Ikea’s in-store cafes have surged in popularity, with estimates suggesting that around 30% of customers visit solely to enjoy a meal. The Swedish retailer has already launched pop-up restaurants in cities like London, Paris, and Oslo, and is reportedly exploring the possibility of establishing standalone cafes in major urban centers worldwide. With a growing emphasis on food culture and sustainability, it’s a logical step for Ikea to include insect protein producer Flying SpArk in its inaugural Ikea Bootcamp startup accelerator. However, Western consumers often hesitate to embrace insect consumption, even in processed forms, despite the rising trend of insect-based protein.
Some food companies have attempted to normalize eating insects by processing crickets, mealworms, and locusts into flours, which are then used to enhance the protein content of familiar products like bars and brownies. Notably, Brooklyn-based Exo and Salt Lake City’s Chapul are among about 25 manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada currently utilizing cricket powder in their offerings. A partnership with Ikea, similar to the one being developed with Flying SpArk, could potentially alleviate consumer apprehensions regarding this unconventional protein source, paving the way for broader acceptance of insects as food ingredients globally.
The trend toward exotic food profiles aligns perfectly with Ikea’s current menu, which features items like gravlax salmon and lingonberry jam. Moreover, sustainability and transparency are paramount to today’s consumers. Numerous studies have demonstrated that insects are not only highly nutritious but also widely available and require minimal resources for production. With the global population projected to increase by an additional 2 billion over the next 30 years, insects could serve as an efficient food source to meet this demand.
Yoram Yerushalmi, Ph.D., co-founder of Flying SpArk, noted, “We receive significant interest from both consumers and food companies seeking alternative and affordable protein sources.” He mentioned that the company has developed various food applications, including nuggets, pastries, pasta, a milk-like beverage, a tofu-like product, health bars, cookies, and meatballs. Given that meatballs are particularly popular in Ikea cafes, the retailer may be on the brink of a significant opportunity. Furthermore, incorporating ingredients such as calcium citrate and vitamin D into these products could enhance their nutritional profile, appealing to health-conscious consumers.