The veggie hot dog from IKEA is not only delicious, it's also gone viral.
Selling out from one country to the next, getting your hands on this decadent dog may
alone be worth the trip to your local, or not so local, IKEA.
But what makes it so special?
Lucky for you, we've got the scoop.
No one is going to tell you that hot dogs are good for you.
They're an indulgent snack like any other, and you're not going to shed any pounds by
eating one type over another.
However, the veggie hot dogs at IKEA are slightly better for you, and way better for the environment.
IKEA is always looking for more sustainable, natural resources in its products, and that
includes its food offerings.
According to IKEA,
"Simple mathematics tell us that plant-based foods need less resources, less water and
less soil to feed just as many, while making a smaller carbon footprint."
And it doesn't hurt that the veggie hot dogs are also delicious.
So why not help save the environment and your arteries at the same time?
IKEA's veggie hot dog is made of plants, so it doesn't need all the mechanization that
traditional meat-based hot dogs need in their creation.
Less factory time means less emissions, which is good for everyone.
"Well, it does seem too good to be true."
"It is too good to be true."
Despite the naysayers, it is true and veggie hot dogs weren't even the first plant-based
item on IKEA's menu.
Veggie balls were introduced into the Swedish superstore's meatball family in 2015 and they
were an instant hit.
One of the reasons that the meatless balls were so popular was because IKEA didn't compromise
on the taste or texture.
The sauce is slightly different, being a sort of curry sauce with a sweet potato puree because
those flavors simply go better with veggie balls.
IKEA wasn't forcing a vegetarian copycat of its classic meatballs on its guests; they
were just making an alternative that was equally delicious.
Once IKEA was sure that its consumers wanted plant-based versions of its popular meatballs,
they went on to see what else they could develop.
Reinventing their traditional hot dog was the logical next step.
In addition to the actual veggie dog, IKEA also tweaked a few standard hot dog traditions
for their latest meatless creation.
Their veggie dog is topped with pickled red cabbage, spicy mustard, and fried onions.
The result is a flavor bomb that's the perfect blend of salty, sour, and crunch.
The actual veggie dog is softer than a regular hot dog and it doesn't have that snap of a
typical hot dog casing.
So, the added texture of the fried onions and pickled cabbage are very much needed,
and a perfect compliment.
The only bad news concerning the veggie hot dogs is for those who suffer from gluten allergies.
"Are you really allergic to gluten?
"Well, I just ate some bread, and I just s--- my pants."
"Hmmm."
Unfortunately, the veggie dogs at IKEA aren't gluten-free.
Wheat protein is a major ingredient in not only the buns, but also in the veggie dog, itself.
Considering how long they took to perfect the recipe and test it, don't expect a gluten-free
version any time soon.
This shouldn't come as a surprise.
The gluten-free options at IKEA aren't very plentiful.
However, if you're a vegetarian and gluten-free, you can always grab a plate of the veggie balls.
Those are entirely gluten-free.
One thing to note is that IKEA is very good about labeling the allergens in their food.
So if you're not sure if an item is gluten-free, chances are it's labeled - so read closely,
or simply ask a member of IKEA's staff.
"Silence prisoner!
I mean, can I help you valued customer?"
Clearly, IKEA's veggie hot dogs are extremely popular.
So popular, in fact, that within just two months of being available in Europe, they
sold over 1 million of them.
A lot of this might be because of the hype that IKEA was selling plant-based hot dogs,
but sales haven't exactly slowed down.
Since they were first introduced in 2018, IKEA has sold over 5 million veggie hot dogs
worldwide.
So the next time you're at an IKEA, making a mad dash for the latest Liatorp bookcase
and Fargrik mugs, be sure to take a break and order a veggie hot dog or two.
As we all know by now, they're delicious, good for the environment, and one of the only
things at IKEA that's easy to pronounce.
"Yes, I will have the puplalugen and don't skimp on the doodlemoonsch."
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