IKEA is launching a vegan version of its famous Swedish meatballs made from pea protein, oats, apples and potatoes
- The new plant-based meatballs will be sold in the UK from August this year
- The meatballs will be available in all 22 of its shops in this country to eat in store
- IKEA fans will also be able to buy freezer packs of the meatballs to take home
IKEA has delighted fans by confirming it will launch a vegan version of its popular meatballs later this year.
The company already sells a staggering 150 million meatballs worldwide annually and previously announced it was considering adding a vegan version to its menu.
The Swedish flat-pack furniture giant is the latest retailer to offer vegan versions of its food as consumer demand for plant-based options continues to rise sharply.
IKEA are set to launch a vegan version of their popular meatballs in the UK this August. The original meatballs (pictured) are considered a cult favourite and consumed worldwide
The company had yet to confirm the highly anticipated new product would go ahead until today.
Michael La Cour, Managing Director at IKEA Food Services, said: ‘We know that the IKEA meatballs are loved by the many people.
‘And for years the meatballs have been the most popular dish in our restaurants.
‘We see a growing demand from our customers to have access to more sustainable food options and we want to meet that need.
‘Our ambition is to make healthier and more sustainable eating easy, desirable and affordable without compromising on taste and texture.’
IKEA already launched a vegetarian version of its meatballs in 2015 and a popular vegan version of their hot dogs in 2018.
The completely plant-based meatballs will be available in the UK from August 2020 and the recipe will include pea protein, oats, apples, and potatoes.
Twitter users commended the announcement and praised IKEA’s existing vegan options
Twitter users expressed their delight at the announcement. The furniture store has already impressed customers with their vegetarian and vegan options.
Rachel Kyte said: ‘If they are as good as their vegan hot dogs…’
Malcolm Poynton said: ‘Good to see Ikea’s famous meatballs launching in vegan form’
Last year, high street baker, Greggs, launched a vegan ‘sausage’ roll. The £1 snack became an overnight hit with shoppers and prompted Greggs to expanded its vegan range to include a vegan ‘steak’ bake.
The flat pack furniture company already offers a vegan hot dog which launched in 2018 and will also sell the vegan meatballs in freezer packs for consumers to cook at home
The new vegan products are credited with upping Gregg’s sales by 13.5 per cent to nearly £1.2billion in 2019.
As a result, the high-street baker’s profit before tax also rose by 31 per cent to £108.3 million proving that consumers are hungry for more plant-based products.
M&S followed suit soon after launching its own vegan ‘sausage’ roll in December 2019.
More and more fast food outlets, such as KFC and Subway, have added vegan products to their menus.
Greggs launched its vegan ‘sausage’ rolls (pictured) last year. The baker sold out of the £1 snack. The treat proved so popular, Greggs expanded its vegan range to include a steak bake
It’s not just consumers who are concerned about animal welfare who are opting for vegan alternatives. Climate conscious consumers are attracted to plant-based meals as they are perceived as being better for the environment.
The IKEA vegan meatballs will have a 96 per cent lower climate footprint than its meat counterpart.
IKEA said carbon emissions from its product making and supply chain, and use of products were down by 4.3 per cent last year despite sales increasing 6.5 per cent.
IKEA have not released how much the meatballs will cost but did say they will be available in all 22 of its UK shops in this country to eat in store restaurants.
The vegan meatballs will also be sold in freezer packs for customers to take home.