IKEA Swedish Market & Bistro Expands Dairy-Free Food & Drink Options

Updated 2020! 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

In 2015, IKEA introduced GRÖNSAKSBULLAR vegan vegetable balls and KYCKLINGBULLAR chicken meatballs, which are gluten-free, dairy-free, and antibiotic-free.

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.

Other vegan entrees that you might find at IKEA restaurants include Organic Pasta with Marinara Sauce and Salad made to order without cheese. They have Newman’s Own Balsamic Vinaigrette or Newman’s Own Light Italian Dressing available. Side options like French fries, fruit cups, and the Moroccan Lentil Soup have also been identified as vegan.

Dairy-free diners often have a few more options to choose from, but it can vary by store. The Marinated Salmon Plate is usually available, and it was dairy-free at last check. I was able to confirm that the Salmon Balls are also dairy-free, but you’ll want to swap seasonal vegetables or brown rice and quinoa for the mashed potatoes they usually come with. The potatoes are not dairy-free. Some other menu items can usually be custom prepared without dairy on request.

The 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 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. We are hopeful that their oat-based formula comes together!

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.

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