How much protein is in Ikea plant balls? A nutritional guide

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

Made from a mix of plant-based ingredients like pea protein, oats, and potatoes, Ikea's plant balls have a lower environmental footprint than their traditional meatballs. But how much protein is in Ikea plant balls and how do they fit into a balanced diet? Let's explore the nutrition facts to help you make an informed choice.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the protein content and complete nutritional profile of Ikea's plant balls, outlining their primary protein source and comparing them to the classic meatball for a clear macronutrient analysis.

Key Points

Protein Content: Ikea plant balls contain approximately 9 grams of protein per 5-ball serving.
Primary Protein Source: The main protein source is yellow pea protein, a complete plant-based protein.
Nutritional Comparison: Plant balls have less protein and fat than traditional meatballs but offer more fiber.
Balanced Meal: Pair plant balls with other protein-rich sides like quinoa, lentils, or chickpeas to create a more protein-dense meal.
Sustainable Alternative: The plant balls have a significantly lower climate footprint compared to traditional meatballs.
Taste and Texture: Despite being plant-based, they are formulated to have a taste and texture similar to the classic Ikea meatball.

Unpacking the Nutritional Facts of Ikea's Plant Balls

Ikea's HUVUDROLL plant balls offer a tasty, sustainable alternative to their famous meatballs. A typical serving size is five balls, which is an 80-gram portion. This serving provides a solid protein count, along with other essential macronutrients. Looking at a 100-gram portion gives us a more standardized comparison against other foods.

Protein Content by Serving Size

The protein content in Ikea's plant balls can vary slightly by region and formulation, but reliable sources provide consistent figures. The primary source is yellow pea protein, which is complemented by other plant-based ingredients.

Per 5-ball serving (approx. 80g): You can expect approximately 9 grams of protein. This is a good contribution for a snack or part of a main meal.
Per 100 grams: For a standardized nutritional comparison, 100g of Ikea's plant balls contains about 11 grams of protein.

The Importance of Pea Protein

Pea protein is a popular ingredient in plant-based alternatives for several reasons:

It is a high-quality, complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for the body's functions.
It offers a neutral flavor profile that is easy to incorporate into products without overpowering other flavors.
It provides the necessary texture and binding properties to create a satisfying, meat-like consistency.

How Do Ikea Plant Balls Compare to Traditional Meatballs?

Comparing the plant ball to the classic meatball helps put its nutritional value into perspective, especially concerning protein.


Nutrient	Ikea Plant Balls (per 100g)	Ikea Traditional Meatballs (approx. per 100g)
Protein	11.2g	18g
Fat	17.5g	22g
Saturated Fat	1.25g	8g
Carbohydrates	15g	12g
Fiber	2.5g	0g
Climate Footprint	4% of meatball	100%

As the table shows, while the plant ball contains less protein per 100g than the traditional meatball, it offers a more favorable fat and fiber profile.

Expanding Your Plant-Based Meal

To increase the overall protein content of your meal, consider pairing the plant balls with other high-protein sides. A balanced plate could include:

Quinoa: A complete protein source that pairs well with the plant balls.
Edamame: Can be added to a side salad or served as a side dish for an extra protein boost.
Lentil-based sauce: Instead of a traditional cream sauce, try a rich, savory lentil sauce for more fiber and protein.
Chickpea Salad: A side of a chickpea salad provides protein and additional nutrients.

Nutritional Information on Packaging

Always check the nutritional information on the packaging of Ikea food products as values can differ between locations due to variations in ingredients or sourcing. A full ingredient list, including the pea protein, is usually available to help you understand what's in your food.

Conclusion

Ikea's plant balls are a delicious and environmentally friendlier alternative to their meat counterparts, providing approximately 9 grams of protein per 5-ball serving. While slightly lower in protein than the traditional meatball, they offer nutritional benefits such as less fat and more fiber, making them a solid component of a balanced, plant-based meal. The pea protein base ensures a quality and complete protein source, and you can easily increase your meal's overall protein by adding complementary plant-based sides. For more information on Ikea's sustainability efforts, you can visit their official website.

Note: Specific nutritional values can vary slightly depending on the country. Always refer to the product packaging for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ikea plant balls are made from a blend of plant-based ingredients, including yellow pea protein, oats, potatoes, onion, and apple.

There is approximately 11.2 grams of protein per 100 grams of Ikea plant balls.

Yes, they are a good source of plant-based protein for vegans, as they contain a complete protein from yellow pea protein and other ingredients.

Ikea specifically designed the plant balls to mimic the taste and juicy bite of their traditional Swedish meatballs using umami flavors from mushrooms, tomatoes, and roasted vegetables.

The plant balls have a lower calorie count and significantly less saturated fat than the traditional meatball, offering a healthier profile.

Yes, unlike the traditional meatball, the plant balls contain dietary fiber derived from ingredients like oats and vegetables.

No, according to some product information, Ikea plant balls contain oat bran and crumbs made from rice flour and other starches, which may contain gluten depending on the specific manufacturing process. Always check the specific packaging for allergen information.