The Genius Behind IKEA Furniture & Meatballs

I’ve been visiting IKEA for what feels like decades, and I’m beginning to suspect it’s really a restaurant disguised as a furniture store. From jars of jam to the world-famous Swedish meatballs and creamy mashed potatoes, the food alone could justify a weekly pilgrimage. But beyond the delicious cafeteria fare, have you ever wondered how IKEA manages to make furniture so affordable and remarkably easy to assemble?

In this video, we uncover the ingenious engineering behind IKEA’s most iconic product: the LACK coffee table. From its humble flat-pack beginnings in 1956 to the clever paper-based structure that made furniture accessible to millions worldwide, you’ll discover how IKEA revolutionized design, materials, and even the way we shop. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a furniture nerd, the story of the LACK table is a fascinating look at creativity, efficiency, and innovation.

And now, let’s talk about the food, because yes, IKEA’s menu deserves its own spotlight. The cafeteria serves up everything from its legendary Swedish meatballs (and plant-based “plant balls”) to hot dogs, mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and more, all perfectly paired with tangy lingonberry sauce. Meanwhile, the Swedish Food Market is stocked with jams, frozen seafood, pastries, and other Swedish treats. Lingonberries, anyone?

IKEA started serving food in 1958 to ensure customers didn’t shop on an empty stomach, and it has since grown into the 10th largest food seller outside the U.S. Its iconic meatballs, introduced in 1985, have become a global sensation, with over a billion sold annually. Today, plant-based alternatives keep modern shoppers happy while staying true to IKEA’s innovative spirit.

Whether you’re there for the furniture or the food, IKEA’s clever combination of design, efficiency, and Swedish flavor has made it a beloved destination worldwide.