Ikea Is Expanding Its Plant-Based Menu with This New 70-Cent Offering

The Plant Dog, which has been available at Ikeas in Europe since last summer, is finally making its American debut.

Although the majority of Ikea shoppers go to the Swedish retailer’s sprawling stores to buy furniture or home goods, an estimated 30% of customers go to Ikea just to eat at the chain’s restaurant and quick-bite bistro. That’s right: despite the eternal appeal of the Strandimon chairs or the Kallax shelves, sometimes the real draws are the meatballs and the hot dogs. 

Ikea has also just announced that it is bringing its plant-based and vegan Plant Dog to its U.S. stores, starting today. The Plant Dog has been available at Ikeas in Europe since last summer, but it is finally making its American debut — and it joins other meat-free menu items like Plant Balls, Veggie Balls, Veggie Dogs, and Strawberry Soft Ice. 

“Ikea is driven by a vision to create a better everyday life for many people. Through our food business, we can contribute to this by offering more plant-based alternatives with a lower climate impact compared to animal-based options,” Helene von Reis, food manager at Ikea of Sweden, said in a statement.

Related: How the Mighty Hot Dog Became an Icelandic Staple

The Ikea Plant Dog is made from a combination of rice protein, apple, onion, salt, pepper, and a hint of smokiness that gives it a more sausage-like flavor. Ikea says that the new dog also has the same “snap” as a traditional hot dog, which is an essential part of the hot dog-eating experience.

Starting today, Tuesday, March 19, the Plant Dog will be available at Ikea Bistros in U.S. Ikea stores for $0.70 cents. (That’s not a typo — if you give them three quarters, you’re getting change back.) The price of the Veggie Dog has been lowered to $0.65, and the traditional hot dog is $0.75. 

“We’re excited to launch the Plant Dog in the U.S.,” Paul Fite, Country Food Manager, Ikea U.S.said in a statement. “We know that our hot dogs are beloved by many and we’re proud to expand our plant-based foods for customers. Our ambition is to make healthier and more sustainable eating easy, desirable, and affordable, without compromising on taste.” 

Related: Are Hot Dogs Actually Sandwiches? Padma Lakshmi Settles the Debate

Although the Plant Dog will be joining U.S. menus this week, Ikea will be welcoming it to the family with a “Plant Dog Baby Shower” at all of its U.S. stores on Thursday, April 11 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time. Shower guests can get their first (or second, or 15th) taste of the new dog and play some Plant Dog-themed games. 

We understand that Ikea also sells furniture too….oh look, meatballs!

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