IKEA released a sustainability report saying it will continue to explore 'how we can remove or replace dairy in our range...to further reduce the climate impact of our food'
IKEA has announced its intention to ‘reduce or remove’ dairy from its food offerings as part of it plans to become more sustainable.
The Swedish furniture giant revealed the news in its 2022 Sustainability Report, which showed how its estimated 2022 carbon footprint of 25.8 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent is down five per cent from 2021.
Its report looked at the steps it has taken so far in an effort to become more planet-friendly, as well as steps it is planning to implement in five areas: energy, air, water, food, and waste.
The footprint of its food was a significant element of the report, which revealed that some 520 million guests tried its food during 2022.
Outlining its food goals, the report said the brand ‘continues to work toward the goal that 50 per cent of main meals offered in our restaurants will be plant-based by 2025′.
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IKEA – dairy and food goals
When it comes to the food IKEA customers are choosing, the chain reports that more people are choosing to eschew animal products, saying that the ‘positive trend of customers choosing plant-based food continues’.
Supporting this assertion with some statistics, IKEA noted that the ‘share of sales of the plant ball and veggie ball in IKEA restaurants increased from 14 per cent in FY21 to 17 per cent within the HUVUDROLL range and from 24 per cent in FY21 to 26 per cent in the Swedish Food Market’.
According to IKEA’s report: “The climate footprint of plant-based food is often lower compared to animal-based options. A plant-based diet with high nutritional value can also be a healthier choice.”
Outlining its dairy goals specifically, it said: “We introduced new plant-based products in FY22, including a veggie ball version of LÄTTLAGAT ready meals.
“We also launched a plant-based soft ice with chocolate flavour. We continue to explore where and how we can remove or replace dairy in our range (without compromising on taste) to further reduce the climate impact of our food ingredients.”
Feature image credit: cagkansayin via Getty Images
Do you want to follow IKEA’s lead and ditch dairy? Our guide to the 9 best vegan Easter eggs for 2023 makes it easy
