IKEA Adds Plant-Based Meatballs to Menu, Customers Can't Get Enough

A New Addition to the Iconic Menu

As IKEA celebrates 40 years of its iconic Swedish meatball in the U.S., the company is introducing a new plant-based option that promises to delight customers. This milestone marks a significant chapter in the history of IKEA’s food offerings, which have grown from a simple dish into a global phenomenon.

Expanding the Plant-Based Menu

The new item, a falafel ball, is made with chickpeas, zucchini, onions, and spices. It offers a crispy exterior and a tender interior, making it a perfect addition for those seeking more plant-based choices. The falafel will be served on a platter with couscous, aioli, and a slice of lemon, providing a flavorful and satisfying meal.

This introduction aligns with IKEA’s ongoing commitment to expanding its plant-forward menu. Over the past decade, the company has introduced various meatball variations, including chicken, vegetable, and fully plant-based options. These additions reflect a growing trend toward sustainable eating and dietary inclusivity.

A Cultural Connection

Daniel Yngvesson, Global Food Designer at IKEA, shared his thoughts on the new addition. He noted that falafel has become a staple in Swedish food culture and is beloved worldwide for its aromatic and nutty flavor. The introduction of the falafel ball represents an exciting new flavor profile for IKEA, reflecting the brand's dedication to innovation and variety.

IKEA aims to encourage more customers to make plant-rich food choices. The company emphasizes affordability and inclusivity as core elements of its food philosophy, striving to make sustainable eating accessible to all.

A Legacy of Meatballs

Since its debut in 1985, IKEA’s Swedish meatball has become a global sensation. The dish is sold in massive quantities, with 1.4 billion food balls sold annually. This success has solidified the meatball as a key part of IKEA’s brand identity, alongside its flat-pack furniture.

Over the years, IKEA has expanded its menu to meet evolving tastes and dietary needs. The plant ball, introduced in 2020, was designed to mimic the flavor and texture of the classic meatball, offering a lower-carbon footprint alternative for vegetarians and vegans. While deeply rooted in Middle Eastern cuisine, the plant ball has also become a staple in Sweden.

Yngvesson highlighted the unique connection between IKEA’s design philosophy and its culinary offerings. “We sell flatpack furniture and round-shaped food!” he said, emphasizing how the brand’s approach to food mirrors its design principles.

A New American Connection

While IKEA’s food often draws on Swedish traditions, the falafel ball has a distinctly American connection. According to the company’s press release, the new menu item will be produced in New Jersey, showcasing IKEA’s effort to keep production closer to where the food will be served.

Special Dishware for the Occasion

To commemorate the 40-year anniversary of its famous meatball, IKEA collaborated with Stockholm-based designer Gustaf Westman to create a porcelain serving plate specifically for meatballs. The plate holds 11 perfectly sized balls in a neat row, blending functionality with whimsy. IKEA explained that this collaboration is part of its broader effort to “make preparing and enjoying meatballs more fun and eye-catching.”