IKEA worked with PETA US for three years and received numerous petitions showing support for vegan options from IKEA customers around the world, to offer the new ‘Veggie Ball’.
The Veggie Ball will be available in select IKEA stores this week and will then be rolled out to more than 350 stores in May.
Mimi Bekhechi, PETA director, said: “With the demand for vegan options higher than ever, IKEA's meat-free meatballs are right on trend. PETA are happy to work with any retailer or restaurant that's eager to feed diners' hunger for food that's healthy, humane and eco-friendly."
Recent studies reveal that one person in eight living in the UK is vegetarian or vegan and that 20% of Britons between the ages of 16 and 24 do not eat animals.
IKEA’s in-store restaurants are run by an in-house catering operation and serve traditional Swedish food.