IKEA veggie balls are a meat-free and sustainable alternative

IKEA Australia has announced the launch of its new veggie ball, GRÖNSAKSBULLAR, as the first step to include a wider variety of healthier and more sustainable food choices at its in-store restaurants. The vegetable-only balls will be introduced in Australia from 27 April, joining the company’s traditional Swedish meatballs.

The veggie ball features a rich taste from the chunky pieces of vegetables, which include carrot, corn, kale, capsicum and more. They are high in nutrition, fibre and protein, vegan-friendly and free of common allergens. They also have a carbon footprint 30 times less than that of meatballs.

Not only will IKEA’s new menu add a variety of options that are good for health and wellbeing, but all food products will be produced in a responsible manner which considers people, planet and animal welfare. By September 2015, restaurants and seafood at IKEA will be ASC or MSC certified, with IKEA currently working with the MSC organisation to certify crayfish fisheries.

“We will continue to serve delicious food that offers a taste of Sweden at an affordable price, but with an increasing focus on the aspects of food that really matter, such as health and sustainability,” said Michael La Cour, the managing director of IKEA Food Services AB. “We have high ambitions, and our journey in this direction has just begun.”