Known for their love of dairy, this Swedish founded and themed superstore has never before had a rep for great vegan eats. But finally, dairy-free customers can sit and enjoy their extremely affordable restaurant while perusing for couches and kitchen supplies. IKEA is introducing GRÖNSAKSBULLAR vegan vegetable balls (pictured below) and KYCKLINGBULLAR chicken meatballs, which are gluten-free, dairy-free, and antibiotic-free.
The new IKEA veggie balls, or “vegetarian Swedish meatballs” as many have dubbed them, are a blend of chickpeas, green peas, carrot, bell peppers, corn, kale, pea starch, onion, canola oil and spices and are vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and GMO-free. They were created following a dramatic effort by PETA, but it’s expected that many customers will be enticed to enjoy them, well beyond the dairy-free and vegan community.
A meal with 10 of the IKEA veggie balls will actually set diners back less dollars ($4.49) or euros (4) than the traditional Swedish meatballs, but will add more vegetables, fiber, calcium and iron, and less fat, cholesterol and calories to their plates. IKEA management anticipates good reception of these price and health benefits, but also of the environmental impact – a spokesperson stated that the meat-free product would aide in cutting their carbon emissions in half.
The IKEA veggie balls and chicken balls ($4.99 for 10 pieces in the U.S.) are reportedly launching in their stores worldwide, but the roll out has begun in U.K., Europe, and U.S. locations first. Australia, Asia and presumably Canada, should be right on their heels. As an added bonus, they plan to sell the IKEA veggie balls in the frozen section for a convenient, healthy Swedish-style meal at home! For locations, see the IKEA website below.
Website: www.ikea.com
