More people are meat-free these days in ways previous generations could never have imagined. And we’re not just talking about the Veganuary push that marks the start of every year.
Going meat-free is on the up, with 5.8 per cent of the population (3.1m) calling themselves vegetarian, according to Vegan Kind. The organisation estimates 6.4m people will follow suit in 2024.
Concepts like Meat Free Monday, founded by Paul McCartney and his daughters Mary and Stella, encourage carnivores to try the diet a try once a week, offering new recipes and ideas to shake up stuck-in-a-rut menus.
It’s easier than ever with meat alternatives that allow you to enjoy burgers, bangers, and meals like spag bol, chilli, lasagne and keema, all without any meat in the mix.
Vegetarian and vegan mince is an excellent ingredient to stash in the freezer, ready to go when you need to make a midweek meal pronto.
The alt meat market has mushroomed over the last few years (the UK meat alternative market was valued at $489.2m in 2019 and is expected to reach $726.8m by 2025, says The Vegan Society) and is continuing on an upward trajectory, which means more options are vying for your attention.
But which are best and which ones are suitable only for the bin?
We’ve rounded up the tastiest versions available to help you decide. From mighty McCartney and trusty favourites like Quorn to new recipes by the likes of Meatless Farm and THIS, scroll on for our reviews on the best meat-free mince.
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THIS Isn't Beef Plant-Based Mince 250g
A leading brand in the alternative meat market, THIS is distinctive, if not for its bold packaging then certainly for its realistic texture and flavour. The mince looks like the real deal in the packet and after cooking with it you’ll marvel at its versatility too.
The plant-based mince soaks up flavour like a sponge while retaining its texture, meaning you can use it in a medley of ways, from taco night to whipping up family-friendly meatballs and pasta. It’s high in fibre and protein, which can fall by the wayside particularly in vegan diets, with 11g of the stuff in the pack.
So, is it a vegan super mince? It does include methylcellulose (also known as E461) as a thickener in the ingredients which can have adverse side effects for some people, something to bear in mind.
Buy now £2.72, Waitrose
Meatless Farm Plant-Based Mince
Swap real beef for the meatless kind with this alternative available at Asda. Meatless Farm uses pea, rice and soya protein in its recipe for plant-based mince which contains 25.7g of protein per 350g pack. It can be stored in the fridge ready to use when you need it or slung in the freezer and saved for later.
Try it in chilli con carne without telling the rest of your household and see if they can spot the difference. Also contains E461 as a thickening agent.
Buy now £3.25, Asda
Quorn Vegetarian Mince
Since the company launched in the UK 1985, Quorn has proved itself a cooking lifeline for vegetarians everywhere. The product line-up is huge with picnic snacks, deli bites and cooking essentials all in the mix.
The veggie mince is one of those essentials, sold in a 300g bag poised to whip up family favourites like moussaka, meatballs and cottage pie. The ingredient list includes Quorn mycoprotein, itself made from a type of fungi, plus pea fibre and rehydrated free-range egg white - which does rule it out for vegans.
Buy now £2.65, Waitrose
Linda McCartney Vegemince
Remembering you’ve got a packet of mince in the freezer when you’re ravenous is like finding a fiver in that tiny pocket of your jeans - a lovely surprise that puts a spring in your step. Even better when it’s a packet of Linda McCartney’s Vegemince.
Containing 500g of meat-free protein, the recipe uses 95 per cent soya protein along with seasonings and rapeseed oil, creating an alternative that’s as satisfying as it is flavoursome.
Buy now £3.25, Amazon
Moving Mountains Plant-Based Mince
Made without soya, Moving Mountains uses oyster mushrooms, onions and pea protein in its recipe instead. The result - 16g of protein and high in vitamin B12 - is an alternative to soya bean-made mince. The brand has even added beetroot food colouring to give the mince a realistic edge.
This too uses methylcellulose in the recipe which we are flagging as it is a concern for some diners.
Buy now £4.00, Ocado
Morrisons Plant Revolution Meat-Free Mince
Supermarket Morrisons has provided its own solution with a meat-free mince made from plants. You’ll find it in the freezer aisle and it should be kept in your freezer when you get home too, doling out the right amount when you need it so that nothing goes to waste. Made from soya protein, it’s seasoned with onion powder, garlic powder, white pepper and salt to give it richness before you add any other ingredients. This bag has enough to serve four diners.
Buy now £2.00, Morrisons
Clearspring Organic Soya Mince, 300g
Stocking up the fridge? Make a beeline for Clearspring’s organic soya mince, made with European soya beans. Each bag can make up to 12 portions of tasty meat alternative mince while also upping the nutrient and protein value. The bonus is this mince doesn’t need to take up freezer space and can be kept in the cupboard: when you’re hungry, just add some to boiling water or stock and leave for ten minutes before cooking.
It can be used in all sorts of recipes, but since it contains soy, Japanese dishes, like gyoza, will suit it nicely.
Buy now £15.44, Amazon
VFC Vegan Chicken Style Mince
Mirroring the look and texture of chicken mince, VFC’s soya-based brand is low in saturated fat and gluten-free too, ticking a number of dietary boxes. It also delivers a walloping 31g of protein per 100g, so if you’re looking for a guilt-free way to increase your intake - this is it.
Try it in stir-fries, Asian food and spicy chilli.
Buy now £2.70, Amazon
