IKEA fans have been left shocked after a shocking secret behind its much loved Swedish meatballs has been revealed.
The popular snack is served up in Ikea’s food canteens in stores and prices start from £4 for eight.
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But shoppers have discovered that the fan favourite actually comes from Turkey – and not Sweden.
The secret was exposed back in 2018 by the Swedish government’s Twitter account – but is still causing a stir.
Sweden’s official Twitter account fessed up, telling followers: “Swedish meatballs are actually based on a recipe King Charles XII brought home from Turkey in the early 18th century.
“Let’s stick to the facts!”.
It came after Turkish media has called for an official “confession” and for other nations to admit the true origins of their national dishes.
Serdar Cam, president of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), even criticised Ikea’s role in the selling of Turkish meatballs.
His tweet at the time said “By selling these meatballs as Swedish meatballs for years in their chain furniture store, they are also saying forget the furniture, I can even sell your meatballs as if they are mine, through my marketing and distribution organisation.”
The dish is known as köfte in Turkey, but in Sweden the meatballs are topped with gravy – just like the ones you get in Ikea.
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King Charles XII brought the recipe back to Sweden – along with coffee and stuffed cabbages, which are specialities from Istanbul.
Shoppers are still rattled by the shocking revelations.
“I was today years old when I found out Swedish meatballs are actually Turkish,” one baffled fan said.
“What you eat at Ikea is Turkish Meatball, not Swedish meatballs. Bon Appetit,” another said.
“Sorry to burst your bubble the swedish meatballs you get from Ikea actually originated from Turkey lol,” one mischievous fan said.
It comes as Ikea is planning on closing its Tottenham store to make way for new London locations.
It has recently launched a small branch in Hammersmith, west London and has plans to open in the old Topshop store in Oxford Street.
You can find your nearest Ikea store by using its online branch locator.
The retailer announced last year that prices could rise as much as 50% as shoppers face a cost of living crunch.
If you’re an Ikea fan, you should check out these top tips for bagging a bargain from the furniture store.
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