Are Mince Pies Vegan Friendly? A Comprehensive Guide

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

Mince pies, once containing meat, are now filled with a sweet mixture of fruits and spices, yet they are not always vegan. The traditional recipes often call for animal-derived ingredients such as beef suet in the filling and butter and eggs in the pastry. However, with the rise of plant-based options, many supermarkets now offer explicitly vegan versions.

Quick Summary

Traditional mince pies are not typically vegan due to animal-based ingredients like beef suet, butter, and eggs. However, many modern store-bought and homemade versions are now made with plant-based alternatives, so careful label-checking or a simple recipe swap can yield a delicious, festive treat.

Key Points

Not all mince pies are vegan: Traditional recipes use non-vegan ingredients like beef suet, butter, and eggs.
Check for animal suet: The mincemeat filling often contains beef suet, so look for a 'vegetable suet' alternative.
Scrutinise the pastry: Pastry is frequently made with dairy butter and sometimes includes eggs; look for vegan butter or vegetable shortening.
Read ingredient labels carefully: Always check the ingredients list for hidden animal products, especially with store-bought brands.
Vegan options are widely available: Many supermarkets offer clearly labeled vegan mince pies, particularly in their free-from or plant-based ranges.
Homemade is a safe guarantee: Making mince pies from scratch using vegan butter and vegetable suet is the best way to ensure they are 100% plant-based.
Simple vegan swaps exist: Use a dairy-free milk glaze instead of an egg wash and vegan butter for a perfect plant-based pastry.

Understanding the Vegan Challenge in Traditional Mince Pies

Historically, the term 'mincemeat' was literal, with early recipes from the 14th century containing meat. Over time, the meat was replaced by a mixture of dried fruits and spices, but animal-based fats and binders remained central to the recipe. For vegans, the main obstacles are a few key animal-derived ingredients that can appear in both the filling and the pastry.

The Non-Vegan Ingredients in Traditional Recipes

Traditional mince pie recipes often contain several non-vegan components that need careful consideration for anyone following a plant-based diet:

Beef Suet: This is a hard, white fat from around the kidneys of beef, historically used in the mincemeat filling to add richness and texture. Thankfully, many modern and most vegetarian mincemeat jars now use a plant-based vegetable suet, but this is not a guarantee and requires checking the ingredients list.
Butter: The shortcrust pastry is typically made with butter to achieve its rich, flaky texture. This dairy product is a common addition that must be replaced with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or coconut oil.
Eggs: Traditionally used as a binder in the pastry and as an egg wash for a golden-brown finish, eggs are another animal product to avoid. Vegan bakers can use substitutes such as flaxseed 'eggs' or a simple non-dairy milk glaze.

Comparing Traditional vs. Vegan Mince Pies

To better illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of the key ingredients found in traditional and vegan mince pies.


Feature	Traditional Mince Pies	Vegan Mince Pies
Mincemeat Fat	Beef suet or butter	Vegetable suet, coconut oil, or vegan butter
Pastry Fat	Dairy butter	Vegan butter, vegetable shortening, or coconut oil
Binding Agent	Eggs in pastry and egg wash	Plant-based egg replacers (e.g., flax egg, aquafaba) or non-dairy milk wash
Dried Fruit	Raisins, currants, sultanas, mixed peel	Identical: raisins, currants, sultanas, mixed peel
Spices	Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, mixed spice	Identical: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, mixed spice

How to Find or Make Vegan-Friendly Mince Pies

With growing demand, finding a vegan mince pie is easier than ever. Most major supermarkets and bakeries now offer vegan-specific options, often labeled clearly. However, for those who love to bake, making your own offers complete control over the ingredients and can be a rewarding festive tradition.

Purchasing Store-Bought Vegan Mince Pies

Look for 'Accidentally Vegan' Brands: Some budget-friendly brands are 'accidentally vegan' because they use cheaper vegetable fats instead of butter and eggs. Always double-check the ingredients list for confirmation.
Check Vegan-Specific Ranges: Supermarkets often have their own 'Free From' or dedicated vegan product lines. These are usually the safest bet.
Read the Ingredients Carefully: The primary ingredients to scrutinise are the type of suet in the mincemeat and the fat used in the pastry. Look for 'vegetable suet' or 'palm oil/rapeseed oil' and check for mentions of milk or eggs.

Crafting Your Own Vegan Mince Pies at Home

Making your own allows you to guarantee that every ingredient is plant-based. The process involves simple substitutions that don't compromise on flavour or texture.

Homemade Mincemeat: While store-bought vegetable mincemeat is usually fine, making your own allows for customisation and guarantees a vegan product. It involves simmering dried fruits, spices, and a vegan fat like coconut oil or vegan butter with citrus zest and juice.
Perfecting Vegan Pastry: A rich, flaky pastry can be made by using a block of vegan butter or vegetable shortening. The method is very similar to traditional shortcrust pastry, using chilled fat and minimal handling.
Glazing Without Egg: Instead of an egg wash, a brush of non-dairy milk mixed with a little maple syrup or agave will help the pies achieve a beautiful golden-brown and shiny finish. Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) can also be used effectively.

Conclusion

While traditional mince pies are generally not vegan-friendly, it is now simple to find or create delicious plant-based alternatives. By understanding the key non-vegan ingredients like beef suet, butter, and eggs, and knowing how to spot or substitute them, vegans can fully enjoy this classic festive treat. Whether you opt for a conveniently labeled store-bought option or choose the rewarding process of baking from scratch, a satisfyingly spiced, fruity, and entirely vegan mince pie is well within reach.

Note: When purchasing, always check the label thoroughly, even on products that appear vegan, as recipes and ingredients can change without notice. For a fool-proof, fully customisable option, making your own remains the best choice for a 100% vegan outcome.

The Vegan Mincemeat DIY Checklist

For those inspired to make their own vegan mincemeat, follow this simple checklist to ensure success and great flavour:

Select Dried Fruits: A mix of sultanas, raisins, currants, and mixed peel forms the base.
Add Vegan Fat: Use shredded vegetable suet, coconut oil, or a block of vegan butter.
Incorporate Citrus: Zest and juice from lemons and oranges add brightness and moisture.
Spice it Up: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves are essential for the festive flavour profile.
Include Alcohol (Optional): Vegan-friendly brandy or rum can be added, or use apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
Simmer and Store: Gently simmer the ingredients and then let the mincemeat mature for a few days to deepen the flavours before baking.

By following these steps, you can create a truly spectacular vegan mincemeat that will form the heart of a perfectly plant-based holiday mince pie. For a detailed recipe, many vegan baking blogs offer excellent resources, such as those found on Addicted to Dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional mince pies are not vegan because they typically contain beef suet in the mincemeat filling and dairy butter and eggs in the shortcrust pastry.

Yes, many supermarkets now offer vegan mince pies, often found in their dedicated 'free from' or plant-based product ranges. Always check the label to be sure.

Suet is a hard fat from around an animal's kidneys. In traditional mincemeat, it was beef suet. However, many modern and vegan products use 'vegetable suet,' which is made from plant-based fats.

To make vegan pastry, you can substitute dairy butter with a block of vegan butter or vegetable shortening. The method for creating the shortcrust pastry remains the same.

You can use a non-dairy milk (like oat or soy) brushed over the pastry to achieve a golden-brown finish. Alternatively, a mix of non-dairy milk and a little agave or maple syrup can create a shiny glaze.

No, not all mincemeat contains suet. While traditional recipes use beef suet, many store-bought jars use vegetable suet, making the filling suitable for vegans. Homemade mincemeat can easily use coconut oil or vegan butter as a substitute for richness.

If a product specifies 'vegetarian suet,' the filling itself is typically suitable for vegans. However, you must still check the pastry for other animal products like butter or eggs.