57% of IKEA Germany Shoppers Prefer the Store’s New Vegan Hot Dog to the Original

More than half of IKEA shoppers prefer its vegan hot dog to its meat-based one, according to a new poll.

The poll, posted on Facebook by IKEA Germany, involved more than 42,000 participants. “The agony of choice. What do you reward after a successful purchase?” it asked. Participants could respond by choosing from two options: the traditional meaty hot dog or the new veggie option. Fifty-seven percent of people chose the vegan hot dog.

Made from kale, red lentils, carrot, and ginger, the dish first launched in IKEA’s Malmö, Sweden back in February. The launch was a success; the hot dog quickly gained a customer approval rating of 95 percent, highlighting an increased demand for vegan and vegetarian food.

Following these results, the largest furniture company in the world introduced the dish to its stores in Europe and the United States. Shortly after this expansion, IKEA reported it had sold nearly one million vegan hot dogs.

IKEA vegan hot dogChoosing the vegan hot dog over its meat-based counterpart benefits the environment; according to IKEA, its plant-based hot dogs emit roughly seven times less CO2 emissions.

“With the global reach that we have at IKEA we believe that we have a responsibility and a great opportunity to serve food that is good for the planet,” said Michael La Cour, Managing Director at IKEA Food Services AB, in a statement. He added that, though the vegan dish is better for the planet, it does not skimp on taste. “But of course there is no point in creating a more sustainable food option if it is not delicious and that is why we are extremely proud of the new veggie hotdog,” he said.

The hot dog isn’t IKEA’s first plant-based dish. In 2015, it launched a meat-free version of its Swedish meatballs, made from chickpeas. It has also crafted its own soy-based vegan vanilla soft-serve ice cream; in IKEA stores in Malaysia, the dairy-free version has replaced the conventional ice cream altogether. The same vegan ice cream is set to launch in the United States next summer.

Shoppers can also purchase animal product-free donuts and caviar from IKEA.


Image Credit: IKEA

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