Updated 2018! 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.
In 2015, IKEA introduced GRÖNSAKSBULLAR vegan vegetable balls (pictured below) and KYCKLINGBULLAR chicken meatballs, which are gluten-free, dairy-free, and antibiotic-free.
The 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.) have launched in their stores worldwide, but may be subject to availability in some of their bistros. Both products are also available in the frozen section for a convenient, healthy Swedish-style meal at home!
In 2018, they announced the release of new plant-based veggie dogs for their quick-serve bistros. The initial launch is in Boston, but if demand takes hold, they will likely expand this vegan offering to more stores.
As a part of their big plant-based initiative, IKEA is also planning to release dairy-free soft serve in the summer of 2019. This would also be available in their quick-serve bistros, and we are hopeful that their formula will come together!
Other plant-based options spotted in the IKEA restaurant include an Asparagus Salad and Carrot Ginger Soup. They also have plain donuts available that appear to be dairy-free and vegan in the food market.
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
