A man’s hands are chopping herbs on a wooden board. Next to it is a black pan with vegetable sausages and its packaging.

How we work with food

At IKEA we believe that everyone should be able to enjoy well balanced and delicious meals at an affordable price. With food at the core of most daily routines, democratising healthy, natural and more sustainable food is one way of turning the IKEA vision - to create a better everyday life for the many people - into reality.

Whether we innovate new dishes or offer a taste of our Swedish food heritage, our ingredients are sourced and selected with careful consideration. On our journey towards a broader range of tasty, healthy eats, our food principles guide everything we do.

The 7 IKEA Food Principles

  1. Lagom – Not too much, not too little, but just right
  2. Sustainable – Good for both people and the planet
  3. Plant based – More plants for the many people
  4. Animal welfare – Fewer animals, and from better sources
  5. Natural – Simple and wholesome
  6. Food is precious – Food is simply too precious to be wasted
  7. Food is pleasure – Together we eat better
A white plate with mash, fish balls, and vegetables on it is placed on a white marble surface.

1. Lagom – Not too much, not too little, but just right

Inspire people to eat well with a balance of all nutrients and responsible portion sizes. It’s fine to indulge once in a while.

A white plate with orange-brown coloured grains on it is placed on a white marble surface. Two spoons are lying next to it.

2. Sustainable – Good for both people and the planet

Sourced from farms and fisheries that strive to protect the environment, public health, people and communities.

An off-white plate with spinach on it is placed on a white marble surface.

3. Plant based – More plants for the many people

Less meat and more plant-based foods such as fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Celebrating the use of seasonal and diverse ingredients.

Did you know?

Our new plant ball has the look, taste and juicy bite of its meaty counterpart, but only 4% of the climate footprint.

A black pan with six, cooked eggs in it is placed on a white marble surface. Empty eggshells are situated next to it.

4. Animal welfare – Fewer animals, and from better sources

Animals should live decent lives, where their physical health, mental health, and the expression of natural behaviour is prioritised.

A white enamelled steel plate filled with grains, nuts and fruits, is placed on a white marble surface.

5. Natural – Simple and wholesome

Use good quality whole, natural ingredients and reduce additives as far as possible, while still ensuring food is safe.

A gold serving tray with grains and greens is placed on a white marble surface. Cutlery and napkins are lying next to it.

6. Food is precious – Food is simply too precious to be wasted

Food loss and waste should be kept to a minimum from farm to fork.

A pizza with a variety of baby tomatoes is placed on white greaseproof paper. A pizza cutter is lying next to it.

7. Food is pleasure – Together we eat better

Food should be enjoyed through all senses, celebrating togetherness and cultural differences. Flavour is key for enabling better choices.

Read more about how we work with food throughout our business in our Health & Sustainability Plan for IKEA Food (PDF, 5.6 MB).

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