IKEA are working on vegetarian versions of their famous Swedish meatballs that taste just like meat Flat pack furniture store already sell veggie balls made from chickpeas and kale New offering will instead attempt to replicate look and texture of meat version Scandi retailer decided to create new option due to demand for sustainable foodBy Dianne Apen-sadler For Mailonline Published: 16:33 BST, 3 May 2019 | Updated: 16:33 BST, 3 May 2019 Viewcomments IKEA are working on a vegetarian version of their famous Swedish meatballs that look and taste just like the classic dish. The popular flat pack furniture company already launched veggie balls made from chickpeas, carrots, peas, peppers, sweetcorn and kale back in 2015. But now the Scandi retailer is eyeing up the growing meat alternative market and plans to serve up meals that are nearly identical to the original - just without any animal products. Michael La Cour, the managing director at IKEA food services, said: 'It is a really exciting industry! 'Looking at the quality of the products that we have been tasting I am looking forward to serve a delicious plant based meatball made from alternative protein at IKEA. I hope that the many meatball lovers out there will like it as well.' IKEA are working on a vegetarian version of their famous Swedish meatballs that look and taste just like the classic dish (pictured) IKEA explained the decision to create a new vegetarian meatball was due to growing demand for sustainable food options. The furniture giant plan to trial the new offering early next year. IKEA already use plant-based proteins in several local food items but are yet to roll any out across their stores worldwide. A number of chains are now selling vegan or vegetarian alternatives to classic meaty dishes to great success. Burger King announced earlier this week that it will offer the Impossible Whopper at all locations throughout the U.S. after a trial in St. Louis. Created by Impossible Foods, the vegetarian patty is designed to offer greater choice for meat lovers, rather than catering to those who have sworn off beef. KFC is also working on vegan options later in the year, although it is not known exactly what they will be. Subway released its first ever vegan sub in the UK last month, with a filling made from red pepper, chilli, garlic and red onion. The popular flat pack furniture company already launched veggie balls made from chickpeas, carrots, peas, peppers, sweetcorn and kale (pictured) back in 2015, but the new offering will attempt to replicate the original completely - sans animal products Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility