Sainsbury’s defends new vacuum-packed minced beef that ‘turns to mush’

Sainsbury’s has defended its decision to stock new vacuum-packed minced beef after several customer complaints.

The supermarket giant has explained that the mince is now being vacuum-packed in an attempt to reduce plastic use by 55%.

It came after customers expressed their distaste with one person saying it turned the mince into ‘mushed off cuts’ and another said it looks like ‘someone’s kidney’.

But, according to the retailer, the new packaging could save up to 450 tonnes of plastic each year. It’s one of the latest moves in Sainsbury’s initiative to halve all of its plastic packaging use in Own Brand products by 2025. 

Defending its decision in an email sent out to its customers, Sainsbury’s said: “You may have seen that our minced beef packaging has had a bit of a revamp.”

“The new and improved vacuum packaging makes the mince look a little different to what you’re used to.

“So we’d like to reassure you that our mince is as good as it’s always been, right down to the taste and quality.

“And if it’s using 55% less plastic and saving over 450 tonnes of plastic a year, we say it’s a win.” 

One commenter wrote on Twitter: “@sainsburys could do with rebranding their mince with the new packaging… ‘5% fat beef slab’ or ‘brick’ would be more apt – I now have a RSI and my wooden spoon a flat end trying to break it up.”

Another tweeted: “@sainsburys your new mince packaging is awful. The mince comes as a block and cooks horribly for bolognese.”

A third added: “Hi @sainsburys, your new mince packaging is stupid, pointless, green washing. “You’ve got rid of the 55% that’s actually recyclable, the cost to the consumer has remained the same, and despite your claims the quality IS worse because the vacuum packed beef doesn’t brown properly.”

Mixed reviews were left under the product in its new packaging on the Sainsbury’s website. One person said: “New packaging affects the meat. Turns it to mush horrible to cook with.”

A second put: “The new packaging compresses the meat making it impossible to separate and cook properly. Form over function – won’t buy this at Sainsbury’s now.”

While a third had something more positive to say: “Thank you Sainsbury’s for reducing the plastic packaging and helping the environment. A lot of people with first world problems on here.. stop being lazy!”

With a fourth in strong agreement as they put: “Really pleased to see Sainsbury’s leading the way and coming up with new packaging to reduce plastic.

“I’m more than happy as a customer to experience food in a slightly different way if it’s better for the planet. Please don’t change back – you’re doing the right thing. THANK YOU.”