The Swedes are known for their love of dairy. But this Swedish founded and themed superstore is gaining a reputation for great plant-based eats. Dairy-free customers can now sit and enjoy the extremely affordable restaurant at IKEA, and even take home several items from their food market.
The Dairy-Free & Vegan Options at IKEA Restaurants & Bistros
In 2015, IKEA introduced GRÖNSAKSBULLAR vegan vegetable balls and KYCKLINGBULLAR chicken meatballs, which are gluten-free, dairy-free, and antibiotic-free.
IKEA Veggie Balls Review
The IKEA veggie balls have been dubbed “vegetarian Swedish meatballs,” but they actually have a strong vegetable vibe. They’re made from a blend of chickpeas, green peas, carrot, bell peppers, corn, kale, pea starch, onion, canola oil, and spices. And they happen to be vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and GMO-free. These fulfilling balls were created following a dramatic effort by PETA. But I think many customers will be enticed to enjoy them, well beyond the vegan community. We tried them, and thought they were quite flavorful!
A meal with 10 of the IKEA veggie balls will set you back less dollars ($4.49) or euros (4) than the traditional Swedish meatballs. And they will add more vegetables, fiber, calcium, and iron to your plate, with less fat, cholesterol, and calories. IKEA management anticipates good reception of these price and health benefits, but they’re also proud of the environmental impact. A spokesperson stated that the meat-free product would aide in cutting their carbon emissions in half.
Vegan Options at IKEA Restaurants
- Vegan Veggie Balls Plate
- Organic Pasta with Marinara Sauce
- Salad (made to order without cheese and with Newman’s Own Balsamic Vinaigrette or Light Italian Dressing)
- French Fries
- Fruit Cups
- Moroccan Lentil Soup
- Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Additional Dairy-Free Options at IKEA Restaurants
- Marinated Salmon Plate / Gravad Lax
- Salmon Balls (sub seasonal vegetables or brown rice and quinoa for the mashed potatoes)
Heads Up! Sorry, the traditional Swedish Meatballs at IKEA contain milk.
Dairy-Free & Vegan Options at IKEA Quick Serve Bistros
In 2018, IKEA announced the release of new plant-based veggie dogs for their quick-serve bistros. The initial launch was in Boston, but they are now served at most IKEA Quick Serve Bistros in the U.S. and Europe. Here’s the short list of dairy-free and vegan Bistro options.
- Vegan Veggie Dogs / KORVMOJ
- Vegan Strawberry Oat Milk Soft Serve Ice Cream (Europe)
Heads Up! Sorry, the cinnamon rolls do contain dairy.
The Dairy-Free & Vegan Options in IKEA’s Food Market
The dairy-free and mostly vegan items below should also be considered for your IKEA shopping list. Let us know if you find any more delicious dairy-free items worth purchasing!
- Kafferep: This is a thin, gooey, traditionally Swedish chocolate cake dusted with powdered sugar. It does contain wheat and eggs, but no dairy.
- Grönsaksbullar Vegetable Balls (also vegan): These are the same “meatballs” served at their restaurant, sold frozen for you to make at home.
- Kycklingbullar Chicken Meatballs: These are the gluten-free and dairy-free meatballs that you can sometimes find in their restaurant. They’re are also sold frozen, and Sarah says she buys them every time they go to IKEA.
- Våfflor Frozen Waffles: These thin and crispy heart-shaped delights are surprisingly dairy free!
- Pajmix Rabarber & Hallon Crumble (also vegan): For dessert, try this rhubarb & raspberry crumble. It’s sold frozen for convenience.
- Potatischips Gräddfil & Lök Potato Chips (also vegan): Their sour cream & onion potato chips are actually dairy-free!
- Doughnuts (also vegan): I’m not sure of the official name, but it has been confirmed that IKEA’s prepared doughnuts are accidentally vegan.
- Rösti Potato Fritters (also vegan): Potatoes are popular in Sweden, and so is this classic fritter. It’s sold in the frozen section.
- Kafferep Cookies (also vegan): If you’re craving some sweet, crispy biscuits, then this cookie series should be high on your list. Several varieties are dairy-free and egg-free, including the ginger thins and the biscuits with raspberry filling.
- Sjörapport Seaweed Pearls (also vegan): Yes, IKEA sells vegan caviar! Sarah and her family tried it and said it was quite good.
- Sill Senap Marinated Herring: This looks creamy, but it’s actually in a delicious dairy-free mustard sauce.
- Naturli’ Vegan Spreadable Butter and Oat Milk (also vegan): We aren’t sure if these are quick serve items or available to purchase in the market. But either way, they’re only sold in their Denmark stores right now!
- Munsbit Oat Smoothies (also vegan): These new dairy-free bottled smoothies were just recently launched. And they come in two flavors: Black Currant Blueberry & Acerola and Apple Pear & Ginger.
This Post is for Informational Purposes Only
Menus, ingredients, kitchen procedures, management, and restaurants are subject to change at any time. Always read the menu and discuss your dietary needs with the staff before ordering. Make sure that they can accommodate your situation. This post is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as advice.
There is always a risk for potential cross-contamination of allergens in any commercial kitchen. If cross-contamination is an issue for you, always speak with the manager to ensure that your meal can be safely prepared. Listings here do not guarantee that a restaurant is safe enough for your individual needs. Only you can make that decision.
Where to Find IKEA
They have stores around the globe. See their website below for store locators and country-specific websites.
Website: www.ikea.com
Average Reader Review
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What Others Are Saying ...
the food is delicious, but not digestibale for everyone.
Dairy free is not the same as vegan. I am lactose intolerant not vegan. I would like to see options that just don’t have dairy. i.e. milk products in them. That includes butter. 38% of the US population is lactose intolerant.
Vegan options that I can't find elsewhere
The frozen potato pancakes they have are the only vegan ones I know of. Two different vegan Meatballs and other solid stuff as well
Misinformed
I was given garlic bread when I asked for vegan food but after researching online I discovered it’s not vegan. Extremely pissed off and disgusted.
Response from Go Dairy Free
Yes, it isn’t on our info above.
2 Comments
Glad IKEA restaurants have some dairy free options. Most fast food restaurants don’t have any dairy free options at all.
You might find our restaurant section with fast food guide helpful Brittany! -> https://www.godairyfree.org/eating-out