QUESTION: Why are they called mince pies when there’s no mince in them?

ANSWER: Good question: that’s because once upon a time they did. Mince pies made their journey to Europe in the 13th century when crusaders returned from the Middle East. Originally the large, oblong-shaped ‘shrid pie’ consisted of a mixture of minced meat, suet, a range of fruits, and spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. It became a lot sweeter during its renaissance in the Victorian era and the meat (thankfully) was ditched.

Source: marieclaire.co.uk/life/christmas-traditions-answered