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Newsroom The world’s about to get the first meatball-tasting lollipop
IKEA Retail Topic of the year 1 April 2026

The world’s about to get the first meatball-tasting lollipop

For the first time ever, the largest IKEA retailer, Ingka Group, has teamed up with the iconic confectionery brand Chupa Chups to create a limited edition meatball-tasting lollipop. This daring new sweet combines a playful mix of sweet and savoury, inspired by the classic Swedish meatball and tangy lingonberry, promising a taste experience that is both surprising, unforgettable, and very Swedish. IKEA customers could soon get a taste.

The meatball lollipop is designed for adventurous eaters and IKEA fans alike, offering a new way to enjoy the beloved meatball flavours without the need for cutlery or plates. Best of all, no assembly or Allen key are required. Customers can just unwrap and enjoy this unique treat on the go.

Early lollipop tasting tests have already stuck with our co-workers, even before the official launch. Many have expressed curiosity and excitement about the meatball lollipop, sharing their impressions and wondering whether it might become a regular feature in the IKEA food offering. Some of the playful early feedback includes: “It’s strangely wonderful,” “My tongue is confused, but my heart is happy,” “More meatballs to the people!”, and “No one expected it, but everyone will want it.“

The meatball lollipop is a playful nod to IKEA’s passion for innovation and another example of the company’s commitment to listening to the needs of customers. Bringing its “Forever Fun” spirit and confectionery expertise, Chupa Chups adds a distinctive twist to this collaboration, transforming a Swedish classic into a truly unique sweet treat.

“By reimagining the iconic Swedish meatball in a fun and unexpected form, we demonstrate how creativity and customer insight drive everything we do. This light-hearted treat reflects our ongoing efforts to surprise and delight, showing that even the most familiar favourites can be reinvented in new ways to enhance the everyday experience,“ said Javier Quiñones, Commercial Manager at Ingka Group.

The company believes the meatball lollipop will reinvent the shopping experience. Customers will enjoy the taste of the iconic meatballs while browsing, hands free. “Who knows, perhaps the taste of meatball in a lollipop flavour will inspire even more creative home solutions,“ added Quiñones.

Introducing the meatball lollipop comes at the perfect time, as a recently published IKEA study shows that nearly half of us (46%) admit to having a sweet tooth.

Coming to a store near you soon.

 

About Ingka Group
With IKEA retail operations in 32 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents 87% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on Ingka.com.

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