Meat Is Mortorp

Ikea’s New Meatballs Will Be Vegan After All

Coming in April.
Coming in April. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Vegans have always been put off by the large quantity of meat in Ikea’s larder, and more recently, carnivores were disturbed by the trace amounts of horse in the chain’s Swedish meatballs, so last year’s announcement of a vegetarian meatball was unexpectedly cheered by all. The completely meatless contingent lobbied Ikea CEO Peter Agnefjäll hard, fast, and furious to cut out eggs and dairy altogether. PETA’s petition alone snagged 25,000 signatures, in fact, and the whole outcry was apparently enough for Ikea to reach out and confirm the forthcoming “veggie ball” will be vegan after all. A rep tells Viva!, a British animal-rights group behind another campaign, that “the veggie ball does not have any animal content and is therefore also suitable for vegans.” The brave new Swedish meatball rolls out in April, just in the restaurant initially, but Ikea promises frozen bags for take-home are in the works too. Better clear your freezer now.

[PETA, Viva!]

Ikea’s New Meatballs Will Be Vegan After All