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Furniture giant IKEA creates new meatballs packed with MEALWORMS as part of range aimed at saving the planet

The wacky alternatives are being developed at IKEA's research lab in Copenhagen, Denmark

IKEA has created a new version of its iconic meatballs — made from insects.

The Crispy Bug Balls, made of mealworms, carrots, parsnips and beetroot, are part of a new range aimed at saving the planet.

 These Crispy Bug Balls, made of mealworms, carrots, parsnips and beetroot, could soon feature on IKEA menus
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These Crispy Bug Balls, made of mealworms, carrots, parsnips and beetroot, could soon feature on IKEA menus
 The furniture giant wants us to produce and eat more sustainable food
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The furniture giant wants us to produce and eat more sustainable food
 IKEA has also whipped up the The 'Dogless' Hotdog, where meat is swapped for baby carrots and it is topped by seaweed
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IKEA has also whipped up the The 'Dogless' Hotdog, where meat is swapped for baby carrots and it is topped by seaweed

The Swedish flat-pack giant is developing more sustainable dishes to beat a looming global food crisis. Other “smart foods” include the Bug Burger, where the meat is replaced with beetroot, parsnip, potatoes and a dollop of mealworms. The pattie is topped with a blackcurrant and beetroot ketchup.

In the Dogless Hotdog, meat is swapped for baby carrots and topped by seaweed. The bright green bun is made from algae.

Punters could finish the meal with a scoop of microgreen ice cream, made by combining herbs such as basil and mint with fruit juices.

The wacky alternatives, which may appear on future Ikea cafe menus, are being developed by its research lab Space 10 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Simon Caspersen, co-founder of Space 10, said: “Our meat production is impacting global warming significantly.

“Insects generally contain more protein and are lower in fat.” He said 1,000 species are scoffed in 80 per cent of nations.

Sebastian Dragelykke, a food designer, said: “We are working to come up with dishes that look good, taste good, and are good for the planet.”

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