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UN-HAPPY MEAL
‘Whoever decided that wants sacking’ fume shoppers as Ikea makes huge change its iconic meatballs
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IKEA shoppers are furious with a big change to its menu and are begging the flat-pack furniture giant to change it back.
Shoppers could previously pick-up a pot of its iconic meatballs with jam from food counters.
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The counters are handily positioned near to checkouts to offer flagging customers a bite to eat before they head off with their new purchases.
But hungry fans who liked a cup of meatballs before hitting the road have discovered the popular snack is no longer available from bistros - causing a storm of protest.
One customer said on social media platform Reddit.com: "Went for a hotdog and a pot of meatballs at the bistro. They have stopped selling them. WTAF.
“Apparently you can only buy them as a meal in the restaurant now. Who has time for a sit down meal when doing diy etc.
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“I have also lost my bargaining chip with the missus of “we can get some meatballs on the way out.”
More fans have noticed the change on X and asked for meatballs to return to bistros.
One complained to Ikea’s Sheffield branch: “You don’t do meatballs anymore at the exit Bistro?!?!
"Whoever decided that wants sacking!!!"
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Another added: “Bring back meatballs at the bistro. My boyfriend is very upset.”
And another customer who went to Ikea’s Nottingham store fumed on Tripadvisor.co.uk: “Now they don't do meatballs or even the lovely jam that goes with them.
LOYALTY SHAKE-UP
"Who decided on this?!? Most people used to love a pot of meatballs.
“The restaurant is for sitting down so not an option when ya on ya way out the door…
“Why change something that isn't broken. Meatballs= Swedish - Ikea = Swedish.
"Really not hard to grasp. Won't go back!! Absolutely heartbroken over this..."
How to save money at Ikea
One way to save money is by searching for Ikea's Circular Hubs, according to retail expert Andrew Busby.
They can be found in all UK Ikea branches and you can find ex-display and slightly damaged items and knock down prices there.
Meanwhile, it's worth signing up to Ikea's discount card - the Family Card.
It offers you access to the Circular Hub, but also exclusive discounts and free tea and coffee.
Third, watch out for Ikea's maze-like layout which is designed to encourage shoppers to impulse buy, Andrew said.
Make sure you go in with a plan so you don't get caught buying anything you shouldn't.
Ikea still serves meatballs in its restaurants with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam, with options for both adults and children.
Meanwhile the retailer has revamped its bistro to include a new range of hot dogs and pizza.
A spokesperson for Ikea UK & Ireland said: “Meatballs have always been an iconic part of the Ikea restaurant experience where they’re best enjoyed with our traditional cream sauce, mash and lingonberry jam.
“While they were briefly available in some Bistros with lingonberry jam, we recently introduced a new range of loaded hot dogs and pizza, meaning we made some changes to our menu.
“We’re always listening to our customers with the aim of improving our offer, but for now, meatballs remain a dish best served in our restaurants."
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Ikea was founded in Sweden in 1943, and opened its first UK branch in Warrington, Cheshire, in 1987.
In other news, the retailer is opening a giant flagship store in central London in May.
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