How many calories are in Ikea 4 meatballs?

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional databases, a serving of 4 traditional beef and pork Ikea meatballs contains approximately 140 calories. However, the total calorie count for a meal can vary significantly depending on whether you choose the traditional KÖTTBULLAR or the plant-based HUVUDROLL, and what sides or sauces are included. This guide breaks down the calorie and macronutrient content to help you make an informed choice.

Quick Summary

A serving of four traditional Ikea meatballs has about 140 calories, primarily from fat and protein. The plant-based version, called HUVUDROLL, has a slightly higher calorie count per ball. Overall nutritional value depends on the specific product and any additional sauces or sides.

Key Points

Classic Meatballs: Four traditional Ikea meatballs contain approximately 140 calories.
Nutrient Profile: For classic meatballs, the calories come from 10g fat, 3g carbs, and 8g protein per 4-ball serving.
Plant Ball Alternative: Four plant-based HUVUDROLL balls contain around 168 calories, with lower saturated fat.
Meal Components: The traditional cream sauce, mashed potatoes, and lingonberry jam add significant calories and fat to the meal.
Meal Customization: To reduce calories, consider skipping the sauce, swapping mashed potatoes for vegetables, or opting for the plant-based meatballs.

Calorie Breakdown for Classic Ikea Meatballs (KÖTTBULLAR)

For those who enjoy the classic beef and pork Ikea meatballs, a serving size can change the nutritional calculation. A typical serving of 4 meatballs is a popular reference point for many customers. While Ikea's nutritional information can vary by country and restaurant, a standard breakdown is available through various food databases.

Nutritional content for 4 traditional Ikea meatballs:

Calories: 140
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 8g

It is important to note that this is for the meatballs alone. If you add the traditional creamy sauce, mashed potatoes, or lingonberry jam, the overall calorie count will increase substantially. For instance, a full restaurant dinner with 10 meatballs, potatoes, sauce, and jam can reach over 700 calories.

The Lowdown on Ikea's Plant Balls (HUVUDROLL)

As Ikea expands its vegan offerings, the plant-based HUVUDROLL has become a popular option. These are made from ingredients like pea protein, oats, potatoes, onion, and apple. A serving of the HUVUDROLL can have a different caloric and nutritional profile than the traditional version.

Nutritional content for 4 Ikea Plant Balls:

Calories: Approximately 168 (based on 210 calories for 5 balls)
Total Fat: 11.2g (based on 14g for 5 balls)
Carbohydrates: 9.6g (based on 12g for 5 balls)
Protein: 7.2g (based on 9g for 5 balls)

These are a solid alternative for those seeking a meat-free option, but it is wise to pay attention to serving size. While the plant balls are generally a healthier choice in terms of saturated fat, they still add calories to your meal, especially when paired with sides.

Calorie and Macronutrient Comparison Table

The following table compares the approximate nutritional values for a 4-meatball serving of both the classic and plant-based versions. Note that these are estimates based on available data and may vary by location and specific product packaging.


Nutrient	Classic Meatballs (4 balls)	Plant Balls (4 balls approx.)
Calories	140 kcal	~168 kcal
Total Fat	10g	~11.2g
Saturated Fat	4g	~1g
Carbohydrates	3g	~9.6g
Protein	8g	~7.2g

How Meal Components Affect Your Calorie Intake

For most people, the meatballs are just one part of a larger meal. To accurately track your calorie intake, you need to account for all components. The signature creamy brown sauce is a major contributor to calories and fat. The mashed potatoes are also a significant source of carbohydrates, especially when mixed with butter or milk.

To manage your meal's overall calories, consider these adjustments:

Skip the sauce: A portion of the traditional cream sauce can add several hundred calories to the meal. For a healthier option, request your meatballs without the sauce or ask for a very small portion.
Modify your sides: Replace the mashed potatoes with a side salad or steamed vegetables. This can dramatically lower the total carbohydrate and fat content.
Choose the plant-based option: As shown in the table, the plant balls have significantly less saturated fat, making them a more heart-friendly choice.
Practice portion control: Instead of a large portion of 10-15 meatballs, stick to a smaller serving of 4-6 meatballs to keep the calorie count in check.

The Role of Ingredients

The caloric density of each meatball is a direct result of its ingredients. The traditional version combines beef and pork, which have a higher fat content, contributing to a richer flavor and higher calorie count per gram. The plant balls, on the other hand, are protein-rich but get their fat content from rapeseed oil, which tends to be lower in saturated fat. The inclusion of vegetables and starches also changes the overall nutritional balance, with the plant balls having more carbohydrates and fiber than their meat counterparts.

For a deeper dive into the nutritional composition of various foods, including common restaurant dishes, explore the USDA FoodData Central database. It offers comprehensive data that can help you make informed dietary choices.

Conclusion

So, how many calories are in Ikea 4 meatballs? The answer is about 140 calories for the classic beef and pork version, but the full picture is more complex. The final calorie count depends heavily on the type of meatball (classic vs. plant-based) and the meal's accompaniments. By understanding the nutritional breakdown of each component, you can enjoy your Ikea meal while staying mindful of your dietary goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical restaurant plate containing 10 meatballs, cream sauce, mashed potatoes, and lingonberry jam can contain around 720 calories.

No, a single plant ball has more calories than a traditional meatball. Four plant balls have about 168 calories, compared to 140 for four classic meatballs.

Per four balls, the classic version has more protein and less fat, while the plant balls have slightly less protein and less saturated fat.

The main source of added calories is typically the rich, creamy sauce that accompanies the meatballs. It is a major contributor to the overall fat and calorie count of the dish.

Yes, nutritional information can vary slightly by location and country, as ingredient sourcing and recipes might have minor differences. Checking the local Ikea menu or product packaging is the most accurate method.

Ikea's plant balls are made from a blend of pea protein, oats, potatoes, onion, and apple.

Yes, by requesting your meatballs without sauce and opting for a low-calorie side like a salad instead of mashed potatoes, you can significantly reduce the overall calorie count.