The best IKEA food in the grocery section is unique, flavorful, and easy to make. Say what you will about their furniture, but in my experience, even the most affordable IKEA groceries won’t compromise on quality. From neatly packaged Swedish sauces to specialty dishes, the best IKEA food proves this superstore is more than just DIY furniture.
I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to visit this cult-favorite superstore and not stop at the food court for a plate of IKEA Swedish meatballs. (IKEA meatballs are that girl, apparently.) That said, the real gems are hiding in the grocery section, where you can buy the best IKEA food to bring a taste of Sweden to your everyday meals. After tunneling through the maze of IKEA warehouses to reach their mini Swedish grocery store, I found a treasure trove of specialty eats and Swedish goodies. I’m talking iconic Swedish candy, thoughtfully crafted vegan and gluten-free frozen foods, Swedish breakfast options you can’t find anywhere else, and of course, enough bags of IKEA meatballs to last you all winter.
To be clear, I haven’t had the chance to taste-test every IKEA frozen food product, pantry staple, snack, or breakfast item yet. This list is a work in progress based on my past couple of trips. So far I’ve tried 15 products, and these are some of the best things in IKEA’s grocery aisles I’ve tried to date. Each one is worth the trek through this labyrinth of a home goods store—but hey, at least you’ll get your steps in.
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- GRÖNSAKSKAKA Vegetable Medallion
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Gronsakskaka (what a name, first of all) is a potato-based veggie medallion packed with broccoli, leeks, onions and cheese. Texturally, it’s like a cross between a latke and a crab cake. While the flavors aren’t particularly bold, there’s a lot to appreciate here: the perfectly cooked crisp broccoli bits that include florets and stems; the nice ratio of potato to other veggies; the golden-brown baked exterior. Flavor-wise, this could use more seasoning overall, but the ingredients actually taste fresh. If you’re looking for some veggie-based frozen food from IKEA for breakfast and lunch, this is a solid choice.
Credit: Merc / IKEA
- Pannkakor Swedish Pancakes
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If you’re unfamiliar, Swedish pancakes are basically crepes but slightly thicker. (There’s more to it than that, but you get the gist.) IKEA’s Swedish Pancakes have a squishy, chewier texture than normal pancakes, and a more savory flavor meant to be served with sweeter jams. (I, of course, made cheesy, savory crepes with these—a little blasphemous, according to the internet—but they were delicious.) IKEA’s Swedish pancakes are incredibly easy to prep: If you’re in a rush, you can toss them in the microwave for approximately four minutes, and voila, you’re done. You don’t have to mix a batter or make a mess on the stove, making them some of the best food in IKEA’s grocery section for convenience and novelty alone.
Credit: Merc / IKEA
- LÄCKERGOM Lemon & Dill Sauce
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If you’ve ever walked through IKEA’s grocery aisle, you’ve probably noticed the rows of Lackergom sauce on display—usually propped up next to their smoked salmon or other signature gravy and jam products. And I definitely get the appeal. This creamy lemon-and-dill sauce is probably thicker than you’d expect (thanks to the added cream and corn starch), but otherwise fairly simple in terms of ingredients. Though, to be clear, “simple” doesn’t equate to “bad.” I’ve simmered more fish filets in this sauce than I can count, and I’ll never get tired of it—it’s bright and lemony, and the starchiness helps to seal in your other seasonings and flavors as it cooks on the stove.
Credit: Merc / IKEA
- HUVUDROLL Chicken Meatballs
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Honesty hour: IKEA chicken meatballs are actually my favorite IKEA meatballs, but I’m not a huge stickler for texture. For only 190 calories per serving (5 meatballs in a serving), these IKEA meatballs are juicy, salty, and chicken-forward, but still have a savory quality that tastes like regular beef meatballs. Again, the only issue is the texture: They can cut like styrofoam if you overbake them for even a minute. Personally, as someone who cuts down on red meat when I can, I really don’t mind it! They’re still among the best IKEA food you can buy, in my opinion.
Credit: Merc / Amazon
- ALLEMANSRÄTTEN Savory Sauce Mix
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IKEA’s classic savory sauce has a creamy, lighter consistency that’s less gelatinous than typical instant gravy, but still thick enough to really coat and cling to your IKEA meatballs. I stock up on this stuff, you guys. I’m actually a little ashamed to admit how many packets are currently in my pantry. There’s something so simple and effective about it—it’s not too salty, too meaty, or too distinctly flavored to only pair well with certain types of meat. Like the best food in IKEA’s grocery aisle, it’s versatile and affordable. You just can’t go wrong.
Credit: Merc / IKEA
- IKEA SYLT LINGON Organic Lingonberry Jam
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Don’t sleep on IKEA Lingonberry Jam. She’s an icon, she’s a legend, she is the moment—and she’s one of the best IKEA food products to buy. Seriously. Ask any loyal IKEA shopper. This lingonberry jam is essentially a milder, less tart cranberry sauce, with a light sweetness and refreshing tang that’s pleasant to eat straight off a spoon. IKEA lingonberry jam has crushed bits of berry in every spoonful. Try it with IKEA meatballs, their savory sauce, and mashed potatoes to experience what I’m coining “Swedish Thanksgiving.” It’s pretty darn delicious.
Credit: Merc / IKEA
- KORVMOJ Vegetable Hot Dogs
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IKEA veggie dogs are a savory, satisfying departure from typical faux-meat hot dogs, with a hearty mix of vegetables like kale, lentils, and carrots. Despite their veggie-forward flavor and texture, they’re surprisingly sturdy and grill beautifully, with visible char marks. Vegan and vegetarian food by IKEA always hits the mark—other brands should seriously take note.
Credit: Merc / IKEA
- ALLEMANSRÄTTEN Mashed Potatoes
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When I first opened this bag of frozen mashed potato tubes (which are shaped like Korean rice cakes), I was a little amused. The instructions tell you to just throw them in a pot and warm them up, with or without butter and cream. I expected the cooking process to go poorly, but guess what? These are super easy to make and ready in only a few minutes. Now, they’re my go-to frozen mashed potatoes. They’re more convenient to store and heat up than microwaved mashed potatoes, which freeze well and can be harder to portion. IKEA’s frozen mashed potatoes have less additives than the more flavorful brands of instant mashed potatoes, but a much creamier consistency than rehydrated potato flakes. It’s a win-win all around, really. Stock up!
Credit: Merc / IKEA
- HUVUDROLL Meatballs
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Each type of IKEA Swedish meatball brings something unique to the table, but their classic beef and pork variety is undeniably addictive. These meatballs are very juicy and oily—some people might not love that, but I personally enjoy a good amount of grease with beef meatballs. They get crispy and charred on the outside, while the inside stays tender and squishy. They aren’t necessarily trying to mimic the texture of fresh ground meat, but that’s okay. Their bold savory flavor wins you over every time. These don’t lean into any specific flavor profiles, meaning you can use them for a variety of dishes—Swedish meatballs with gravy, spaghetti and marinara sauce, even little meatball skewers for an appetizer. Sorry to be basic, but yes: IKEA meatballs are definitely some of the best IKEA foods you can buy.
Credit: Merc / IKEA
- HUVUDROLL Vegan Meatballs
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I love, love, love vegan IKEA meatballs. While super savory, the flavor isn’t trying to totally mimic meat. You can taste their vegetable origins. They’re fresh and inviting rather than fake and overprocessed. Cooked right, these vegan meatballs cut like butter. (They also sell vegetable-based meatballs, similar to the Korvmoj hot dog, but I didn’t get the chance to try them yet!) Like I said, some of the best IKEA foods are vegan products, and these are a clear example of that.
Credit: Merc / IKEA
- VÅFFLOR Frozen Waffles
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Hey, I told you: IKEA Swedish meatballs aren’t the best food at IKEA you can find. I know it’s controversial, but these adorable, heart-shaped, slightly savory waffles were a hit with the entire Sporked team. They’re eggy, buttery, and almost taste like they have a little bit of cheese baked right in. The texture is perfect: crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, with a hidden layer of soft, doughy batter that melts in your mouth. Made with simple ingredients and a reasonable amount of sodium, they’re as wholesome as they are delicious. But what puts them in the top spot is how affordable they are. Forget spending $20 on a trendy brunch this weekend; at $3.50 a pack, these waffles will save you money and steal your heart.
Credit: Merc / IKEA
Best IKEA Foods!
Best IKEA Foods!
Best IKEA Foods!
Best IKEA Foods!
Best IKEA Foods!
Best IKEA Foods!
Best IKEA Foods!
Best IKEA Foods!
Best IKEA Foods!
Best IKEA Foods!
Best IKEA Foods!
Other IKEA groceries we tried: SJÖRAPPORT (cured salmon), SLAGVERK (plant-based nuggets), MUNSBIT roasted mixed nuts, VINTERSAGA (hops and malt soda)
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!