7x foods you have to buy at IKEA
For some people, IKEA is hell on earth, while for others it’s a wonderful day out. It probably won’t surprise you that we often don’t make it any further than the food section. These are our 7 favorite snacks from the Swedish Food Market.
Hot dog
A little predictable, but not to be missed. IKEA’s ultimate specialty is its heavenly hot dog. With extra sauce on the deliciously soft bun, mmm. And good news for the vegetarians among us: there’s now also a veggie hot dog (although opinions on its success vary widely).
Swedish meatballs
Another IKEA classic: Swedish meatballs. We always keep them in the freezer, because they’re incredibly tasty on their own, but they can even serve as a full meal. IKEA meatballs with cream sauce—make them and you’ll understand our enthusiasm. These meatballs also come in a vegetarian version, by the way. The HUVUDROLL meatballs are made from pea protein, potato, onion, oats and apple. The meaty flavor comes from adding umami-rich ingredients such as mushroom, tomato and grilled vegetables. Our Snackspert even thinks these veggie meatballs are tastier than the original, so definitely take a bag home.
Daim chocolate cake
OMG, so delicious! This almond chocolate cake is the dream of anyone with a serious sweet tooth. In this case: thanks, Grandma! She once bought this scrumptious cake at IKEA, and I’ve been hooked ever since. And it’s convenient: you keep this cake in the freezer, and whenever you feel like a slice, cut off a piece and put the rest back in the freezer. That way, you can enjoy it every day…
Cinnamon buns
During my last visit to IKEA, I had to try this. The cinnamon bun (kanelbulle) was even still slightly warm—deliciously gooey and sticky. Kanelbullar are incredibly popular among Swedes; there’s even a special holiday dedicated to them. On October 4, Sweden celebrates Kanelbullens dag, the day of the cinnamon bun. But cinnamon buns are irresistible on any other day of the year too. This cinnamon bun is therefore perfect with fika, the traditional Swedish coffee break.
Ginger cookies with almonds
Thin, crunchy and crisp: those are the three magic words to describe these almond ginger cookies. Warning, once you start, you won’t be able to stop… Ideal fika food.
Lingonberry jam
At the end of summer, the floor of the Swedish forests turns red. The lingonberries are ripe then, and these small red berries, which grow best in a cold climate, are ready to be picked. They are then eaten as jam with classic Swedish dishes. Delicious in your yogurt, with Swedish meatballs—the sweetness of the lingonberry jam works beautifully as a contrast to the meat. Its mildly sweet flavor is also delicious with Rösti potato cakes.
Rösti
Rösti was originally a traditional Swedish breakfast dish. These days, however, it is just as often served with meat dishes. These Rösti potato cakes are a freezer staple. They make a delicious side dish when you don’t feel like ordinary potatoes. Fry them until crisp in a pan and voilà!
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