Why Is IKEA Food So Cheap? [Not What You Think!]

IKEA has rapidly grown into one of the world’s largest home improvement suppliers known for selling highly desirable, stylish furniture at relatively reasonable prices.

Many customers flock to IKEA food courts to taste the famously affordable Swedish meatballs or breakfast plates. So you may ask yourself, why is IKEA food so cheap?

I’ve done plenty of research, and you could be surprised with the answers!

Why Is IKEA Food So Cheap?

Ingvar Kamprad, the IKEA founder, aimed to satisfy their customer’s needs with inexpensive cuisine to entice shoppers into agreeing on large purchases. IKEA encourages customers to eat at their stores to increase sales and make their customers feel like they have received a bargain on large ticket furniture purchases. 

If you want to delve deeper into why IKEA food is so cheap, keep reading!

How Much Is The Food At IKEA?

IKEA’s menu offers the ultimate comfort food across breakfast, lunch, and dinner, rarely costing over $10 per plate. Many meat-based dishes offer vegetarian alternatives for an equally low price point.

The notoriously famous meatballs are often paired with mashed potatoes, vegetables, and gravy priced at a generous $5.99.

While pizza is just $1.25 per slice, you can also order 2 hot dogs, chips, and a drink for a small fee of $2.50. Most sweet treats barely cost over $1.

What Food Do They Serve At IKEA?

You’ll be spoilt for choice at IKA’s food hall with a large variety of hot, savory, and sweet dishes. If you arrive at IKEA early enough, you’ll have the opportunity to order the traditional breakfast, add a side of waffles for a few extra dollars. Choose from:

  • Meatballs
  • Apple Pie/Cinnamon Rolls
  • Pizza
  • Cupcakes
  • Salmon Burger
  • Chicken Wings and Chips
  • English Breakfast
  • Hot Dogs and Chips (and more depending on your location!)

How Much Money Does IKEA Make At The Food Court?

IKEA’s policy strives to maintain affordable meal charges by ensuring they offer the lowest price within a 30-mile radius, even if that incurs selling at a loss.

The company’s tactic is incredibly successful, with shoppers spending approximately $2 billion every year to dine at IKEA.

Statistics show that 30% of customers took a trip to IKEA with the sole purpose of eating. In 2016, IKEA made a staggering $1.6 billion from the food court alone.

Is IKEA Food Good?

Yes, IKEA’s billion-dollar revenue from the food hall alone clearly indicates its success with customers.

Many customers claimed they would rather pay for a meal at IKEA than alternative family dining venues. The company now operates 650 million food halls in 48 countries worldwide.

To know more about IKEA, you can also read our posts on IKEA meatballs, if IKEA’s plates, mugs & containers are microwave-safe, and IKEA food containers.

Conclusion

IKEA offers irresistibly cheap food to encourage their customers to stay within the store resulting in more significant furniture sales.

Coincidentally, the food hall generates around $2 billion a year revenue from the food hall alone. The cuisine has been top-rated across the world.

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