Free Ikea Meatballs, New Seasonal Oreos, and More: This Week's Food News

Get the latest vegan news, including Babybel's updated recipe, Blackbird Foods' pizza expansion, and more.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:27pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating grid pattern of Oreo cookies in bright neon shades, conceptually representing the launch of a new s'mores-flavored vegan Oreo variety.The latest limited-edition Oreo flavor, s'mores-inspired 'S'mOreos,' joins the brand's growing lineup of vegan-friendly cookie creations.Brooklyn Today

From free vegan meatballs at Ikea to new s'mores-flavored Oreos, this week's food news has plenty of plant-based highlights. Plus, learn about Babybel's revamped vegan cheese, Blackbird Foods' expanding pizza line, and the closure of a beloved Brooklyn vegan patisserie.

Why it matters

These stories showcase the growing demand for and availability of vegan and plant-based food options, from major retailers like Ikea and Oreo to smaller specialty brands. They also highlight the challenges facing some vegan businesses, as seen with the closure of Le Petit Monstre in Brooklyn.

The details

Ikea is offering four free Plant Balls with the purchase of any adult entrée from April 4-6 as part of its March Madness promotions. Oreo has released a new limited-edition s'mores-flavored cookie that is completely vegan. Babybel has introduced a new recipe for its plant-based cheese made with fava bean protein, aiming to improve the texture and taste. Blackbird Foods' vegan mini pizzas are now available at Sprouts Farmers Market locations nationwide. And the popular Brooklyn vegan patisserie Le Petit Monstre is closing its doors on April 4 after over 5 years in business.

  • Ikea's free Plant Balls promotion runs from April 4-6, 2026.
  • The new s'mores-flavored Oreos are hitting shelves now.
  • Babybel's updated vegan cheese recipe was recently unveiled.
  • Blackbird Foods' vegan mini pizzas are now available at Sprouts Farmers Market.
  • Le Petit Monstre in Brooklyn will close on April 4, 2026.

The players

Ikea

A Swedish furniture and home goods retailer known for its affordable products and vegan-friendly food court.

Oreo

A popular cookie brand that has been releasing new, often limited-edition, vegan-friendly flavors.

Babybel

A brand of snacking cheese that recently introduced a new plant-based recipe made with fava bean protein.

Blackbird Foods

A company that makes vegan mini pizzas, which are now available at Sprouts Farmers Market stores.

Le Petit Monstre

A vegan French patisserie and café in Brooklyn, New York that is closing after over 5 years in business.

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What they’re saying

“Let me start by saying this is not a sad time, it's simply a closing of a chapter. We tried many ways over the years to make our weekdays look like the weekends. After [more than five] years, I have to call it.”

— Elle Barton, Founder of Le Petit Monstre

What’s next

Customers have until April 4, 2026 to visit Le Petit Monstre before it permanently closes its doors.

The takeaway

These stories highlight the growing popularity and availability of vegan and plant-based food options, from major retailers to smaller specialty brands. However, they also show the challenges facing some vegan businesses, as seen with the closure of the beloved Brooklyn patisserie Le Petit Monstre.