Health food brand Whitworths has unveiled what it claims is a first for the UK market: a minimally processed meat-free mince, made with just three natural ingredients.

Now available via Ocado for £3.20 per 200g, the mince aims to meet the growing consumer demand for less processed, nutrient-dense plant-based alternatives.

While many currently available meat alternatives fall into the ultra-processed foods (UPF) category, Whitworths’ Nutty Kitchen Supermince is minimally processed and made from simply walnuts, lentils and red quinoa.

According to the brand, the Supermince provides a naturally meaty texture while offering a wholesome and clean label alternative to meat alternatives that contain artificial additives and long ingredients lists. The category has been subject to significant scrutiny from consumers over the UPF issue in recent years.

Whitworths’ entry into the meat alternatives category reflects a broader strategy for the company to leverage its expertise in nuts, pulses and seeds to bring more accessible and nutritious innovations to British retailers.

The product is available in Original, plus three flavour options: Mexican, Italian and Indian. Each flavoured option is blended with herbs and spices, designed to work across a range of classic recipes, from spaghetti Bolognese to chilli and tacos.

It can be cooked in the same way as traditional mince, and is high in fibre, helping to address the UK’s fibre gap – most adults currently consume only two-thirds of the recommended daily intake.

The walnuts and lentils also provide a good source of plant-based protein. Additionally, walnuts are known to contribute to cardiovascular and heart health, further boosting the product’s health credentials.

Phil Gowland, commercial director at Whitworths, said: “We know shoppers are increasingly frustrated with plant-based products that feel over-processed or fall short on taste and texture”.

He added: “Whitworths Nutty Kitchen Supermince is different. It’s simple, unprocessed, natural and bursting with essential nutrients we all need on a daily basis whilst still delivering that meaty texture people love”.

The brand believes the product could help ‘reinvigorate’ the plant-based meat category by appealing to flexitarians and health-conscious shoppers as well as vegetarians and vegans.