Realistic vegan meatballs that don't compromise on the "familiar taste and texture of IKEA meatballs" are launching at IKEA stores in Europe this August.
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Swedish furniture company IKEA is getting set to release a vegan version of its popular Swedish meatballs that ‘look and taste like meat’ across Europe from August 3rd.
Made from a combination of yellow pea protein, oats, apples, and potatoes, the ‘plant balls’ offer a more sustainable option to traditional meatballs as their carbon footprint is 96 per cent smaller than a traditional meatball according to IKEA.
The meatless balls have been designed for customers looking to cut down on their meat consumption without compromising the familiar taste and texture of IKEA meatballs, and the company promises that they “will offer the same great taste, look and juicy bite of the iconic IKEA meatball.”
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Customers will be able to enjoy the new plant balls in the same way as the traditional meatball dish at IKEA Bistros and they will be served with mashed potatoes, lingonberries, and cream sauce and at the same, low price (£1.50 for a portion of 8).
However, whilst the cream sauce and mashed potato is suitable for vegetarians, please be aware that they contain dairy and are not suitable for vegans.
Launching at over 290 locations in Europe, with other countries to follow in the coming months, the new meatballs will be available to purchase from the store’s cafes as well as in IKEA’s Swedish Food Markets in the frozen section where they will be priced at £2.75. The Plant Balls will also be available at IKEA restaurants from 26th October
In a statement sent to Vegan Food & Living, Hege Sæbjørnsen, Country Sustainability Manager, IKEA UK and Ireland, said: “At IKEA, we are committed to having a positive impact on people and the planet. In order to reduce the climate footprint of the total IKEA business, including our food business, and make climate friendly, delicious food available for everyone, we are making sure meat alternatives are an easy, desireable and affordable choice.
“With the new plant ball we can now offer meat lovers a great tasting, more sustainable alternative – without compromising on the IKEA meatball experience that is loved by so many.”
Sustainability
The flat-pack furniture giant is working towards becoming more climate positive by 2030 by upping the amount of plant-based dishes it serves.
In a bid to provide more sustainable and ‘healthier’ options to customers, IKEA launched a vegan ice-cream as well as plant-based caviar and a veggie hot dog in 2018. Following on from the successful launch of the soy-based ice-cream in stores, IKEA has launched a strawberry version in time for summer.
As well as introducing vegan ice-cream, IKEA has also pledged to remove single-use plastic from stores by 2020.
Article originally published on 28/02/20. Updated: 16/07/20 to add additional information and release date.
