# Alternative Vegetarian Meatballs IKEA is Launching a Vegetarian Version of Their Swedish Meatballs By Alyson Wyers | Published 2015-04-09 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swedish-meatballs References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/374430/IKEA-Introduces-Vegetarian-Alternative-To-Their-Famous-Meatballs/) & [mashable](http://mashable.com/2015/04/08/ikea-vegetable-balls/?utm_cid=hp-hh-pri) Furniture retailer juggernaut [IKEA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/world-wise) just announced they will be introducing a veggie version of their famous Swedish meatballs to European markets. This follows an announcement the company made almost a year ago that they would be releasing [meatless alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grubby-and-symplicity) in the name of environmental sustainability. [PETA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-leather-alternative) also petitioned them to begin offering an animal product-free alternative to their extremely popular menu item. Called GRÖNSAKSBULLAR, the vegetarian Swedish meatballs will instead be made from carrots, chick peas, corn, green peas and kale. This move is also eco-friendly, as the veggie ball has a carbon footprint 30 times reduced from IKEA's regular meatball. The GRÖNSAKSBULLAR will be rolled out in Europe and the UK, then the United States, Asia and Australia throughout the next month. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 16% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Vegetarian Meatball Market:** There is an opportunity for companies to expand their offerings of vegetarian meatballs and other meat alternatives for environmentally conscious consumers. - **Sustainable Meat Alternatives:** As consumers become more environmentally conscious, there is a growing trend towards meat alternatives that are more sustainable and have a lower carbon footprint. - **Eco-friendly Menu Items:** Restaurants and food retailers that offer eco-friendly menu items, such as the GRÖNSAKSBULLAR, can attract environmentally conscious customers and reduce their carbon footprint. ### Where This Applies - **Food and Beverage Industry:** The food and beverage industry should consider investing in developing and promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly meat alternatives, such as vegetarian meatballs. - **Retail Industry:** The retail industry can expand their vegetarian and sustainable product lines, such as offering vegetarian meatballs, to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. - **Restaurant Industry:** The restaurant industry should consider offering more eco-friendly menu items, such as vegetarian meatballs, to attract environmentally conscious consumers and reduce their carbon footprint. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Swedish Plant-Based Minced Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/world-wise.md) - [Decor Retailer Food Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-food-range.md) - [Plant-Based Printed Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/printed-meatballs.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) - [Insect-Targeted Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seedballs.md) - [Plant-Powered Food Halls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saluhall.md) - [Oversized Seasonal Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/turkeysized-meatballs.md)