IKEA Debuts New “Salmon Balls” at IKEA U.S. Restaurants Nationwide

CONSHOHOCKEN, P.A., November 28, 2018 – IKEA U.S. announced today the introduction of salmon balls available at all IKEA U.S. restaurants. The fourth offering in the brand’s (m)eatball range, the salmon ball joins its predecessors – the Swedish meatball, chicken meatball and plant-based veggie ball – as part of the retailer’s ongoing effort to provide a larger variety of healthy and more sustainable food options.

Made from ASC-certified salmon with the addition of MSC-certified cod, IKEA salmon balls are seasoned with seaweed and lemongrass to capture the fresh taste of the Nordic sea in one tasty ball.

“During the product development of the salmon balls we saw a lot of potential in the smaller pieces of salmon, the ones that cannot be used as fillets. But these are just as good and delicious!” said Sabrina Anania-Stepanian, Product Developer IKEA Food Services AB. “We worked closely with our suppliers, optimized the process and together created a new, tasty (m)eatball that also has a lower carbon footprint.”

By making the most of the raw material and creating high-volume use of the smaller pieces of salmon, this new (m)eatball is a natural next step in making IKEA Restaurants a destination for responsibly and more sustainably sourced food at affordable prices.

“After developing the recipe, we were curious to know what our customers think. We tested the salmon balls in IKEA Restaurants in Portugal during spring 2018 and got fantastic feedback,” said Anania-Stepanian. “Over 80% of restaurant guests that tried the new salmon balls liked them and almost 90% of customers appreciated the salmon balls as a more sustainable option.”

Importantly, the addition of the salmon ball to the (m)eatball range means IKEA can meet the food and taste preferences of the many people – vegetarians, flexitarians, seafood lovers, and classic meatball fans.

Salmon balls will initially be available in IKEA Restaurants in select markets (including the U.S.) beginning in autumn 2018. The longer-term ambition is to introduce salmon balls in more IKEA markets and to also offer them via the Swedish Food Market to give customers the opportunity to enjoy them at home.

In 2015, IKEA introduced veggie balls and chicken meatballs – two healthier and more sustainable options to join the company’s iconic Swedish meatballs. With a long tradition in Swedish and Scandinavian kitchens, salmon is a natural addition to the menu. Today, IKEA stores offer various responsibly sourced salmon products, including salmon fillets, cured salmon, and cold smoked as well as hot smoked salmon.