver!
Shaped like puffy, bite-sized curls, Smoki delivers an incredibly rich flavor profile that catches most travelers by surprise. It is made with fresh, real peanuts blended directly into the dough. The moment you pop one into your mouth, a powerful wave of savory, roasted peanut aroma and the perfect hit of salt explodes on your palate. It features a light, crispy crunch that smoothly melts away.
As a brilliant bonus, the recipe is completely palm oil-free and stands as a great source of fiber.
Why Smoki Makes the Ultimate Souvenir:
Shockingly Cheap (Around €0.40 a bag): Check out the price tag in the photo—it really is just 40 cents! If you are on a mission to keep your souvenir budget as tight as possible without sacrificing flavor, this is your holy grail.
The Ultimate Beer Snack: The savory, nutty saltiness makes Smoki an elite partner for an ice-cold beer or a glass of wine. It is a 120% guaranteed hit for any friend who loves a good drink.
Certified Vegan (Look for the Vegan Logo): Labeled clearly with a green “VEGAN” badge near the bottom of the bag, this snack is made entirely from plant-based ingredients, making it a stress-free giveaway for anyone on your list.
Locals grow up on this stuff. It’s the snack kids eat at the park, and the exact comfort food adults tear open while watching a football match or hosting a party. It is deeply woven into the local lifestyle.
Pro-Tip: If you are bringing a few bags of Smoki home, pairing them with a chilled, authentic local beer is the ultimate pro-move. If you want to put together the ultimate “Balkan Happy Hour” gift set, check out my [complete guide to the best supermarket beers in the region, featuring local favorites like Ožujsko] to curate the perfect match!
Navigating Montenegro’s Top 2 Supermarkets: Where to Hunt for Souvenirs
If you want to score the best deals and have the most fun buying souvenirs in bulk, heading to a local supermarket is an absolute golden rule!
While there are a few different grocery chains across the country, the two major heavyweights every traveler needs to remember are Voli and IDEA. You’ll spot either one (or both) in major tourist hubs like Kotor. Here is how to use them like a pro:
Voli — The Biggest Supermarket Chain with the Ultimate Selection
Dominating the market as Montenegro’s largest grocery chain, Voli is your absolute best bet for a dedicated souvenir hunt. They operate many large-scale supermarkets, meaning their shelves boast an incredible variety of products.
Why It’s Great for Souvenirs: From local coffees, sweets, and honey to a massive selection of Montenegrin wines and regional craft beers, they have it all.
Convenient Locations: You’ll easily find massive flagship stores near major tourist spots, including a large, highly convenient location inside the shopping center just outside the historic old town of Kotor.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, just head to a Voli first. You will easily tick off 90% of your souvenir shopping list in one single trip!
IDEA — The Ultimate Convenience: Easy to Spot on Any Walking Tour
IDEA near Kotor Old Town: Your go-to, wallet-friendly express store marked by its bright red logo—perfect for a quick snack run.
Running neck-and-neck with Voli in terms of visibility, IDEA is another chain you will see everywhere. Unlike Voli’s massive superstores, IDEA focuses heavily on medium-to-small express shops scattered around city centers—much like a local convenience store.
Why It’s Great for Travelers: Because they are tucked into almost every major intersection and tourist route, they are incredibly practical for grabbing a quick snack or a cold drink mid-adventure.
Wallet-Friendly Local Prices: Since it’s deeply rooted in the daily lives of locals, the pricing is highly competitive and perfect for bagging casual snacks in bulk without overspending.
💡 Quick Summary: Voli vs. IDEA
Voli
Best For…: Heavy souvenir shopping, wine, local honey, and bulk buying.
Vibe: Large-scale, mega-grocery store with maximum variety.
IDEA
Best For…: Quick stops, snack refills, and picking up items right near old town.
Vibe: Neighborhood convenience style, highly accessible.
The Ultimate Smart Travel Strategy: Use Voli when you want to dedicate an hour to grabbing all your major gifts at once, and lean on IDEA for quick, hassle-free pitstops while wandering the historical streets!
Wrap-Up: Montenegro’s Supermarkets are a Goldmine for Unique Souvenirs!
There you have it—a curated guide to the absolute best souvenirs you can hunt down in Montenegro’s local supermarkets like Voli and IDEA.
From the deeply traditional flavors of unfiltered local coffee to the legendary peanut crunch of Smoki, and the rich jars of 100% authentic Montenegrin honey, the grocery store shelves are packed with incredible treasures at shockingly budget-friendly prices.
When you find yourself exploring the magical stone streets of Kotor or wandering through the coastal towns, make sure to use these supermarket tips to shop like a local and bag some unforgettable memories.
I have written plenty of other deep-dive guides and off-season travel advice to help you plan the ultimate Balkan adventure! Be sure to check out my other articles to make your trip planning completely seamless.
Hi there! I’m Moose — originally from Japan, but living in Toronto, Canada for over 15 years.
