Lidl customers revolt against 'mushy' vacuum-packed mince packaging

Lidl customers revolt against ‘mushy’ vacuum-packed mince that looks like ‘someone’s kidney’ as supermarket becomes the latest to introduce new recyclable packaging

• New packs will result in 350 delivery trucks being taken off the road each year
• Will also save over 250 tonnes of plastic a year and double shelf life of product 

Lidl customers are revolting against ‘mushy’ vacuum-packed mince that looks like ‘disgusting mush’ as the supermarket becomes the latest to introduce the new recyclable packing to cut plastic waste.

The budget German supermarket has followed Sainsbury’s and Co-op in adopting the new packaging, which is also recyclable, across its beef mince range – but shoppers are refusing to buy it. 

Consumers were quick to argue that Sainsbury’s mince meat packaging condenses the meat into a ‘liver-like texture’ that breaks up into a ‘slurry mash’.

And it appears Lidl customers are similarly worried about the quality of their mince meat, as one person said: ‘Very sad news as it’s awful and very difficult to part the mince into smaller bits. Tried once and won’t ever be buying again!’

Another posted: ‘Tried it once but never again, hope the other supermarkets do not follow.

Lidl has become the latest supermarket to introduce vacuum-packed mince to cut plastic waste

The new packs, due to be rolled out from the beginning of next year, will result in up to 350 delivery trucks being taken off the road each year.

A third person angrily said: ‘No, it’s become unpleasant disgusting mush. Won’t buy mince packed this way ever again, and if I shop elsewhere for my mince I’ll be doing all my shopping elsewhere, so they lose a customer forever too.’

A fourth, however, added: ‘Cooks exactly the same as before, in fact I feel it’s fresher as no air in the package to turn the meat brown which is often seen in the old packaging.’

The new packs, which will be rolled out from the beginning of next year, will save space and result in up to 350 delivery trucks being taken off the road each year. 

There was widespread anger from Lidl customers with many saying they do not want mince ‘mush’, however there was one person who said it was not a problem 

Lidl is guaranteeing customers the same amount of mince, while saving more than 250 tonnes of plastic a year. 

The new packaging also doubles the current shelf life from eight to around 16 days. 

READ MORE: Now Sainsbury’s is warned it’s ‘almost impossible’ to recycle its vacuum packs – after shoppers said they turned mince into ‘mush’

Shyam Unarket, Lidl GB’s head of responsible sourcing and ethical trade, said: ‘Plastic reduction is a huge priority for us, and this one change will reduce the amount of plastic in each pack by a whopping two-thirds, culminating in the elimination of over 250 tonnes of plastic from packaging a year. 

‘However, we also recognise the important role that plastic plays in our daily lives. That’s why it’s hugely important that our plastic reduction strategy is centred around a progressive circular programme. 

‘By ensuring that any new packaging is recyclable, we’ll be able to help prevent plastic pollution in our environment. 

‘When the new packaging arrives in store early next year, we know that the huge benefits, both from a sustainability and practical perspective, will be welcomed by our customers.’ 

Sainsbury’s was the first retailer to roll out vacuum-packed meat earlier this year. 

However the move did not initially go down well with all shoppers, with complaints including that it made the meat ‘mushy’, looked ‘unappetising’, or resembled ‘someone’s kidney’. 

Despite this, Co-op also adopted the vacuum packaging last month, with 11 minced meat products undergoing the change in both Co-op and Nisa stores.

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