IKEA Collaborates with Chupa Chups to Turn Meatball-Flavored Lollipop April Fools' Prank into Reality

Published April 16, 2026

IKEA is transforming its beloved Swedish meatballs into an unexpected new treat.

Ingka Group, an IKEA retailer, has teamed up with Chupa Chups to introduce a limited-edition lollipop inspired by the taste of IKEA's Swedish meatballs paired with lingonberry jam. According to a press release dated April 15 and shared with PEOPLE, the lollipop will be distributed free of charge starting in June at IKEA stores worldwide.

“Chupa Chups has been hard at work crafting a whimsical sweet inspired by the flavors and essence of the iconic Swedish meatball and its lingonberry counterpart,” the release stated, adding that “the lollipop embodies the spirit of IKEA food in an unexpected and delightful manner.”

A video included in the release shows that the lollipop is not colored like a meatball nor does it have a rough texture; instead, it is smooth and red, seemingly drawing inspiration from IKEA’s lingonberry spread.

One million of these meatball-inspired lollipops will be produced and distributed globally. They will not be sold but given away for free to customers visiting IKEA stores this June.

“On April 1, we invited people to imagine a meatball lollipop. The enthusiastic response encouraged us to take it a step further,” said Ingka Group Commercial Manager Javier Quiñones, referring to the brand’s April Fools’ Day joke about the meatball lollipop.

“Together with Chupa Chups, we are now bringing a playful version of that idea to life. It’s a fun way to celebrate our passion for food and demonstrate how even a simple joke can become reality,” he added.

The company explained that the lollipop aligns with its 2024 objective of emphasizing how food brings joy to everyday moments. Additionally, it aims to tap into the nostalgia prevalent in today’s culture through this unique flavor.

“It provides something playful and fresh, while also recalling the familiar, comforting taste of a traditional lollipop,” the release noted. “By collaborating with Chupa Chups, IKEA hopes to satisfy people’s sweet cravings with a dose of humor and curiosity, inspiring both discovery and nostalgia in daily life.”

“When IKEA approached us to create a lollipop inspired by their iconic Swedish meatball, we were instantly intrigued,” said Martin Hofling, Chupa Chups Global Marketing Manager. “At Chupa Chups, we’re always seeking new ways to surprise and delight consumers – it’s part of our ‘Forever Fun’ ethos. This limited-edition lollipop is our playful homage to a flavor that people worldwide associate with IKEA, reimagined in a way only Chupa Chups can achieve.”

Customers are encouraged to inquire at their local IKEA stores and follow IKEA’s social media channels for updates.

The lollipop was first introduced as an April Fools’ Day prank on April 1.

“Introducing the Meatball lollipop,” IKEA USA and Chupa Chups USA announced alongside an image showing a Chupa Chups lollipop wrapped next to an IKEA Swedish meatball on a stick in a joint post.

“We heard you like Swedish candy 🍭 So here’s the sweetest mashup no one asked for, but everyone will want to try!” IKEA wrote in the caption.

One commenter responded, “I wish this wasn’t an April fool’s joke, because it’s actually a great idea.”

Another asked, “Can I get a lingonberry jam center?”

The post revealing the real lollipops included a disclaimer, “this lollipop does not contain any meat,” alongside a video showing two employees in a kitchen lab experimenting to develop the meatball-flavored lollipops.

“Meet the Meatball-flavored lollipop. No meat, simply vegan,” the video stated.