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Serving the yummiest meatballs since 1985

A taste of the times

For almost 40 years we've been serving up our own very own version of the classic Swedish meatball to hungry IKEA shoppers. Over the years our iconic balls have evolved, but one thing that's never changed is their delicious taste. Let's take a look back over the years.

1985
  • Chef Severin Sjöstedt stands in a kitchen. He smiles at the camera as he cooks meatballs.

    The birth of an icon

    We've been serving food at IKEA stores since the 1960s, but in 1985 Swedish chef Severin Sjöstedt created a meatball that was delicious, affordable and easy to serve, based on the traditional Swedish meatball. After 10 months of tireless testing and tasting, the IKEA meatball was born.

How a classic came to be

With more than one billion sold globally every year, what goes into making the world's most famous meatball? Take a trip back to 1985, to where it all began.

 

2015
  • A bowl of IKEA chicken balls, garnished with herbs sit in a white bowl, on a wooden board. Behind are additional plates of food and a spoon.

    Now in chicken

    We introduced the chicken meatball as an alternative to red meat. Juicy, tender and with a subtle taste, they're ideal for all types of cuisines and dishes. Chicken teriyaki balls, anyone?

2015
  • A frying pan filled with HUVUDROLL vegetable balls in a curry sauce, with vegetables, herbs and bread on the side.

    Vegetarians rejoice!

    In the same year we introduced our vegetable balls, a meat-free alternative to our classic for vegans, vegetarians and just about anyone else – and with a lower environmental impact.

2017
  • A plate of mooseballs with chanterelles, cabbage, apples and sauce on a plate.

    Did somebody say mooseballs?

    Yep, that's right. In the Köket restaurant at the IKEA Museum, we were serving up moose meatballs. Made from local wild game and served with chanterelle mushrooms and bacon, visitors were treated to a taste of our Småland roots.

2018
  • A white plate on a white tablecloth. The dish is IKEA salmon balls in a creamy sauce with a sprig of dill.

    Hooked on salmon balls

    At last, a meatball for fish lovers. Our salmon balls are made from ASC-certified Norwegian salmon. As part of our commitment to people and planet, we use the pieces that are too small to be used as whole fillets, so nothing goes to waste.

2020
  • An IKEA instruction sheet with images showing how to make IKEA meatballs at home.

    Sharing is caring

    A global pandemic forces the world into lockdown. Until IKEA stores reopen, how would IKEA meatball fans get their fix? Well, we created a recipe for our iconic ball to make at home, in true IKEA style.

2020
  • Huvudroll Plant balls in a metal frying pan, mixed with green peas, fennel and other vegetables. There are herbs nearby.

    Better all round

    The HUVUDROLL Plant ball is a plant-based ball for a new generation of meatball lovers. Though it looks, tastes and feels like our tasty original, it's vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

A plant ball for meat lovers

Less meat doesn't mean less taste. Discover the science behind the taste of our plant ball.

What's for dinner?

Delicious HUVUDROLL meat, fish and plant balls are a quick and tasty addition to any meal. Pick up a pack at the Swedish Food Market in your local IKEA, or grab a plate in the restaurant.