40 years of having a ball
For four delicious decades, we've been serving up our very own version of the classic Swedish meatball to hungry IKEA shoppers. Let's bounce into some fun facts and tasty titbits about everyone's favourite ball.
It's tough to do business with hungry stomachs
IKEA first ventured into food in 1958 with a cosy corner serving coffee and biscuits. It was founder Ingvar Kamprad’s way of giving something back to his customers, while also making sure no one had to shop for a sofa on an empty stomach. A small gesture, but it hit the spot and soon became part of the IKEA experience, evolving into an in-store restaurant in 1960.
A dish for the many people
As IKEA expanded, each country put its own spin on the menu. But Ingvar dreamed of finding one dish to bring everyone together. Something hearty, homely, and impossible not to love. The Swedish meatball. In 1985, he enlisted Swedish chef Severin Sjöstedt to create the perfect dish. "Imagine having to create a recipe that would work on scale for all IKEA restaurants,” says Severin. After ten months of testing and tasting, the iconic IKEA meatball was born, and the recipe remains a favourite today.
Food balls sold every year
That’s 1.4 billion!
From Swedish favourite to global sensation
Severin’s IKEA meatball is still served in restaurants at IKEA stores around the world. In 2006, they rolled out of the store and into our homes when we launched our very own frozen meatballs, but why stop there?
1985
After months of experimenting the IKEA meatball is born!
2015
The new chicken ball offers a tasty alternative.
2015
No longer just for meat lovers, the vegetable ball is rolled out.
2019
Going with the flow, the salmon and cod ball splashes onto the scene.
2020
High on flavour, low on impact, the vegan-friendly plant ball is an all-round winner.
Rolling into the restaurant
With so many delicious bite-sized balls on the menu, is it any wonder that all kinds of yummy - and sometimes surprising - meals have popped up on menu boards at IKEA restaurants around the world. Let's take a look at a few.
In Italy, meatballs in tomato sauce are served with creamy mashed potato instead of pasta, and in Germany, they’re paired with curry sauce and crispy French fries – our take on the beloved currywurst. At IKEA stores in Japan, at the Swedish Bistro shoppers enjoy a sweet surprise; fluffy castella balls inspired by the favourite Japanese cake, served alone or with soft ice. Delicious!
Main character energy!
Did you know that HUVUDROLL translates to ‘main role’? Delicious, round and the very definition of democratic design, the IKEA meatball has won a lifelong seat at the table and in the hearts of the many. We are endlessly delighted to see all the wild and wonderful ways people pay homage to the HUVUDROLL meatball across the globe. From April Fool’s jokes to pet accessories to scented candles, there are just so many ways to have a ball!
A surprising centrepiece
In the UK, IKEA brought a Swedish twist to the festive table with a giant turkey-sized meatball and its smaller sibling, the cabbage-sized plantball. A tasty centrepiece – and talking point – for any celebratory spread.
Is that the scent of meatballs?
In the US, lucky IKEA Family member sweepstake winners were treated to the chance to get their hands on a limited edition HUVUDROLL scented candle. This rather unusual take on the home accessory captured the scent of our iconic dish – perfect for anyone who can’t get enough of that distinctly IKEA aroma!
Cute enough to eat!
At IKEA Hong Kong’s Kowloon Bay store, pet owners snapped photos of their pampered pooches and sassy cats in the Swedish Christmas Market for a chance to get their paws on a purrfectly adorable meatball headband. We can't get enough of these fluffy headshots!
A lipsmackingly good joke
Is the thought of meatballs alone enough to make you lick your lips? Then perhaps you would have been disappointed to discover that IKEA UK’s launch of a meaty flavoured MËATBALLM lip balm was just an April Fool’s joke!
One seatball, please!
And the April Fools jokes didn't stop there. IKEA France took our meatballs to the next level with a cosy giant meatball chair, perfect for snuggling in. Judging by the reaction on social media, people wouldn't mind seeing these fluffy seats on the IKEA store floor!
Who could resist a platter of meatballs?
You know meatballs have made it when people start designing products just for them - and even more so when they then sell out in days! That’s just what happened with the VINTERFINT meatball serving plate, designed in collaboration with the meatball-loving Swedish designer Gustaf Westman.
Classic Swedish meatballs
Swedish comfort food means meatballs with mash, green peas, cream sauce, and lingonberry jam. Why not create this time-saving, hearty IKEA classic at home, to enjoy with family and friends?
Serves 4, 20 mins
Ingredients
360 g (ca 24) HUVUDROLL meatballs
1 pkg ALLEMANSRÄTTEN mashed potatoes
1 pkg ALLEMANSRÄTTEN mix for cream sauce
4 tbsp SYLT LINGON lingonberry jam
2-4 tbsp milk or water for the mashed potatoes
3 dl water for the cream sauce
1/2 dl cream for the cream sauce
200 g green peas, frozen
Instructions
Place the frozen peas in a bowl and cover them with lukewarm water.
Prepare meatballs, mashed potatoes and cream sauce according to package instructions.
Drain the peas and serve them in the bowl.
Serve the meatballs together with mashed potatoes, cream sauce, green peas and lingonberry jam.
Long live the IKEA meatball!
40 years on and its round shape is as synonymous with our design culture as flat-packed furniture. It’s also one of our best-selling product! And while it is here to stay, there is always room on the plate for more...
Falafel takes centre stage!
To celebrate our 40 year milestone, say ‘hej’ to a new addition. Crispy on the outside, with a tender inside of chickpeas, zucchini, onions and spices, watch out for the new falafel ball, rolling into an IKEA restaurant near you.
Hungry for more?
Join the celebrations and tuck into a yummy meatball dish in your local IKEA restaurant or enjoy our all-round favourite in the comfort of your home.