From plant-based meatballs to sustainable living: How IKEA is growing among vegans
IKEA wins vegan shoppers with delicious food and sustainable innovation.
For many people, IKEA has long been associated with affordable furniture, clever Scandinavian design and the famous trip to the restaurant after shopping. Today, however, the Swedish retailer is becoming increasingly popular with vegans, thanks to a growing selection of plant-based food and a stronger commitment to sustainability that extends far beyond the dining area.
One of the most welcome updates for vegan visitors came only a few months ago when IKEA announced that its creamy mashed potatoes are now completely vegan. While the traditional gravy served alongside them is still not suitable for vegans, customers can now enjoy the mashed potatoes with IKEA’s popular plant balls and a generous helping of fresh, juicy peas. It is a simple meal, but one that has quickly become a favourite among those looking for an affordable and satisfying vegan option while visiting the store. Let’s not forget their delicious plant-based hotdog too.
The plant balls themselves have become one of IKEA’s biggest food success stories. Designed to offer a lower environmental footprint than the classic Swedish meatballs, they are made from ingredients such as pea protein, oats, potatoes, onions, and apples. Their familiar flavour and texture have helped introduce many customers to plant-based eating without asking them to compromise on comfort or taste.
Yet IKEA’s growing appeal to vegans goes far beyond its restaurant. Sustainability has become a central part of the company’s identity, with products designed to last longer, use fewer resources and support more environmentally conscious lifestyles. From responsibly sourced wood to recycled materials and renewable energy initiatives, IKEA continues to invest in reducing its environmental impact across its entire business.
A sustainable collection for nomads
A particularly exciting development is IKEA’s newer collections aimed at people who move home frequently. Whether they are students, young professionals, or renters, many customers need furniture that is durable enough to survive multiple moves without ending up in landfill. IKEA has responded by creating practical pieces that are lightweight, easy to assemble and disassemble, and built with longevity in mind. The brand created the KOMPISHÄNG collection. The result is furniture that can adapt to changing lifestyles while helping reduce unnecessary waste.
This combination of accessible vegan food and thoughtful sustainable design reflects a broader shift in consumer expectations. Increasingly, shoppers are looking for brands that make environmentally friendly choices easier and more affordable.
From enjoying a plate of vegan plant balls with creamy mashed potatoes and peas to furnishing a flat with durable, responsibly designed products, IKEA is proving that sustainability can be practical, stylish and accessible. As the company continues to expand its plant-based menu and eco-conscious collections, it is becoming an increasingly natural destination for vegans—and for anyone hoping to live a little more sustainably.
