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The Bug Burger is made from beetroot, parsnip, potatoes and mealworms.

The Dogless Hotdog is another experimental menu item.

The company's iconic meatballs have been turned into a bug-filled "Neatball."

Ground up mealworms are a big part of Ikea's new experimental menu.

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.

The Swedish flat-pack furniture 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 patty is topped with a blackcurrant and beetroot ketchup.

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

Customers 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 won’t be appearing on an Ikea cafe menu anytime soon, 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 eaten in 80 percent 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.”