Delicious Foods Worth Buying at Ikea — and Some to Skip

When we think of Ikea, we think of furniture and instruction manuals, but the store also offers some distinctive foods. You may not find truly traditional Swedish delights such as Fiskbullar, which is actually fish balls, or Lutefisk, a gelatin-like dried cod that's brined with lye, rinsed, then boiled or baked and served with cream or butter. However, there is marinated herring, an incredible salmon fillet, lingonberry jam, and of course, those inescapable meatballs — which are so popular that Ikea briefly offered a meatball-scented candle (really).

Prices and availability are subject to change.

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$9

These are not pancakes like you'd get at IHOP — they're more like French crepes, only slightly chewier, and pretty darn good rolled around whipped cream and strawberries. They can also be paired with Sylt Jorbgubb (or strawberry jam) for a treat, but we like it best with Sylt Hjortron (or cloudberry jam) for a truly Swedish experience. Easy to heat, and a lot easier than making your own crepes.

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$14

Köttbullar, or meatballs, are a Swedish classic and part of the Allemansråtten (or Everyman's) series that Ikea created to "make food for everyone." The result is a range of variations on the classic meatball (which are available at the in-store restaurant). This, however, is the beloved original, made of beef and pork and some select all-natural ingredients — onion, breadcrumbs, egg, water, and salt and pepper — and they are delicious. Pair them with mashed potatoes, cream sauce, and Sylt Lingon (or lingonberry jam).

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$6 and $5

For those who don't eat beef, the Ikea restaurant serves Chicken Balls with mushroom sauce, pasta, and Parmesan cheese. And people who go meatless will appreciate the Veggie Balls served in a spinach and tomato ragout alongside penne pasta and Parmesan cheese. The recipe for these Grönsaksbullar vegetable balls (which are vegan and gluten-free) may vary throughout the year depending on what's in season. It typically includes chickpeas, carrots, corn, kale, red peppers, peas, and pea protein.

$12

It's difficult to be Swedish and dislike fish. The salmon served at the restaurant comes with mashed potatoes, cabbage, fennel, capers, and roasted buckwheat, and is a must try. The salmon is flaky and cooked perfectly, and the fennel adds just the right hint of licorice.

$3

Cinnamon Bun Day is celebrated Oct. 4 in Sweden — but that's a long time to wait to celebrate, so this deal is available from 9:30 to 11 a.m. daily at the restaurant. If you can't make it to the store then, the cinnamon buns are in the frozen section as Kafferep. The only downside is that they are 390 calories each — ouch.

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$9

Ikea has a variety of dark roast coffees and beans, including for espresso; this roast is a rich, medium-dark blend with notes of dark chocolate and dried fruit.

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$1.50

This delicious dark chocolate bar practically melts in the mouth. It's provided to Ikea by Utz, which takes a holistic approach to sustainability, balancing social, environmental, and economic considerations. This means better-quality crops and higher yields and better working conditions, along with protection of the environment. Tastes even better now.

$4

Traditional rye crispbread or hardtack has been a Swedish staple for more than 500 years. Original recipes contained a hole in the center so the bread could be hung over the oven to dry. Ikea's Knäckebröd comes in rye, multigrain, or rye with dill, and is wonderful paired with smoked salmon, cheese, pates, and dips. Swedish tip: Soften butter so it fills up the nooks and crannies when spread on the crackers.

$4

There are four types of herring offered at Ikea, but the best is the Sill Senap, which uses a light but tart mustard sauce that balances the strong taste of the herring. The most traditional herring is the version with onions and carrots, usually served during the holidays. This is another food available only in stores.

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$4

This is a strange dish in that it's not caviar, yet looks a lot like it. It contains no animal products but smells fishy. Seafood and caviar lovers who have become vegan recently will love this product, but if you don't like the idea of eating salty seaweed shaped like a pearl, stay away from this item. Sjörapport can be served cold as a topping for deviled eggs or canapés, as a salad or sandwich decoration, or mixed into dips and toppings, and could be used in vegetarian faux sushi rolls.

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$8

There are some things you should not look to Ikea to supply — traditional Italian pizza is one. Olives, okay, but leeks? And carrots? On pizza? What? Non è buono. If you see this in the store, walk the other way.

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