IKEA, the Swedish furniture manufacturer with branches worldwide, also offers food options. In addition to quick snacks at the cafe and take-home specialties, IKEA has its restaurant. However, entering the restaurant on weekends can be risky due to the long queues and extended waiting times. Traditionally, IKEA is known for its meatballs, where a portion of twelve with mashed potatoes can be purchased for 149 crowns.
However, with the growing trend towards plant-based diets, IKEA has also introduced vegetarian options. The restaurant now serves meat-free balls, slightly cheaper than the traditional ones, priced at ten crowns for a dozen. Plant-based options have also made their way to the fast-food bistro section of IKEA, which is particularly famous for its hot dogs. The vegetarian hot dog was introduced in 2018, with IKEA aiming to inspire healthy and sustainable eating habits.
The vegetarian hot dog consists of cabbage, red lentils, quinoa, onions, carrots, potatoes, and spices like ginger and turmeric. The unconventional dish has been available at IKEA for nearly five years, and according to Jakub Slavík, the Food Commercial Leader of Czech IKEA, it has been well-received by customers.
Approximately 300,000 vegetarian hot dogs are sold in IKEA bistros annually, accounting for nearly one-fourth of all hot dog sales. IKEA’s strategy focuses on offering meat-free products that are beneficial for individuals and have a lower carbon footprint, thus contributing positively to the planet.
The taste and quality of the vegetarian hot dog were surprisingly excellent, featuring a meat substitute, special honey mustard, Viennese onions, and sweet red cabbage. Comparatively, it offers a pleasant alternative to the classic meat hot dog.
The success of the vegetarian hot dog at IKEA is not surprising given its quality and affordability, aligning with the growing demand for plant-based options. By offering meat-free alternatives, IKEA aims to cater to customers’ changing dietary preferences while promoting environmentally friendly choices.