Furniture maker IKEA has added a new Falafel Balls option to its restaurant menus in the US, aligning with a broader shift toward more veg-forward options.

The retailer’s most famous food offering is its classic Swedish Meatballs dish, however in recent years it has made efforts to diversify its portfolio to include more plant-based options.

It launched a meat-like, pea protein-based vegan alternative in 2020, named Plant Balls, now available across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.

Now, aligning with current industry trends toward more plant-rich and ‘natural’ meat-free options, IKEA has added Falafel Balls to its well-known range of ‘round foods’.

The balls are crispy on the outside with a filling made from chickpeas, courgette, onions and spices. They will initially be introduced at IKEA’s restaurants in the US, served with couscous, aioli and a slice of lemon.

Daniel Yngvesson, global food designer at IKEA, said: “Following the many different meatball variations introduced over the years, once we started testing recipes, we felt the falafel would be the perfect addition to the menu”.

He added: “The falafel has become a staple in Swedish food culture over the years, and the aromatic and nutty flavour is a beloved favourite all over the world. It’s also an exciting new flavour profile for IKEA.”

The Falafel Balls will be introduced at IKEA US restaurants early 2026.