# Sustainable Retailer Seafood Meatballs The IKEA Salmon Balls are ASC Certified and Scrumptious By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2018-12-01 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-salmon-balls References: [foodbeast](https://www.foodbeast.com/news/ikea-sustainable-salmon-meatballs/) & [ikea](https://www.ikea.com) The [IKEA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seedballs) Salmon balls have been introduced by the furniture retailer as a new sustainable food product that promises a tasty flavor experience that doesn't come at the expense of the planet. The salmon used by IKEA to craft the meatballs is [ASC](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/finfare-pet-foods) ([Aquaculture Stewardship Council](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salmon-meals)) certified and is sourced from the leftovers remaining after filets have been removed from the fish. This creates a savory product that will satisfy consumers looking for an alternative to the traditional meat-based Swedish meatballs and the plant-based ones presently being served at its restaurants. The IKEA Salmon balls are infused with fragrant ingredients such as lemongrass and seaweed, which makes them a distinctly high-end food option to try out when heading to one of the brand's locations for new furniture. Image Credit: IKEA ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 70% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sustainable Seafood:** Opportunity for companies to explore sustainable sourcing of seafood products like IKEA's ASC certified salmon meatballs. - **Alternative Protein:** Shifting consumer preferences towards plant-based and alternative protein meatballs creating an opportunity for brands to introduce new menu items. - **Gourmet Fast Food:** Opportunities for foodservice providers to explore the creation of upscale, elevated fast food offerings like IKEA's salmon meatballs infused with lemongrass and seaweed. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Retail Food:** IKEA's introduction of sustainable salmon meatballs presents an opportunity for retailers to introduce more sustainable food options in stores - **Seafood Production:** Opportunities for aquaculture companies to explore alternative methods of seafood production that prioritize sustainability, like the use of ASC certified salmon in meatball products. - **Fast Food:** Opportunities for fast food providers to introduce new gourmet menu items, like IKEA's salmon meatballs, with unique flavor profiles and elevated ingredients. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Insect-Targeted Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seedballs.md) - [Salmon Superfood Balls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salmon-superfood-balls.md) - [Alt Seafood Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salmonish-burger.md) - [Sustainably Sourced Salmon Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainably-sourced-salmon-burgers.md) - [Plant-Based Printed Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/printed-meatballs.md) - [Decor Retailer Food Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-food-range.md) - [Sustainable Salmon Sausages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salmon-sausages.md) - [Kelp-Based Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kelp-meatballs.md) - [Plant-Powered Food Halls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saluhall.md)