BURLINGTON, ON, Sept. 15, 2025 /CNW/ - This year marks the 40th anniversary of the IKEA Swedish meatball—a dish that has become as iconic to IKEA as its flat-packed furniture. With over 1.4 billion food balls sold annually, the meatball has evolved from a traditional Swedish staple into a global favourite, inspiring variations like the chicken ball and plant ball. To celebrate this milestone, IKEA Canada is launching a brand-new all-round menu in late Fall 2025, available in Swedish Restaurants and Swedish Delis nationwide. The refreshed menu honours the legacy of the meatball while introducing bold, globally inspired flavours that reflect the diversity of Canada.
"At IKEA Canada, we believe food should be joyful, inclusive, and accessible to all," says Elena Pozueta Larios, Head of IKEA Food at IKEA Canada. "Our new all-round menu is a celebration of the beloved meatball in all its forms—bringing together bold global flavours and sustainable ingredients that reflect the rich diversity of Canada. Whether you're craving something plant-based, pescatarian, or simply comforting, there's something for everyone at our Swedish Restaurants and Swedish Delis. We're proud to offer these new dishes at prices that make dining out affordable, without compromising on taste or quality. This is just the beginning—we're excited to continue evolving our menu to reflect the tastes and cultures of the many Canadians we serve."
IKEA first ventured into food in 1960, opening its first in-store restaurant in Älmhult, Sweden. Founder Ingvar Kamprad believed that well-fed customers were happier shoppers. In 1985, he invited Swedish chef Severin Sjöstedt to develop a meatball recipe that would appeal to the many. After nearly a year of testing, the final recipe was born—one that remains largely unchanged today.
"Ingvar had a knack for knowing what would resonate with the IKEA customers and introducing a classic Swedish meatball was his big idea," remembers Severin. "I came from high-end restaurants before IKEA, and the idea of finding one recipe that would appeal to the many and stand the test of time was an exciting challenge. We must have tested one hundred recipes before we declared this one the winner. It's still the recipe I use when making meatballs at home for my grandchildren."
By the 1990s, IKEA restaurants were expanding globally, offering affordable Swedish classics adapted to local tastes. In 2006, the Swedish Food Market introduced take-home frozen meatballs, sauces, and other Scandinavian favorites, allowing people to create a Swedish meal in their own home.
Over the years, IKEA tested and served different recipes, such as introducing chicken and veggies balls, innovating on the round food concept. The HUVUDROLL plant-based ball, designed to replicate the original flavour of the original meatball, launched in 2020 in an effort to offer healthier and more sustainable food choices.
IKEA Canada is introducing a refreshed all-round menu that celebrates the entire meatball family, offering a variety of globally inspired dishes that reflect the rich cultural diversity of Canada. From plant-based nachos to Middle Eastern falafel and Scandinavian seafood options, the new menu brings bold flavours and sustainable ingredients to the forefront—available in IKEA Swedish Restaurants and Swedish Delis starting late Fall 2025.
Designed with affordability and accessibility in mind, the new menu offers six new dishes unique to Canada, alongside the classic eight-piece meatball dish that has long been a customer favourite. With prices starting at just $6.99, Canadians can enjoy high-quality, flavourful meals that suit a range of dietary preferences and budgets. This launch marks the beginning of an ongoing journey to bring more inclusive and globally inspired food experiences to IKEA customers across the country.
In addition to the classic eight-piece Swedish meatball dish, the new menu will feature six new dishes, each offering a unique flavour profile and inspired by the diverse cuisine in Canada:
- Plant ball nachos with pico de gallo and jalapeno aioli, $6.99
- Eight-piece plant balls with roasted potatoes, scallions, pesto and parmesan cheese, $8.99
- Eight-piece falafel balls with couscous, mixed vegetables, garlic aioli and a lemon vinaigrette, $8.99
- Six-piece cod balls served alongside French fries and kale salad with Lingonberry vinegrette and tartar sauce, $9.99
- Chicken ball tikka masala served with rice, yogurt and naan, $9.99
- Salmon filet dinner with roasted pesto potatoes, peas, and lingonberry kale in a hollandaise sauce, $11.99
Canadians can enjoy the new all-round menu in IKEA stores nationwide starting late Fall 2025.
ABOUT IKEA CANADA
Founded in 1943 in Sweden, IKEA is a leading home furnishing retailer, offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford them. IKEA Canada is part of Ingka Group which operates 574 IKEA stores, shops and planning studios in 31 countries, including 16 in Canada. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 32.6 million visitors to its stores and 162.6 million visitors to IKEA.ca. IKEA Canada operates business through the IKEA vision - to create a better everyday life for the many people and does so through its local community efforts and sustainability initiatives. For more information on IKEA Canada, please visit IKEA.ca.
SOURCE IKEA Canada Limited Partnership
For more information: Alicia Carroll, Public Relations Leader, [email protected]
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