SurreyLive reporter Laura Nightingale tried six different packs of vegan mince available from some of the UK's biggest supermarkets - including Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Aldi - to find the best one.
The majority were made from soya, except one that was made using pea protein.
Many of the packs are currently available on special offer to celebrate Veganuary.
6. Vivera available from Waitrose
Made from pre-cooked re-hydrated soya protein, this was the leanest option of the six as it had fewer calories and grams of fat per portion. Uncooked, it looked like pet food and the dark brown pellets were chewy when cooked.
However, cooking it was super easy as it took just two minutes in a frying pan. It tasted lean and sweet.
Price: £2.50
Size: 220g
Nutrition: Per 100g 110kcal, 0.6g fat and 20g protein.
5. Linda McCartney available from Sainsbury's
Also low in fat and made from re-hydrated textured soya protein, this seasoned vegetarian mince took a similar time to cook. Uncooked and cooked, the light brown bubbly bits had a very chewy texture.
Taste-wise, it reminded me of mushrooms. I gave some to my husband to sample, and while I didn't mind it, he didn't enjoy this one at all.
Price: £2.50
Size: 225g
Nutrition: Per 100g 166kcal, 4.3g and 18.7g protein.
4. Meatless Farm available from Morrisons
Uncooked, this plant-based option looked just like raw pink beef mince and when pan-fried it was nice and juicy.
It took the longest to cook and was difficult to mash down as the soya protein was very thick. But it was the biggest pack at a whopping 400g.
Price: £3 (currently on offer at Morrisons for £2)
Size: 400g
Nutrition: Per 100g 201kcal, 9.3g fat and 23.5g protein.
3. Plant Menu available from Aldi
Excellent value at just £1.29, this seasoned vegan mince made from re-hydrated textured soya protein was a bargain.
Nearly three times cheaper than the winner, it smelled nice, it had a similar pink "meaty" texture to Meatless Farm and had the highest amount of protein.
Price: £1.29
Size: 260g
Nutrition: Per 100g 335kcal, 22.4g and 25.2g protein.
2. Richmond available from Asda
Richmond's vegan meat-free no beef mince is made from a combination of re-hydrated textured soya and wheat protein, so it's not suitable for people on a gluten-free diet.
The mince was a pinky-brown colour, it was soft and tasty and reminded me of meat. It was easy to cook, a good texture and reasonably priced.
Price: £2.00
Size: 335g
Nutrition: Per 100g 161kcal, 6.3g fat and 22g protein.
1. Beyond available from Tesco - winner
But it was Beyond's plant-based mince that was the standout winner, and by a long way. Made from pea protein instead of soya like all the others, it tasted just like meat. In fact, my carnivore husband happily ate it for dinner.
It looked very different to the others when raw and I can only describe its appearance as corned beef. However, when cooked it transformed. It was meaty, flavoursome and the chunks were thick and juicy.
As well as using it in a bolognese like I did, it would be perfect for making vegan burgers or meatballs as the protein held its shape. It was the most expensive of the bunch, but for good reason.
Price: £4.40 (currently on offer at Tesco for £3)
Size: 300g
Nutrition: Per 100g 238 kcal, 17g fat and 15g protein.
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
