# Sustainability Focused Meatless Meatballs IKEA Will Release Eco-Conscious Plant-Based Meatballs By Daniel Johnson | Published 2019-05-27 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-meatballs References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2019/5/ikea-meatless-meatballs-announcement) & [ikea](https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/) [IKEA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-food-range) takes another environmentally conscious step and announces it will be rolling out plant-based meatballs. IKEA sells approximately one billion meatballs a year and moving to a plant-based product will reduce the company's carbon footprint. IKEA released a vegetarian version of its meatballs in 2014, but this version will use plant material in order to closely mimic the taste and texture of its conventional meat products. IKEA notes that this product will be geared toward health-conscious individuals looking to reduce meat consumption but those who still have a taste for meat. Furthermore, IKEA wants its plant-based meatballs to be available at a [similar price to its original product](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/veef-products). IKEA is working with two different plant materials as IKEA develops this product, IKEA has not stated when it will release its plant-based meatballs. Image Credit: WILLIAM VAN HECKE/GETTY IMAGES ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Plant-based Meat:** The rise of plant-based meat products is disrupting the traditional meat industry as consumers become increasingly conscious of sustainability and health concerns. - **Eco-conscious Products:** Companies are recognizing the need for eco-conscious products and are innovating to meet the demands of the environmentally aware consumer base. - **Health-conscious Eating:** The health and wellness trend is driving a shift towards healthier and more sustainable eating habits, creating new opportunities for businesses to cater to this growing market. ### Where This Applies - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry is seeing innovation in plant-based meat products and eco-conscious offerings as consumers make more ethical and sustainable purchasing decisions. - **Retail:** Retailers are looking for ways to cater to consumer demand for eco-conscious and health-conscious products, creating opportunities for new and innovative product offerings. - **Manufacturing:** Manufacturers are innovating to create more sustainable and environmentally friendly products, responding to consumer demand for products that are better for the planet. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Decor Retailer Food Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-food-range.md) - [Swedish Plant-Based Minced Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/world-wise.md) - [Insect-Targeted Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seedballs.md) - [Globally Inspired Meatball Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/all-around-menu.md) - [Plant-Based Meatball Trees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/veggieball-christmas-tree.md) - [Plant-Based Retailer Cafeteria Sausages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/this-isnt-pork-sausages.md) - [Vegan Chicken Menu Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-4.md) - [Plant-Based Homestyle Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/impossible-meatballs-made-from-plants.md) - [Plant-Powered Food Halls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saluhall.md)