IKEA's meatballs may be more iconic than its furniture
Here’s Why IKEA Meatballs Are So Good
Published on Jul. 30, 2025
As a chef and food writer, I’ve spent countless hours in kitchens, tweaking recipes, simmering sauces and rolling countless spheres of seasoned ground meat. If anyone knows a good meatball, it’s me. And still, for all the homemade meatballs I’ve known, few have made me as happy as those served cafeteria-style from a furniture store. How does IKEA do it?
These seemingly simple, unassuming spheres of meat, served in a creamy, savory sauce with a side of tart jam, possess such an inexplicable hold on me that I’ve taken trips to IKEA solely to eat in its cafeteria, leaving without a single bookshelf, knickknack or potted plant in my car. And I know it’s not just me; ask anyone who’s ever ventured into the labyrinthine halls of an IKEA store, and chances are, they’ll confess to the same. So, what’s their secret? Read on to find out.
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What are Swedish meatballs, exactly?
Before we dive into IKEA’s particular meatball magic, let’s clarify what defines a Swedish meatball. Unlike their Italian cousins, which are often larger, packed with herbs and simmered in robust tomato sauce, traditional Swedish meatballs, or köttbullar, are typically smaller, denser and characterized by a milder, more savory flavor profile. They often incorporate a mix of ground meats, usually beef and pork, and are often bound with breadcrumbs and egg. The defining characteristic, however, is the creamy, often brown, gravy they’re served in, and that distinctive accompaniment: a dollop of lingonberry jam, which is a popular condiment in Scandinavia.
What are IKEA’s Swedish meatballs like?
IKEA’s Swedish meatballs are made with a tender and juicy blend of beef and pork, combined with breadcrumbs, onion, egg and a gentle amount of salt and spices. The result is a mildly seasoned, savory and springy meatball that’s served beneath a blanket of rich, brown, creamy sauce, accompanied by a generous scoop of fluffy mashed potatoes and, of course, that lingonberry jam.
Why are IKEA’s Swedish meatballs so good?
It’s a question that has launched a thousand trips to “look at furniture,” and the answer lies in a combination of factors:
The flavor’s fantastic
IKEA’s meatballs are savory without being overwhelmingly meaty, comforting without being heavy and mildly seasoned to appeal to a broad palate. It’s that elusive “just right” quality that makes them accessible to adventurous and picky eaters alike.
They’re consistent
IKEA operates nearly 500 stores in 62 countries, and no matter which one you’re visiting, the Swedish meatballs taste the same, whether you’re enjoying them in Baltimore or Beijing. There’s a certain comfort in knowing what you’re going to get, making this store that sells all things home feel just like home.
The quality is high
In a world full of processed foods, IKEA’s commitment to making meatballs with all-natural ingredients stands out. IKEA’s Swedish meatballs are made from ground beef, pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, whole milk, kosher salt, freshly ground pepper and olive oil. This commitment to real, identifiable ingredients contributes significantly to their appealing flavor and texture.
Good gravy!
Let’s be honest, the gravy is half the experience. It’s not just a brown sauce; it’s a rich, creamy concoction that coats each meatball and perfectly complements the mashed potatoes. This velvety sauce adds a layer of comfort that makes mass-produced meatballs taste like something homey and comforting, just like grandma used to make.
Is there anything bad to say about IKEA’s Swedish meatballs?
Like most beloved comfort food, the meatballs aren’t the healthiest for you. They contain 16 grams of fat and 470 milligrams of sodium per serving. On the plus side, they do offer a hefty 14 grams of protein.
What’s up with the jam that comes with them?
Lingonberry jam is a condiment commonly found in Scandinavia. With a punch of sourness, it’s used to complement sweet and savory dishes alike. At IKEA, it provides a crucial tart and slightly sweet counterpoint to the rich, savory meatballs and creamy sauce. It’s a palate cleanser, a burst of brightness that prevents the dish from becoming too heavy, and it creates a delightful balance of flavors, enhancing the overall experience.
What do actual Swedes think of IKEA’s Swedish meatballs?
Even actual Swedes, the arbiters of all things köttbullar, generally give IKEA’s meatballs a thumbs-up. While perhaps not quite like Grandma’s homemade, they appreciate the nostalgia factor, often associating them with school lunches or childhood meals. They also value the convenience and the decent value for money, especially when grabbing a quick bite while shopping. A Swedish friend of ours (who now lives in the U.S.) is even known to pick up a few packages of the frozen meatballs to enjoy at home when he visits his local NYC metropolitan area IKEA.
Who’s behind IKEA’s Swedish meatballs?
Here’s a fun fact: Those iconic meatballs are indeed IKEA’s own creation! Unlike many store-brand products that are manufactured by external companies and simply re-branded, IKEA takes full ownership of its meatballs. According to the company, the iconic meatball dates back to 1985, when IKEA’s founder, Ingvar Kamprad, observed that “it’s tough to do business with hungry stomachs.” Believing a satisfied customer was a more likely customer, he partnered with a gentleman named Severin, who dedicated nearly a year to perfecting the meatball recipe that has captivated taste buds worldwide. Today, over 1 billion meatballs are sold every year, a testament to their enduring popularity.
In recent years, IKEA has expanded its range of meatballs to accommodate modern tastes and diets. You can now find chicken meatballs, plant balls made from pea protein that mimic the meat-based original, and spiced veggie balls served with red pepper romesco sauce.
Where can you get these Swedish meatballs?
You can only get your hands on these delectable delights at IKEA. Whether you’re dining in the IKEA Restaurant or grabbing a bag from the IKEA Swedish Food Market, these meatballs are exclusive to the blue-and-yellow giant. In addition to frozen bags of the classic Swedish meatballs ($14.99), you can take home the plant balls ($6.99), veggie balls ($11.99) and chicken balls ($14.99).
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Source:
- IKEA.com: IKEA Swedish Restaurant and Bistro
