Your Vegan-Friendly Trip to the IKEA Restaurant
A trip to IKEA often feels incomplete without a stop at the famous cafeteria-style restaurant. Over the years, IKEA has significantly expanded its plant-based menu to cater to vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians alike. You'll find several substantial and satisfying meals, but it's important to know the specifics to ensure your meal is 100% vegan.
The Iconic Plant Ball (HUVUDROLL)
The most famous vegan-friendly option is the HUVUDROLL Plant Ball, a plant-based version of IKEA's classic Swedish meatball. Made primarily from pea protein, oats, potatoes, onion, and apple, the plant ball has a meaty texture and an umami-rich flavor profile. It is a delicious and sustainable choice, with only 4% of the climate footprint of its meat counterpart.
To order a fully vegan meal in the restaurant, you must make a specific request. While the plant balls themselves are vegan, the standard serving typically includes creamy dairy-based gravy and mashed potatoes made with cow's milk. Instead, you should request your plant balls with these vegan-friendly alternatives:
- French fries
- Peas
- Lingonberry jam
Other Restaurant Menu Items
Beyond the plant balls, other vegan options may be available depending on your location and the season. Some common choices include:
- Penne Pasta with Tomato Sauce: A simple yet reliable option for a satisfying meal.
- Side Salad: A fresh mix of lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and carrots can be a good accompaniment to your meal.
- Baked Beans: A popular choice for a hearty vegan breakfast, usually served with toast (confirm no butter is added).
- Seasonal Specials: Keep an eye out for seasonal specials, which sometimes include other plant-based main courses.
Quick Bites at the IKEA Bistro
After you've finished your shopping and navigated the checkout line, the IKEA Bistro is a great place to grab a quick, affordable, and tasty vegan snack.
Plant-Based Hot Dogs
IKEA has made headlines for its commitment to affordable plant-based hot dogs, now offering more than one choice.
- Veggie Dog (KORVMOJ): The original veggie-based hot dog, made from vegetables like kale, lentils, quinoa, and carrots. It has a distinct vegetable flavor and is topped with pickled red cabbage, crispy onions, and mustard.
- Plant Dog: A newer addition made with rice protein, onion, and apple, designed to mimic the taste and texture of a traditional meat hot dog. It offers a meatier bite for those who prefer it.
Vegan Soft Ice Cream
For a sweet treat, the Bistro offers a refreshing strawberry-flavored, dairy-free soft ice cream served in a vegan cone. This is a fan favorite and an affordable indulgence that tastes great while having a lower climate footprint than its dairy counterpart.
Stock Up at the Swedish Food Market
The Swedish Food Market is a treasure trove of take-home products, many of which are vegan-friendly. It allows you to recreate your favorite IKEA meals or discover new Scandinavian treats.
Frozen Foods
- HUVUDROLL Plant Balls: You can buy bags of the same delicious plant balls served in the restaurant, ready to cook at home.
- HUVUDROLL Vegetable Balls: Made with visible pieces of chickpeas, carrots, and kale, these are a vegetable-forward option for home cooking.
- KORVMOJ Veggie Hot Dogs: Bring home a pack of the veggie dogs to grill or pan-fry.
Pantry Staples and Snacks
- Crispbread (Knäckebröd): Several varieties, including whole grain and rye crispbread, are typically vegan.
- Jams and Jellies: IKEA's organic jams, such as strawberry, blueberry, and lingonberry, are a classic Swedish accompaniment and are vegan.
- Candy (LÖRDAGSGODIS): Many of IKEA's gummy candies, like the cola moose jellies, are made without gelatin. Always check the packaging for the most up-to-date information.
- Potato Chips (SALTADE POTATISCHIPS): Simple salted potato chips are often a safe and tasty vegan snack.
Comparison: IKEA Vegan vs. Traditional
| Feature | HUVUDROLL Plant Ball | Traditional Swedish Meatball |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Pea protein, oats, potatoes, onion, apple | Beef and pork |
| Vegan | Yes | No |
| Climate Footprint | Low (approximately 4% of meatball) | High |
| Texture | Meaty and juicy | Traditional meatball texture |
| Availability | Restaurant and Swedish Food Market | Restaurant and Swedish Food Market |
A Note on Reading Labels
While IKEA is committed to providing more plant-based options, it's always smart to double-check product labels, especially for pre-packaged goods in the Swedish Food Market. Ingredients can vary by country, and recipes can change over time. When in doubt, confirm with a staff member.
Conclusion
IKEA has made it incredibly easy and affordable for vegans to find delicious food, from a full meal in the restaurant to a quick snack in the bistro or packaged goods for your pantry. With a growing variety of plant-based options like the popular Plant Balls and Veggie Hot Dogs, you can enjoy a satisfying food experience while aligning with your values. The company's push toward a more sustainable food future means vegans can look forward to even more choices in the years to come.
For more information on IKEA's sustainability initiatives and food offerings, visit their official website's food section IKEA.com/us/en/cat/certified-plant-based-food-700320/.
